I had to run to keep up with MTM. I mean, really run.
“We’re not going to make the train if you don’t come on.” That he carried two stuffed suitcases and one full briefcase to my demure purse made my lagging inexcusable. I ground my teeth and tried to step up.
Liquid oozed inside my right shoe. Stuck my toes together. A sensation too familiar. Too soon.
After five weeks of walking, FIVE WEEKS of abusing my feet day-after-doggone-day………..I have another blister. Fourth toe. Right foot.
I don’t think my feet will ever be the same.
And as I head home, I wouldn’t trade the agony for a lifetime of comfort and pretty feet. I know I can do anything.
Even when it hurts.
Especially when it hurts.
Because I choose where I put my focus. Step by step. Second by second. The only thing that can stop me is ME.
Have you had an experience that helped you shift your focus, Dear Reader?
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Click here to see photos of the Continuing Adventures of Thomas’ Car: Andra Watkins Tumblr
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Today’s Reader Question. About the state of my feet.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa8BTKSnBso&w=560&h=315]
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28 Comments
Oh, your poor feet. I love your triumphant attitude, though. It’s inspiring! AND — because I know this was the reference you were making: http://youtu.be/_MrlQ-8Ri_s
But did you make the train? And what kind of train was it? And did you take pictures of it?
Oh, hope your feet feel better… 😉
My feet hurt just reading that post and watching the viewer question video! Be good to those feet!
I feel for your feet. No one asks them to sign a book or do an interview. They must wonder about how they got roped into this.
You are such an inspiration. I need to learn from you.
When your feet hurt, your whole body hurts. Ouch!
By the way, I’m really going to miss your youtube clips answering questions when you quit doing those.
Sigh. Andra, I’m sorry to hear about your poor feet.
We live on a private island just 1 mile from the ocean. Andra knows the story, but life changed our direction a few years ago, and I’ve struggled with the fact that it brought us back here. Lately, my focus has been on trying to see this as the delightful destination many who wish to live within a 5 min. peddle of the Atlantic would–a blessing. I’m trying to remind myself to take time to enjoy this ocean/island paradise, work less and enjoy more. Seems easy when you look at it from the outside, and I’m hoping to grab that perspective and make it mine.
I suck at this…slowing down, relaxing, etc.
Whenever I go on vacation or spend a lot of time with my wife and daughter’s my focus becomes more sharp/better. But it’s always temporary. While I was in NYC last month I got to write on the subway, look at the new Freedom Tower, eat hot dogs on the street, and walk through Central Park. It made me refocus, some. Until I got back home.
You get to that place inside you that forces you to trust yourself and just do it, whatever it is. I don’t walk up a lot of mountains, but those are the times I most vividly remember when i needed that effort and that feeling.
Oh Andra…your poor feet! You’re right though…the only one stopping you is you. You go lady – so damn proud of you!
This: “I know I can do anything. Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts. Because I choose where I put my focus. Step by step. Second by second. The only thing that can stop me is ME.” made me smile so big, Andra! Yes, you can. And I love that you feel that way now!
p.s. Do you know that I initially thought you were wearing an Anne of Green Gables hat/braid combo when I watched the video? Your braid is so thick, I thought for sure it was the one that came built in with the souvenir hat. Same colour too. Heeeeyyyyy….hang on a minute. Have you and Anne ever been in the same room at the same time?? Are YOU Anne of Green Gables??
it will get better but it will take some time. it took me almost a year to recover from a 3-day avon 60mile walk, so imagine your poor feet. they will get there –
Ouchie.Instead of hinky knees and leaky blisters, think of kinkiy knees and sexy blisters. That may help a little. Or staying off you feet for a bit with each toe bandaged up like a little mummy, Tine for a foot bath and I think MTM rubbing some unrefined coconut oil on those sore paws.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnhojq63-Bs
The other option is to take you out back and shoot you like Old Yeller, but I don’t think MTM is going to do that anytime soon.
Andra, Having battled foot problems since I jumped off a backstop as a kid (STUPID) and bruised both heel bones (which still cause me problems), I know that shoes can make a huge difference. Keen shoes have a wider toe box and excellent soles. Do your feet a favor and at least try a pair on (and you know that I am not a shoe salesman). You might be surprised. Keen recommends a half size larger then what you would normally wear. Patrick
Poor little feet! Hope they’ll end up getting rubbed sometime…..
Would a manicure be blissful or excruciating right now?
Of course you can do anything! Sorry about the feets.
I can’t seem to recall a specific event that “shifted focus.” Maybe they’re from more subtle changes over the years as to be unnoticeable?
I believe I’ve already been through the biggest focus-shifting part of my life (the divorce) and I feel the same as you because of it – the only one who can stop me is me. The courage to do something extremely difficult makes one realize that you can do anything if you put your mind (and feet) to it.
The feat was at the expense of feet!
And that’s why you are you! 🙂
This little piggie went to Natchez, this little piggie – well, all the little piggies went to Natchez, so, here’s hoping they stop whining and blistering and wincing and skip all the rest of the way home.
I once fell down the stairs, breaking my foot, the night before a wedding shower that I was one of the hostesses if. It was so swollen and hurt, a lot, but, I swore, I would never, ever, never again read a magazine while going down the steps and would pay attention to where I was going. Does that count?
Youch! I’ve complained about walking… and feet pain… but never again. Or, at least next time I will think of this and know I ought to stop 😉
Time to put the feet up for a few days Andra. Any adventure on the train?
A little TLC and your feet will forgive you. They will take you wherever you want to go.
I hope those feet are checking into a lovely spa soon… And as for your question, yes. And the results surprised and continue to frustrate me to these last nine months.
I’m definitely NOT clicking “like” to speak of your poor feet! I could support an on-line collection for you to have all the pedicures and foot rubs you have time to fit into your busy schedule. You’re so right about focus. Honestly, I shift my focus multiple times a week…sometimes a day! It is the best way to maintain a healthy outlook!
I’m sure the Two Stuffed Suitcases were both yours… probably one for shoes, given your notorious love of shoes. Get a move on, Kid. Love the braid, btw!
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