Thinking on Fruit

 

In the world of creating habits, the 21/90 rule is a guideline suggesting it takes 21 days to form a new habit and 90 days to make that habit a permanent lifestyle change by encouraging a person to start small, sticking with a goal for three weeks to build the habit, and then continuing for another three months to solidify it as a part of your life. 

Day 37. I’m beyond the “21 days” and starting to understand why crutches feel normal, how I’ve fallen into habits with my daily routine, and also now with getting back to work, seeing 2-4 people on the days I work using the knee scooter. I’ve thankfully found ways to make it work. My goal is to not make the majority of the changes I’ve needed to make over the past 37 days part of a 90 day permanent lifestyle change, but maybe there are some things I’ll take forward with me. Only 10 more days and then hopefully another good X-ray and then I’ll be able to get back to some weight-bearing; even partially will be great! 

Something I have thought a lot about, especially this week in a world that is in so much turmoil, is how life can become routine, that I can just go through the motions without intention. Then things come in that disrupt the ordinary and it feels like our day-to-day becomes insignificant in light of it all. The tragedies that have happened this week in the world, the ugly words that have been spoken, the anger that has been in abundance, the hurt that is deep and I feel like I shouldn’t be focused on anything but the dark and the ugly. That somehow to focus on healing and the beauty that is still around me would be wrong somehow.

I have thought a lot about how helpless I feel to know just how to have a voice, to take a stand, to speak for those who don’t have a voice. I don’t have some big social media platform, nor do I feel like that is something I even want to strive for. Yes, I have this little blog where I share my thoughts, some insights, occasionally humor, and well, just the stuff of life that I want to remember. It’s my way of tucking a diary into the corner of the attic for someone to stumble upon; maybe someone will read what I write and be inspired, find hope or see life in a new way. 

I have thought a lot about Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul wrote about the “fruit of the spirit”. When I feel helpless to change the course of events in the world, to not even know where to take a stand or how, then I think about my own life and maybe I can make a difference in smaller, quiet ways by:

showing love, 

sharing joy, 

creating peace, 

providing patience, 

extending kindness,

being goodness,

remaining faithful,

treating with gentleness,

practicing self-control. 

I can still have an impact in the quiet, small ways that eventually add up. It’s like the pebbles in the dam that help hold the large stones in place. You need both to create a solid wall that does the work it’s asked to do. 

I’ve had more time to think these last weeks. December felt long (some days had to have way more than 24 hours), but as the days have gone by, I’ve created  some new routines, habits are forming. It’s not been a bad thing. I’m reading more, resting more, learning the art of contentment. Some of the fruits have especially come into play like patience, joy and peace. Maybe it’s time to focus even more on all the fruits I want to have available to harvest in my life, not just for 21 days, but for 90 and beyond. 

Onward. 

Love, Dianne

Five Minutes

January 1, 2026 is now a date of the past and I am rather glad. I’ve been seeing everybody’s posts about first day hikes, and I would be lying if I said that it didn’t bother me a little. I’m sad and a bit emotional that I was unable to participate this year. I’ve had four weeks to prepare for this day, knowing that it wasn’t going to happen and being OK with that, but when the day came and there was a beautiful snow, I was sad. I’ve done really well in this whole process of keeping depression at bay, overall being able to stay quite positive in a way that has surprised even myself. I’m still that person, but I have moments where it’s a struggle to not give into the more negative, glass-half-empty, side of me. 

Occasionally, I get asked why I started strength training with a barbell, and why I enjoy it so much. It started nearly three years ago when I wanted to learn something new to do in the gym. The barbell was scary to me. I didn’t know what to do with it and I thought, maybe it would help me to get stronger and look better.  Since then, it’s become more than that for me. 

• I like structure and routine; a plan with logical progression. Barbell strength training gives me that. I need that right now, more than ever when it feels like there are things that I like to control are out of my control. 
• I like progression, but having it balanced with rest days, reset weeks, and de-loads.  Barbell strength training gives me that. I’ve learned to be okay with the quieter days like this past month has been.
• I’ve learned the value in failing and having a “bad” day. On the flip side, I’ve learned how to celebrate the highs and “good” days. Ultimately I have learned how to give myself the “five minutes” (sometimes more, sometimes less) to feel the lows and to celebrate the highs, but then I keep on doing what needs to be doing. Barbell strength training helped me to hone that perspective.

So, here I am, 4 weeks into healing and this last week has had almost zero pain and swelling, I have increased endurance and a continued learning curve on how to be active even with an injury. Maybe it wasn’t a New Year’s Day hike, but on 28 December, when the weather wasn’t snowy or icy, the mud wasn’t ridiculous and the temperatures more moderate, I got out for a walk on the driveway on crutches. I started out with 1/10th of a mile, then made it to the end of the driveway and back, almost 6/10th mile. It took me an hour but I ended up with 1.1 mile, and definitely one of the more challenging miles I’ve done! 

As for the New Year and not being able to hike on the day, I gave myself 5 minutes, then got out to the gym next day and was able to hit personal bests on Larsen Press for a new 1RM, 3RM, and 5RM. Even with an injury and a variant on Bench Press that eliminates the use of leg drive, I’m getting close to my regular Bench Press numbers. I’ve been also doing seated overhead presses and these challenge me in a new way. I’m loving seeing these weights also increase. 

Nineteen more days until the cast comes off. I have a choice each day how to handle it. I choose strength of mind, of body, and of heart with my faith, friendships and family as support. 

Onward.

Love, Dianne

Keep the Streak Alive

 Twenty-two days…although it feels a little like 84 years…Some people have Run Streaks where they run at least a mile every day for as many days as they can. I was on a good trajectory for the first 5 days of December with 17 miles already logged and was feeling good. I was thinking about doing some winter backpacking, and day hikes in new places and I was also getting some miles in on the treadmill (you know, to avoid the icy weather…)

So much for avoiding the slippery snow…now I’m in the beginning stages of a different sort of streak: I am on Day 22 of NOT walking or running at least a mile a day. I wish I could say it doesn’t bother me, but I miss it. The sunset walks on the driveway. The quiet treks around Mount Davis. The random Sunday afternoons exploring New Germany, Laurel Hill, Kooser, or Herrington Manor State Parks. Searching AllTrails for a trail I’ve never tried or getting onto my favorite Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

 

Miles of rocks…no injuries.
 The driveway did me in. 

At the end of my first 70 mile solo hike. 
I’ll be back. 

How was this past week? Last weekend was rough. I started with calf pain on the injured side on Friday. It was mild, on-and-off, and I wasn’t too concerned. Then on Saturday, it progressively got worse and more frequent. Calling the doctor on Sunday, we were directed to go to the ER. Once there, they did a D-Dimer lab which if elevated, can indicate a possible blood clot. Mine was elevated, so I got a Lovenox (a blood thinner) injection, the cast was removed (just two days ahead of my ortho follow-up), and I was scheduled for an ultrasound the next day.

 After a restless, painful night of sleep, we went for the ultrasound and thankfully that showed no issues in the main veins. The pain in my calf shifted from a more specific area to what would feel like a 45-60 minute labor contraction that would not let up for anything. After seeing Ortho on Tuesday, I increased the magnesium glycinate I was already taking, and they started me on aspirin 162 mg twice a day. I was X-rayed again and things looked like how they hoped: The bones that broke are still in good placement (yay!) but they need more time to be stable, so I’m back in a cast for 4 more weeks (not so yay). This time it’s green. It reminds me of the forest. Leo might say it’s for “John Deere.” 

Then the family arrived home and I’ve had some wonderful snuggle and giggle times with the grandchildren, some laughs and conversations with the adults, and a new appreciation of what it means to graciously accept help. I want to be able to be independent as much as I can, but I’ve had more than a few near-falls and some harder-than-should-be touchdowns of the left foot as I try and save myself. 

Twenty-two days. Maybe I need to think about what else I can do to have a streak that feels better than focusing in on what I can’t do. 

• Nutrition: hitting my protein, fiber and calcium goals. 
• Reading at least a chapter a day from any book. 
• Doing something for my education, even just 30 minutes a day. In a week, that’s 3.5 hours towards my continuing education for massage therapy, nursing, and personal training certifications and licenses. 
• I can hit at least 1000 steps on crutches. Maybe go for 2000. 
• Maybe not a daily streak, but I can keep getting the 3x/week of upper body strength training in. 

Twenty-two days. It’s not so bad. I’m figuring out a plan to be able to work some, hopefully my end of year bookwork and taxes will be done in good time, and I’m learning how to be at peace with where I’m at. Not always perfectly, but I’d rather be a work in progress than not at all. 

Onward. 

Love, Dianne

The Fracture Chronicles: The “Adventure” continues

 Fifteen days. I’m headed into Week 3 of this newest adventure of breaking an ankle and trying to heal.  Whilst it isn’t as exciting as hiking the Appalachian Trail, or exploring new trails, it’s an adventure nonetheless. What defines “adventure”? Without looking it up, here’s my thoughts: 

• An adventure is about exploring something new.
• …or revisiting somewhere or doing something with a fresh perspective. 
• It’s about gaining knowledge and experience. 
• Who wouldn’t want an adventure without having some fun along the way? 
• It can be either solo or shared. 
• Food should be included. I mean, why not? 

What is the “official” definition of adventure? Let’s look it up ! 

From the Oxford Languages: 

It is a noun meaning “an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. Similarly, it is a “daring and exciting activity calling for enterprise and enthusiasm”.

As a verb , it is to “engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.”

Okay, I can get on board with a little daring, and for sure the enthusiasm, but hazardous? I’m not sure I particularly like that word. Although, I think the definition of hazardous should include “walking leisurely and randomly slipping on ice and breaking your ankle”. 

How was this past week? Does it count as an adventure? 

Every day feels like something new as I figure how to go about the ordinary tasks on one leg,  but I really did explore something new by trying a new recipe (Sticky Toffee Pudding- I can highly recommend!) We ate this for the first time in Sheffield UK and I’ve wanted to make it ever since. I also learned how to properly make a pour-over coffee. Lovely! 

I’m revisiting the gym, getting out with assistance from Leo and it has me looking at a familiar place and routine with a fresh perspective. I might not be able to do all that I want right now, but I can do something and I need that right now.  

In the knowledge realm, I’ve learned more in-depth about ankle fractures, what non-weight-bearing really means, and why elevating about the heart is important for healing. 

Having fun? I’m trying!! Sometimes you have to just make it fun even when you aren’t feeling it, and somehow it helps. Play some music. Listen to a book. It’s finding the humor when you’ve spilled coffee for the 14th time, overturned a pumpkin pie in the refrigerator, spilled a mug of hot water, poured freshly ground beans on the floor, and hit your good ankle on the scooter yet again while trying to navigate a 3 (or 8) point turn. 

Many days I’m solo, but I’ve had friends offer assistance on just check in to make sure I’m okay and I know I’m not alone. Leo helps without being asked and finds ways to make me smile. 

And the food? I’ve had a much decreased appetite, but I’m doing what I can to get the protein, calcium, and vitamin D in for healing. Leo made a venison roast that was one of the best I’ve ever had. Sticky Toffee Pudding with ice-cream—that has to count as nutrition right? It’s got lots of dates. 

Adventure. 

Life. 

Is there a difference? 

We wake up. 

We go about our day. 

We can view it as “just life”. 

Or we can turn it into an adventure. 

Minus the hazardous, if you please. 

Surviving. Thriving. Always Living. 

Onward. 

Love, Dianne

The Fracture Chronicles: Week One ✅

The saying goes “Time flies when you’re having fun.”  Whilst I’m not having a terrible time, I will say this past week has been one of the longer weeks of my life. It was a week and a day ago that I slipped, fell, and broke my left ankle. A lot of people have said, “Maybe things like this happen because you were supposed to slow down.” Hmmm…maybe. Or maybe it is that I have something to learn about being content when things are slow, when it is too quiet, when plans are disrupted, and I have to live each day just as it is. 

If I’m being honest, today has been a rough one mentally. Most of the week, I would say 95% of it, I have been able to stay positive, optimistic, accepting of where I’m at right now.  I have had those 5% of moments where I just shake my head in disbelief that this happened, and I feel like I’m never going to get back to my level of “normal “. Usually, it is when I feel like I need to ask for help for tasks that I normally do for myself, when everything that I do takes so much longer, and I just find that I am drained of my energy much quicker than what I would like it to be. 

Today has been hard. Somehow, I think I have always thought that once you put a cast on a fracture, the pain goes away. I am not sure where that thought ever came from, but I can tell you that the pain does not just go away. It feels more stable, so I feel like I can get around a little better, but the deep aching, burning feeling, does not just go away.  When I am up and about more than an hour, I start to feel heavy in my lower leg and ankle, the pain increases, and my emotions and tears are closer to the surface. 

My body is telling me to rest today. I need to listen and so I am resting, my leg propped up on my Leaning Tower of Pillows, writing my emotions, adding to my story.  And here’s why I blog: The process of writing helps me put things into perspective. It helps me remember that even when life doesn’t feel positive, if I look for those things, they are there. Writing helps me be intentional. 

So here we go: The positives ➡️

• These fractures could’ve easily been so much worse but they are in place and no surgery was required. 
• I didn’t hit my head. I didn’t mess up my shoulders again. 
• I have a healthy body and my bone health is great! I am getting plenty of protein and all the other good stuff in my nutrition. 
• My family is here to help. Leonard is amazing. Adrienne helped me all day last Saturday. We’ve had 3 hour video calls and she keeps me company. I’ve gotten to talk with my grandkids ❤️. 

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  My personal Chauffeur 💙 

  
  

  

  Waiting Room. There may have been some laughter. 
  I may have nearly peed my pants. 

• I’m crushed that my strength training was going so well and now I’ll have to adjust my focus, restarting after I heal.  BUT I’ve got an amazing coach who is going to help me figure it out and we have already started. 
• The knee scooter is fantastic. I can’t say this enough. If I was limited to crutches and crawling about, I think I’d go crazy! Trying to carry anything from room to room with crutches is like asking to fall again. The scooter has a basket. A basket 💜. It really is the little things that make me smile. I am beyond thankful for this piece of equipment and a friend who brought it over so willingly. 
• 
• I had the ortho appointment on Tuesday, the day after I called. It didn’t take as long to get in as I thought it might. Western PA Ortho has been fantastic this far.  
• -All the upper and lower body strength that I have built over the past 3 years is helping me now to manage. I can get up and down using one leg relatively well. 
• I’m looking at being non-weight bearing as a “challenge accepted” moment and with creativity and strength, I am getting it done. 
• Overall, I have been able to stay in good spirits. I’m researching future hikes. I’m still looking at potential competitions. I’m organizing some projects to complete that I am usually too busy to get at. 
• -A cast for 2 weeks is doable. One day at a time. And I got to pick the color. It’s blue because my squat rack is blue, my backpacking gear is blue, and my massage room is blue. It’s a reminder to behave myself now so I can get back to those things that I love. 
• I remembered I had some Color Street 💅  

•  I have an incredible community who have reached out to offer support and help. People genuinely care.
• Last night I finally had a good night of sleep. 

Already, even just writing these down, I’m feeling brighter. I’m telling you, it works. It doesn’t change my circumstances but it helps me remember that I can have an impact on my attitude. I could still cry, but  it’s okay because I know I won’t get stuck there. 

Onward. Always. 

Love, Dianne