"When I came off the boat I was very proud of the thick calluses which had developed on my feet. But now, I am struggling to get into my favourite high heels which is a shame, as I have so many"

Pamela Stephenson's words reflect a journey of personal transformation and adaptation across different environments. Her pride in developing thick calluses on her feet after disembarking from a boat signifies a physical and metaphorical resilience earned through challenging experiences. Calluses, usually formed through hard work or constant exposure to rough conditions, symbolize the toughening of an individual in response to adversity. Stephenson's contentment in this toughness suggests a sense of accomplishment and a connection to a more rugged, natural existence, perhaps one that required less concern for aesthetics and more for practical survival.

However, her return to a more conventional or urban setting brings a new set of challenges. The very calluses she once prized now hinder her ability to fit into her favorite high heels, items that represent a return to her previous lifestyle or perhaps a desire to reconnect with femininity, elegance, and self-expression through fashion. The juxtaposition highlights the tension many experience after undergoing significant life changes: qualities or skills acquired in one setting may no longer serve us, or might even become obstacles, in another.

Stephenson’s reference to the “shame” of not being able to wear her high heels, despite owning many, touches on a sense of loss or irony. The high heels can also symbolize past identities, aspirations, or the trappings of a different social status, which are now less accessible because of who she has become. There is an element of nostalgia and perhaps regret, but also an undercurrent of humor and wry observation about the changing nature of self. The quote ultimately explores how adaptability, both physically and emotionally, is required as we move through diverse phases of life, and how growth in one domain can challenge our connection to previous identities and comforts.