“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombard
If life is a journey, then the shoes we wear tell the story of where we’ve been. Sometimes it’s stilettos strutting through the good times, sneakers chasing dreams, or slippers when we’re cozying up for rest. And sometimes, it’s a moon boot—a literal badge of “oops” and resilience.
How did I end up here? Let’s just say gravity and I had a moment. One misplaced step, a hidden hole, and boom—broken foot, sprained ankle, and the universe pressing “pause.” I was between jobs, navigating life’s tricky terrain, and now hobbling through it too. Cue the soundtrack: The Police’s “Walking on the Moon” became my anthem. Not just because of the boot, but because I felt like I was floating in some surreal in-between—grounded by life’s challenges yet still hopeful for what’s ahead.
A Moon Boot State of Mind
Let’s face it: wearing a moon boot can feel like life’s way of telling you to slow down, literally and metaphorically. At first, I wallowed a little. Who wouldn’t? But then I realized this moon boot wasn’t just a clunky accessory—it was an invitation to rewrite my perspective. Here are some lessons I’ve picked up (with only minor hobbling involved):
1. Find the Humor
It’s hard to stay upset when you’re clomping around like a stormtrooper on holiday. Lean into the absurdity. When people ask what happened, tell them you were saving a kitten or testing a superhero landing. Humor lightens the load—literally and figuratively.
2. Reframe the Situation
A moon boot isn’t a setback; it’s a permission slip for a slower pace. It’s like life saying, “Hey, take a breather.” Slowing down isn’t a failure—it’s a chance to reset, recalibrate, and focus on what really matters.
3. Gratitude in the Grit
Yes, the boot is clunky and inconvenient, but it’s also healing me. Every step I take, no matter how slow, is a step toward recovery. And hey, I’ve got a newfound appreciation for mobility and the simple joy of walking.
4. Stay Connected
It’s easy to feel isolated when life trips you up, but don’t go through it alone. Share your struggles— and your laughs — with friends, family, or even strangers at the grocery store. Connection is a powerful antidote to self-pity.
5. Focus on What You Can Do
Sure, my usual routines are on pause, but this moon boot has nudged me to explore new things. I’m reading more, writing more (hello, blog!), and discovering the art of one-legged meal prep. Who knew balance exercises could be so…literal?
6. Embrace the Playlist
Find your anthem. For me, it’s “Walking on the Moon,” but anything that lifts your spirits works. Music has a way of reminding us that even when life feels heavy, we can still move to the beat—boot and all.
Life Lessons from a Moon Boot
This moon boot is more than just a temporary accessory; it’s a metaphor for life’s hiccups. It’s taught me that progress doesn’t have to be fast or graceful—it just has to be forward.
So, as I clomp my way through this chapter, I’m choosing to laugh, learn, and lean into the process. After all, even when life hands you a moon boot, you can still find ways to dance—or at least sway to the rhythm.
What shoes are you wearing in your life right now? And what stories do they tell? Let’s swap tales—just maybe not while walking on the moon.
