Hey guys!

For the past ten weeks, I have been wearing a boot on my right foot. Not a stylish boot- a medical boot. What started as a sprained ankle from a cross country accident back in October evolved to being a minuscule bone that’s broken into three parts.

All of my plans for the spring time completely shattered (should I really say my plans for the extended winter almost shattered? haha!). I was hoping to get back on my running game with track season. Cross-country and track season manifest happiness for reasons other than running; a lot of my friends are in it and we laugh a ton! So, when I found out that I would be missing an entire season of track, anger and the question of “why this again?” clouded my mind.

This Thursday, I will be going back to the foot doctor since a check up two weeks ago, and there’s no doubt that I will need prayers, but what I really need are some motivating quotes and the peace of mind that as my friend told me last night, “All things happen for reason.”

A New Vision

In a figurative sense, my temporary disability opens my eyes to a more compassionate and empathetic side to all those in a similar boat that I’m in. Every time I see someone on crutches or in a boot or any sort of cast, I totally feel for them in ways that I could not before. It’s kind of funny, but when I see a stranger wearing a boot like I am, I just want to let them know that all of the frustration and disappointment that they’re feeling I’m feeling, too.

In an Apple store, I happened to be drawing an amateur picture of a horse on an iPad Pro when a gentleman who worked there approached me and asked me how long I was in my boot. When I saw that he had a boot, too, I understood the abrupt question. He told me he had been in a boot for three months, then re-injured his foot wearing a too soft shoe, and now has to wear a boot for an additional three months. I am grateful for my boot but also feel extremely sorry for him; That takes a lot of patience.

But amidst all of this, an important distinction about everyday life at public places, including my school, arose upon me: The difficulty of getting around on crutches, wheelchairs, or any sort of aid. When I was on crutches, back in October, I realized the inaccessibility of my campus but also public places, like that local coffeeshop next to my school, or how Georgetown’s cobblestone roads aren’t balanced enough for crutches. I know today, as I did back in October, to be grateful for getting out this tedious boot that sticks out like a sore thumb.

My foot, with time, should heal. But for many people, a boot, crutches, a wheelchair, or any of the like support is a reality. One day, I’ll be able to get to my religion class on time and without having to use the lugubrious elevator. But perhaps for a person who may never get out of a situation like mine, he, she or they will never be able to experience a full, uninterrupted religion class.

For this reason, I reflect on the past and I am grateful for my health and abilities. And I also see these past ten weeks, and perhaps the next couple ones (please, no!) as a time that really puts me in the reality of people with a similar experience; the time of feeling set back, plans totally switched, activities put on a halt, and having to watch everyone else do all the things you wish you could do without having to worry about your broken bone that won’t heal.

Understanding

For any out there who is in a similar situation like me, broken leg, foot, arm, or whatever sprained, dislocated, or uncomfortable bone, I might understand you. I am sure that you and I both understand the disappointment of going to the doctor’s and having your new X-ray look exactly like the one you first took when you broke your foot. And maybe you might be able to relate to leaving the room after seeing that X-ray to go to the bathroom and let the silent tears roll down your cheeks as you try to figure out a way to not look like you’ve been crying, which by the way, after crying at each of my six appointments, I’ve found that applying cold water to your face works best. Also, if you cry a lot, make sure to blow your nose before you leave because if you sniffle when you get out of the bathroom, people know you were crying. I got your back, my friend 😉

Quotes, Anyone?

If you read my post about my obsession with quotes, I can’t leave you without some good words of wisdom that aren’t mine (haha!). In case you are feeling any way that I am feeling, whether it be in a busy work load, a tainted spirit, or perhaps a broken bone like mine, here are some of my favorite quotes that may give you some inspiration for the time being.

“Trust is knowing that we’re exactly where we are supposed to be in life, especially when it doesn’t feel like it.” *

“Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny.” -Carl Schulz

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” -Chris Grossier

“Don’t take yourself too seriously.” *

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” -Winston Churchill

“Success is stumbling from failure to failure without the loss of enthusiasm.” -Winston Churchill

*If the quotes do not have a name after them, their composers are unknown.

Have a lovely week, friends!