Those Winter Falls

Winter is coming.

As much as my heart is not ready to admit that, this second big snowfall has me starting to face reality.

I love Fall. So much. The cooler weather, the leaves, the crisp feeling. The excuse for sweater weather. Fall is by far my favourite season. It also feels shockingly short here. Especially when we have had 2 big snowfalls already during my fall season. Not feeling it.

However, these early snowfalls are a good reminder to get ready for the upcoming winter.

And that means winter safety! 

We think so much as staying warm. Dry. Avoiding shovelling and scraping windows. But do we stop and think about how to make sure we are safe with this change in weather? 

I didnt used to. I had plenty of big wipeouts on the ice growing up. Usually rushing to school and sliding down the driveway. Or faceplanting on a side walk. Then I grew up a bit and seemed to forget all about them. Until I fell. Hard. Until I was 7 months pregnant, slipped on black ice, and broke my fall with my arm to protect the baby. Babe was fine but my shoulder was not so much. So I have been there. I have been the one that has injured myself falling and then went to physio for some rehab.

So as a quick little reminder, winter is a time for falls. 

We often are just trying to get things done, going on auto pilot, we are busy and distracted. We forget it is slick. 

A few things to just remember to try and help you avoid falls:

1. Slow down
2. Check your footwear- or add yak tracks! Dont just think those cute shoes will have enough traction.
3. If you want to wear the cute shoes, put them in your bag and wear them inside. 
4. Hold onto something when available, like a rail
5. Keep your hands free so if you do slip you can grab onto something or try and brace your fall
6. Walk where it’s clear so you can see if it’s slick or not
7. Shovel in small chunks ( ill write more about shovelling late, its a big topic)

Be safe! And if you have an unfortunate slip I would be happy to help you get feeling better.

All or Something

We tend to think of things in black or white. All or nothing. You did it or you didn't.

When in reality we live mostly in greys. Varying shades of grey, but grey nonetheless.

Areas where we accomplish a lot, even if it isnt everything. Where we have shifts in priorities and we have to adapt. Adaptation means change and sometimes that means putting things aside temporarily as we adjust to this change.

When it comes to self care and treatment it is okay to allow yourself some greys. It does not have to be all or nothing. Missing one day of home exercises isn't the end of the world. Not completing all of your sets or reps doesn't mean it isn't worth continuing. Missing a workout or more doesn't mean you cannot workout again. When we can sit back and appreciate what we have done we can accept more of the greys. Every day wont be perfect and we know that tomorrow is a new day.

It is far too easy to discount our progress when we " haven't done enough". However, who it to say what is enough? Every step forward is still a step forward. Reaching out can often be the first step, and a very large step at that.

It is common to have setbacks and we know that healing isn't linear. We have ups and we have downs. We have days and weeks we may excel and times when things slide back. When we can live in a world of fewer absolutes and acknowledge when we are doing what we can and when we are doing our best it can take some of the pressure off. Sometimes, that shift in thinking alone can be felt physically as we take a load off of ourselves.

So the next time you miss a workout, or your home exercise program or dont do something you think you "should" do, remember that tomorrow is a new day. Something is better than nothing.

So do something. Take a little step. And when you wake up tomorrow set yourself up for success by doing one more something.