Good Lord — I think I can actually see a little bit of my ankle. Just the faintest circular piece, no bigger than half the size of my baby finger, but still… it’s there. A glimpse of progress.
At 7.50am, I headed out for the first walk of the day. “Walk” might be a loose term, but yesterday’s 45-minute personal best over this route was smashed — today I did it in 41 minutes. That felt huge.
Then came a coffee with a gorgeous friend. Honestly, it was like the best counselling session — so uplifting and full of laughter. Later, I caught up with another gorgeous friend in Australia. She shared the heartbreaking news that her mother has only 12 to 18 months left. My heart shattered for her, and reminded me how fragile and precious time really is.
This afternoon, while I was massaging my leg in bed, a butterfly flew into the room and landed on my hand. It stayed there for about 20 seconds. I couldn’t help but feel it was a sign — someone trying to tell me something.
For walk number three, I decided a new theme song was needed: Hall of Fame by The Script. It brought me straight back to Melbourne, where I once saw them in concert. In the middle of the song, Danny O’Donoghue, their lead singer, suddenly ran through the crowd, into our section, singing at the top of his lungs, and giving out high fives. I got one. That moment is burned into my memory — a reminder that you never know when something extraordinary is about to happen, and that you’ve always got more in you than you think.
And then, as if the day hadn’t given me enough already, my amazing neighbour — the best physio on the planet — arrived at my house. She spent an hour and a half with me, working patiently, explaining, encouraging, and giving her time freely. It wasn’t just treatment; it was care, generosity, and belief poured into me. Honestly, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay that.
By 9pm, I realised: this really was the most eventful day yet. Full of progress, connection, meaning, and hope.
If you’re on your own recovery journey, here’s what today taught me:
- Celebrate small wins. Even spotting half an ankle bone can feel like climbing Everest. Progress is progress.
- Lean on your people. A coffee, a chat, a laugh,can heal more than you expect.
- Notice the signs. Sometimes it’s a butterfly, sometimes it’s a song — but little reminders of hope are everywhere if you’re open to them.
- Find your anthem. Music has power. The right song at the right moment can carry you further than your body thinks it can go.
- Honour the helpers. If someone gives you their time, energy, or belief — let it in. That gift is priceless.
