3 min read

Beyond the Boot: How Mindset is Shaping My Recovery Journey

What is the biggest milestone for week 9? My splint is finally off, and I’m now in a boot! It may seem like a small step, but it marks a significant leap forward in my recovery.

Before diving into the details of my recovery, I want to introduce a concept I have been referring to in my posts. It is the concept of misogi. In Japanese tradition, a misogi is a cleansing ritual that purifies body and mind. In modern wellness, it’s often interpreted as taking on a daunting physical or mental challenge that feels nearly impossible. The goal isn’t necessarily to succeed but to attempt something so challenging that it forces you to grow, shift your mindset, and redefine your limits.

As I reflect on my recovery journey, I realize that this entire process has become a misogi. From the initial accident and surgeries to navigating the ups and downs of health care and facing my fears about my recovery, every step has pushed me a little outside of my comfort zone.

This week’s orthopedic appointment was a mix of relief and anxiety. I was nervous going in, worried about potential signs of infection as they removed the splint and dressing. I’m thankful that everything looked clean and that the X-ray showed proper fracture alignment. It felt like a victory—one of many small wins I’ve been accumulating along the way. Starting PT next week is the next challenge, and while I’m eager to see progress, I know it will be a slow process. I will remain on IV Daptomycin until December. I still feel like I am not out of the infection woods but things look good. I was surprised that my insurance does not cover my weekly monitoring labs. GRRRRRRR! Seriously United Healthcare?

And the challenges with Home Care continue. Dealing with Bright Star Home Care has been anything but bright. The lack of coordination and consistent communication has added unnecessary stress to a challenging recovery. I reached out to my nurse case manager, who suggested switching back to Caring Angels and Option Care Health, both of which had provided far better service earlier in my journey. This experience has reinforced the importance of self-advocacy, something I encourage everyone to embrace when they are not receiving the care they deserve.

This week, when the nurse was changing my dressing, she accidentally pulled my PICC line, and it is now displaced by about 5 cm. Gah!! I have contacted my ID physician to see if I need to do anything. My goal is to keep this line for another 4 weeks to finish off my therapy, so I am treating it with TLC.

Onto fun things. I am moving forward toward my run and my misogi in Zion. Every exercise I do now, from one-leg squats to overhead presses, is a step toward that vision. It’s a reminder that strength, balance, and flexibility are essential not just for recovery but for long-term health and longevity. I’ve incorporated these principles into my fitness program and the coaching I provide. It’s about building a solid foundation—physically and mentally—that can withstand the tests of time and the unexpected challenges life throws our way.

As I prepare for the next phase of my healing journey, I’m embracing the idea that this recovery is my misogi for 2024. It’s a test of endurance, patience, and mental fortitude. The 5K and the hike through Zion in 2025 aren’t just goals; they’re symbols of what I’m striving for—reclaiming my strength, embracing the discomfort, and proving to myself that I can overcome whatever obstacles lie in my path.

For anyone reading this who is facing their own challenges, remember that it’s not always about the outcome—it’s about the process and who you become along the way. I am thinking of you and know that you will overcome.

Be well.