Sometimes life throws you a curveball—or in my case, a hard landing that ends in a wrist fracture. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the cast life comes with its own unique set of challenges and (surprisingly funny) lessons. So I decided to keep a mental list of all the ridiculous, humbling, and oddly enlightening moments along the way.
1. The One-Handed Olympics
Tying shoes? Sport. (Switch to pull-ons!) Squeezing toothpaste? Timed event. Carrying groceries while keeping one arm elevated? Definitely qualifies as CrossFit. Honestly, everything turned into a challenge worthy of a medal. I may not win gold, but I should at least get a participation ribbon for not resorting to throwing the toothpaste across the room.
2. Fashion, Schmashion: Cast Chic Is In
You’d think having a cast would be a fashion statement, but nope—it’s more of a fashion challenge. Trying to fit your arm through sleeves becomes a strategic battle. Oversized sweatshirts and Velcro sports bras have become my new best friends. (Bonus tip: accessorize with dry shampoo and a good attitude.)
3. "Can Someone Open This?"—A Daily Mantra
I never realized how many things in life require two hands until I didn’t have them. Peanut butter jars. Ziplock bags. Hair ties. And, as it turns out, teeth aren't suitable alternatives for a usable second hand. Pretty sure I utter "Can someone open this?" more times than I say "thank you." (Which, by the way, is also said a lot. Because people are kind. And also because I am fairly helpless.)
4. Showering Like It’s a Tactical Mission
Let’s talk about the plastic cast cover struggle. Getting it on and then tight enough so water doesn’t sneak in? A miracle. Then there’s the actual showering part—trying to wash your hair one-handed while keeping your other arm out of the water like it’s the Holy Grail. I feel like a soggy flamingo trying to balance and bend and rinse. 0/10: do not recommend.
5. The Unofficial Wrist Fracture Diet
You know what's hard to eat with one hand? Pretty much anything that isn't finger food. You snack less when you're too tired to prep, open, or hold something steady. Soup is a definite no-go. The silver lining? Fewer dirty dishes.
6. The Unexpected MVPs of Recovery
Let's hear it for voice-to-text, oversized hoodies, easy-squeeze everything, and the kind souls who drive me everywhere. There are also days when I lean a little harder on my oils, calming teas, and deep breaths—because wow, frustration likes to sneak in when you feel useless. My essential oils lineup has turned into my emotional support crew: lavender for stress, frankincense for grounding, and peppermint to snap me out of a funk. I'm particularly in love with my pain cream these days as I work on regaining my range of motion.
7. Lessons from the Cast Life Club
This experience has forced me to slow down, accept help (without guilt), and notice how much I normally try to control everything. Turns out, the world doesn’t fall apart if you need help opening a jar. And sometimes, letting go of control is the most healing thing of all. I have started giving myself permission to rest more, to laugh at the mess (much easier than cleaning it up), and to trust the people around me even more.
8. What My Wrist Taught Me About My Liver (Yes, Really)
Here’s the plot twist I didn’t see coming: my broken wrist set off a cascade of inflammation in my body, which led to some surprising liver issues. I never realized how connected everything is—how trauma in one part of the body can echo in another. I had to learn how to support my liver with rest, nutrition, and a few natural wellness tools I already have on hand. (Literally—one hand.)
This means pulling back even more from processed foods, drinking more water, and leaning into foods that help detox gently. I have also started using a few specific oils and supplements to give my liver some extra love. It feels like a whole new layer of healing I hadn’t expected, but one that is turning out to be crucial. Read more about this here.
9. Patience: The Real Test
I've always considered myself a patient person. I mean, I’ve raised 3 kids, waited in my share of DMV lines, handled tech issues without (completely) losing my cool, and then there were those 36 years of marriage. But this? This tested a whole different kind of patience. The kind you need when simple tasks take three times as long. When every effort to get something done ends with a dropped item, a sigh, or the realization that you have to wait for someone else to help.
What I discovered is that I’ve been fairly patient with others—but not always with MYSELF. I expected to bounce back faster, adapt more easily, and stay cheerful the whole way through. Spoiler alert: I'm not. And that’s okay. Learning to be gentle with myself and to accept my slower pace without judgment just might be the most important lesson of all. And I'm still working on it.
10. Humor as a Healing Tool
Every time I find myself crying (or cussing) over something absurd—like flinging a sock across the room while trying to do laundry—I try to find the funny in it. Laughter isn’t fixing my wrist, but it definitely lifts my spirits. It helps me feel human and reminds me that healing isn’t just physical. Humor helps bridge the emotional gaps on the hard days when I feel stuck, cranky, or just plain over it.
11. Reflections from the Slow Lane
As things begin to heal and I slowly gain back mobility, I find myself grateful—not for the pain or the inconvenience—but for the unexpected insights. I've noticed how often I rush through life. This slowdown, as annoying as it can be at times, gives me a chance to pay attention to the little things. To be present. To laugh at myself. To value the help others so generously give. And to realize that sometimes the most important kind of strength isn’t physical—it’s the ability to stay soft, hopeful, and open to growth in the midst of discomfort.
So here’s to the bruises, the cast itchiness, the tears, and the laughter. Cast life might not be glamorous, but it sure is memorable. And maybe, just maybe, there’s a gift in the slowdown—if we’re willing to receive it. And if we pay attention, we might even learn a few unexpected things about our bodies, our limits, and our resilience along the way.
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