One Foot at a Time: The Story of Mismatched Shoes


I was dressed and ready—hair styled, outfit chosen—yet there I was, stuck on something deceptively small: putting on my shoes. For most people, it is a forgettable step in their morning routine. For me, it is often a negotiation—sometimes a battle—with my own body.

Swelling, spasticity, rigidity—these aren’t just words; they are realities that turn ordinary tasks into moments of persistence. Some days, my foot takes on a life of its own, swelling to twice its usual size. On those days, shoes are less about style and more about strategy.

Swelling, in this context, is more than temporary puffiness. It signals underlying issues: water retention, immobility in the joint between the foot and ankle, or dietary factors. That joint—the talocrural joint, where the foot meets the ankle—is what allows smooth movement. For me, it often feels locked, immobile despite my best efforts.

Spasticity, the tightening of muscles, adds another layer of complexity. My leg is uncooperative, refusing to bend or move the way I need it to. Rigidity only compounds the challenge, making my body feel like it is working against itself. These are the realities of life with cerebral palsy, where even the simplest actions—like slipping on a shoe—become moments that demand creativity and patience.

The Battle of the Shoe

For me, putting on a pair of shoes isn’t just a task—it is a process. It starts with pulling my leg up to my knee using my hands, a motion that requires a great deal of upper body strength because my leg resists bending. Spasticity pulls back, as if my muscles have their own agenda. Some days, the resistance is so strong that I lose my grip and have to start over.

To make things a little easier, I rely on tools like a weight band. A rubber weight band is a thick, sturdy resistance band that forms a continuous loop, designed to provide adjustable resistance during strength training, stretching, and rehabilitation exercises. Its smooth, durable rubber surface allows for flexibility and comfort, while its resistance allows me to pull my leg up to my knee.

Wrapping it around my foot and leg, I can pull my foot closer while keeping my other hand free to slide the shoe into place. It’s a process that works—most of the time. On particularly difficult days, it can take multiple attempts before I get the shoe on.

When nothing works, I simply do what I need to do. Sometimes, that means walking outside with one shoe on and one off, heading to a waiting car where a friend helps me finish the task. In their hands, it takes seconds—a reminder that even when I adapt, it’s okay to ask for help.

Mismatched Shoes: Adaptation in Action

As I approach 50, swelling has become a more frequent occurrence. The reasons vary—diet, water retention, and the stubborn immobility of that talocrural joint. The result is always the same: shoes that no longer fit the way they should.

On days when one foot swells beyond recognition, I rely on mismatched shoes. One shoe fits my typical-sized foot, while the other is larger or looser to accommodate the foot that needs more space. It’s not the perfect solution, but it works. People notice, of course. Sometimes they ask, “How do you manage?” My answer is simple: I adapt.

Adapting often involves waiting for the spasticity and rigidity to subside, allowing my body to find its rhythm. It might mean using a weight band or repeating an action until the shoe finally fits. At times, it simply means accepting that mismatched shoes are the best option for the day.

One Step at a Time

Mismatched shoes have become more than a practical solution; they reflect how I navigate the world. They symbolize problem-solving and the willingness to meet my body where it is, not where I wish it could be.

They carry a simple truth: what works may not always be perfect, and that’s okay—it is progress. Life isn’t about perfect steps; it is about taking the next one, whatever it looks like.

Next time you notice mismatched shoes, consider that they might not be a mistake. Sometimes, they are part of adapting to life’s challenges. For me, they serve as a reminder that progress doesn’t need to be flawless—it just needs to keep moving forward. Mismatched shoes prove that things don’t always need to align, as long as the next step is taken.

What Comes Next: Finding Purpose in the Everyday


The alarm buzzed at 7:00 AM, pulling me from sleep. I stretched, feeling the cool hardwood floor beneath my feet as I rose. In the kitchen, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me—a small yet familiar reminder that another day had begun. It was the start of a new year, marked by familiar routines, but something within me felt different.

As the New Year unfolded, it started like any other day—marked by familiar routines and quiet rhythms. At first glance, nothing seemed different. Yet beneath the surface, I felt a quiet shift, a nudge urging me to pause, reflect, and ask myself: What’s next?

In the days leading up to the New Year, a question lingered in my mind: How can I make room for what truly matters?

The shift I felt wasn’t bold or dramatic. It was subtle, like the stillness that follows a passing storm. Rather than chasing grand resolutions, I chose to focus on small, meaningful changes.

Clearing Space

As 2024 came to an end, I found myself reflecting on various moments. It had been a year of contrasts: ordinary days that blurred together, punctuated by vivid, fleeting memories.

Some of those moments brought unexpected joy. A shared laugh that lightened the weight of a difficult week. The quiet satisfaction of finishing something I had been putting off also brought a sense of fulfillment. Others were simple, routine actions—steady tasks that kept life moving forward.

Take, for example, the pile of unopened mail that sat untouched on my kitchen counter for weeks. It wasn’t anything significant—just bills, flyers, and a few random notes. Yet, every time I walked past it, I felt a tiny weight of stress. “I really need to deal with that,” I’d think, over and over.

One evening, I finally sat down and sorted through the pile. I recycled the flyers, filed the important papers, and discarded the rest. When I finished, the counter was clear for the first time in weeks. It only took 15 minutes, but the relief was immediate.

That small act reminded me of something important: Meaning isn’t always found in dramatic actions. It is often in the simple things—clearing a cluttered space, finishing a task, or pausing for a breath. These small steps bring a lasting sense of calm and purpose.

Setting Intentions

As 2025 begins, I am carrying these small lessons with me. Like clearing a cluttered space or finally finishing a task, focusing on simplicity feels right for this year.

It is about letting go of the noise and focusing on what matters most—ease, connection, and fulfillment. My goal is to invest more energy in relationships that bring joy and let go of those that no longer fit. In doing so, I am making room for the kind of growth that feels real.

This year, I am prioritizing what nourishes me—whether it is reading a good book, taking a walk, or diving into that creative project I’ve been putting off. Embracing these simple activities allows me to focus less on perfection and more on the process, creating space for growth and connection.

There is something beautiful in the simple moments: folding the last load of laundry, organizing a shelf, or sending a handwritten note. These small acts bring a steady sense of fulfillment, like a solid foundation beneath me. Instead of chasing bold resolutions or sweeping changes, I am focusing on the small, intentional choices that matter most.

By making space for what truly nourishes me—whether it’s engaging in a creative activity, connecting with others, or taking a moment to relax—I have found that these small, intentional choices have the greatest impact. They may not seem significant in the moment, but over time, they accumulate in unexpected ways, fostering a lasting sense of fulfillment.

This year, I am shifting my focus away from bold resolutions and embracing the quiet opportunities that come my way. Here’s to making each small step count, finding meaning in the quiet moments, and embracing the power of simplicity.