I love to garden in flip-flops
If I could go through life without ever having to wear shoes or socks again, I’d be the happiest version of myself. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the ’80s and ran barefoot from May until September as a kid.
But I’m in my mid-40s now, so my feet aren’t as youthful as they used to be. For years, I’ve gardened in flip-flops, which I truly believe is how Mother Nature intended. But 10 years ago, I developed plantar fasciitis while teaching Zumba® classes, and since then, doing anything in my trusty flip-flops means I’m hobbling around for weeks afterward.
Simple solution
When my chiropractor told me that I needed to stop wearing flip-flops immediately to heal, I balked. But these are part of my gardening uniform, I told him. I might not even remember how to garden without wearing these flip-flops. He shrugged as if to say the choice was mine.
Fine. I researched and invested in some sturdy outdoor hiking sandals that supported my feet and didn’t resemble orthopedics. Wouldn’t you know, the plantar fasciitis was gone after some time and chiropractic treatments. Hurray!
Until spring rolled around...
On a beautiful spring day in mid-April, I went outside to survey my backyard after a long winter. At first, I just meant to get the patio furniture out. But before I knew it, I was leaving the hardware store with 15 bags of mulch. The day was incredibly productive: I logged double my usual daily steps, cleaned out the shed, rotated and tilled the garden beds, cleaned up wet leaves, mulched the flower beds and power-washed the furniture cushions. When my “beast mode” wore off, I realized I’d done all that work in a pair of ratty old flip-flops. Now I had a filthy tan line and super sore feet. Oopsie...
The consequences
By that evening, I remembered precisely why I can’t garden in flip-flops anymore. I was miserable. It took me the rest of the summer and into the fall, wearing my sturdy shoes and socks religiously, to heal my feet from the pain of just walking around.
I am embarrassed to admit how much I hate wearing shoes and socks. It hurts my feelings. It makes me feel claustrophobic. But plantar fasciitis is no joke, and I am no spring chicken, so here I am, putting on my chiropractor-approved sandals every time I go outside. Take care of yourself out there, friends. We want to keep gardening for a long time.
Jamie may have bruised her ego and feet teaching Zumba many years ago, but that doesn’t keep her from dancing her heart out whenever she gets the opportunity.
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