I’m dealing with something I thought would be over by now.
For me, that something is a foot injury from playing pickleball.
Something that didn’t resolve
At the time, I assumed it would heal on its own.
I know my body well.
And I’ve always trusted that if I listen, adjust, and stay positive, things tend to resolve themselves.
But here I am, months later, and my foot still hasn’t healed.
I was super frustrated by that.
Especially because moving my body and going for long walks brings me so much joy.
Not being able to do that as much as I’d like has slowed me down in ways I didn’t choose.
Assuming I knew what was going on
What finally shifted things for me though wasn’t about having more patience.
Or more optimism.
It was the moment I realized I needed to stop assuming I knew what was going on.
Cuz I’m not a doctor.
While I can make guesses, I don’t actually know what’s happening inside my foot.
And continuing to tell myself “I’m fine” wasn’t helping.
It was keeping me stuck…
From doing what I really needed to do.
The moment I stopped guessing
So a few days ago I finally spoke to my doctor.
Who referred me for an X-ray.
I’m finding out, instead of guessing.
No more brushing it off
There was a very clear “damn it, this is real” moment with that decision.
No more hiding my head in the sand.
No more glossing over something that’s asking to be looked at.
What’s struck me since is how familiar this pattern is — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally, too.
The habit of being “fine”
Because so many of us are good at insisting we’re “fine.”
We stay positive.
We keep moving.
We tell ourselves nothing’s wrong and we’ll deal with it later.
We don’t want to make a fuss.
Especially those of us who are used to being the responsible, steady one.
Sometimes that works.
But sometimes it disconnects us from what’s actually happening.
A slower pace I didn’t choose
This slower pace I didn’t choose has turned into an invitation.
Not one I asked for — but one I can no longer ignore.
An invitation to stop pushing forward just because I think I should be further along.
To be present with what is happening.
Rather than what I hoped would be happening by now.
Listening instead of smoothing things over
For me, that looks like listening more closely.
Getting curious instead of staying upbeat.
Letting my body say what it’s trying to say without rushing to smooth it over.
Maybe you can relate.
Maybe you’ve been smoothing over something in your life, too.
Not because you’re avoiding it.
But because it’s something you’ve always done…
Staying strong and positive to keep going.
An honest check-in
This isn’t about assuming something’s wrong though.
It’s about allowing yourself to check in.
To pause long enough to notice whether something is asking for your attention — physically, emotionally, mentally, or otherwise.
Without immediately telling yourself “oh, I’m fine” or “it’s nothing.”
Lately that’s been my focus.
Less pushing. More listening.
Less “I should be past this by now.”
More honesty with where I actually am.
No big declarations.
Just more presence.
I wanted to share this because I have a feeling I’m not the only one.
So I’ll leave you with this one question…
What are you telling yourself is “fine” that might deserve a closer look?
And if you don’t know yet what’s asking for your attention, that’s OK.
Sometimes noticing that is the first honest step.