Toe Wiggles and Tiny Wins
Progress these past couple of days? Let’s start with the humble toe wiggle. That’s right — for someone who used to run, lift, jump, and push herself to the max, celebrating a twitch in my toes feels… well, a little soul-destroying. Cue the team songs. I’ve played “I’m Not Giving Up Today” from Trolls so many times even my daughter rolled her eyes and said, “Mum, I think you’ve hit your replay limit.” But it works. It drags me out of bed, gets me dressed, makes me pretend I’ve got life under control — even if I end up sitting right back down again.
Fashion Lessons in Recovery
Fashion, of course, came into the mix. I love putting together an outfit, styling heels (the kind that could double as weapons), and feeling put together. High heels? Not happening for a while. Maybe forever. But I’m learning new ways to feel like me: a great jacket, funky trainers, even just a clean pair of socks. The world won’t end without stilettos — even if my ego feels a minor tragedy.
Big Day: Cast Off
Fast forward to Day 26: cast off! Cue my first glimpse of my foot after four weeks in a cast — muscle tone gone, calf on holiday, foot looking like a confused long-lost cousin. Slight infection? Check. Boot fitted? Check.
Physio Panic
And, of course, physio — the part that makes you question all life choices. One “gentle” stretch later and I was convinced my leg had turned into some DIY science experiment. Pain levels: off the charts. Thankfully, I had my “solo trip” earlier in the day — coffee with two amazing friends. Laughter, caffeine, and a bit of normal life before appointments — tiny joys that make a huge difference.
Consultant Boost
The consultant, by the way, was a star: positive, encouraging, and honestly the human version of a pep talk. I left with a slight spring in my step (pun intended). After physio, the boot went on. Fashion-wise? Let’s just say “recovery chic” isn’t trending yet, but comfort wins. And if you can laugh through a drilled calf, a sore leg, and your own muscle-less foot… you’re basically winning at life.
Takeaways from Days 25–26
Celebrate every small win: Toe wiggles, cast off, boots on — progress is progress. Humor is essential: Laugh at your situation — it makes the painful bits bearable. Music and friends are magic: Songs, coffee, chats — even little distractions keep your mind sane. Style isn’t shoes: Confidence comes from what makes you feel good, not what’s trendy. Recovery is messy: There are highs (consultants!) and lows (physio!), and both are part of the process.
So here’s to toe wiggles, Trolls songs on repeat, caffeine-fueled chats, and finding humor — and progress — wherever you can.
