Yesterday after I was done with the elliptical, I felt something off with my left foot. It was the same kind of pain I had before my plantar fascia popped in 2023 which left me using a walker, then a cane and with issues wearing any shoes other than sneakers until this year. Turns out I need to use the sneakers that have the special insoles for arch support and I did not have those on. I honestly didn’t think I needed them since I have been good for a year, walking a lot and going up and down the stairs, but I was wrong. I do have to say I was bummed. I didn’t break down into pieces however like I used to. I was just really bummed and thinking okay, what can I do to rectify this? It’s just pain right now, so I hopped online and found some exercises that I could do to help ease the pain. These exercises from Shape magazine were perfect and reminded me of some of the exercises I did in physical therapy. The massage with the tennis ball was definitely painful (I have a low tolerance for pain), but I used it anyway going back and forth on that arch to ease the pain and tension. The toe curls also helped a little bit as did resting my feet for the rest of the night and using a cane for support.
Today I woke up bummed but determined to make today a good day. My mom wanted to go to the bank and while she is independent, she walks a lot slower than she used to which is hard to accept but at 78 years old with her own foot issues, she is a spry and sassy one and when I am able to on my lunch hour, either I or my brother join her on her errands. She loves the company and we love her so it’s a win win. Taking my lunch break outside was the perfect opportunity to test myself to see if my foot could handle walking without using the cane. Before I stepped outside, I did a quick massage again with the tennis ball and then joined my mother on her errands and some food shopping. I walked very slow but was able to keep going which was very positive and today I have took less stand up breaks while working which has helped the pain.
Despite all this however, I was restless to do something more. So I did make a little snack. Broccoli florets I pre cooked, sprinkled with parmesan cheese and baked for 10 minutes. This is the second time I make these and I was excited.
Prior to these two times, I have not had broccoli in over 7 years. It was harsh on my stomach with pains and visits to the loo. This time, I was good for a few hours and now there is quite a lot of bloating in my stomach and enough air coming out my bum to fly me to Canada and back!! A heating pad helps but not by much. Safe to say that I will not be making broccoli anymore lol. I will stick to the parmesan carrot crisps instead.
After the broccoli, I also made schiacciata alla fiorentina which I have not made in a while. This recipe comes from actress Debi Mazar and her husband Gabriele Corcos who had a show years ago on the cooking channel, this recipe is now found on the Food Network website. It is soo delicious. Now this recipe uses the zest and juice of one navel orange, but I can cheat with this because it’s fresh and I will be having just a sliver.
Not a bad day I have to say! Crawling out of that black hole hasn’t been easy, but I’m managing so far and doing well. As Diamond Dallas Page repeats this quote all the time, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” He’s right. And it’s not easy. I fell into that hole quite a few times and have been struggling, but I’m determined not to give in, give up, or stay down. I’m fighting to keep going because I’m hell bent getting my strength back and achieving the goals I have set for myself. These little days and moments are a great way to keep going!
Until next time my Phoenixes!!! Be kind to yourself and others, practice patience and KEEP GOING. You’ve got this!!!
Mind Body Synergylia 