Four weeks ago I broke my toe, putting a sudden pause on running for the next 8 weeks, which I am totally bummed about. I’ve consistently run weekly for 4 years, so this is a huge blow to me. I broke my toe in a household freak accident. My youngest daughter and I were walking to the car when she skipped in front of me and my right foot suddenly slammed into her ankle. It was so painful! I had to take a few minutes to sit in the pain before I could move. I limped back to the house from the car and when I reached the door, I couldn’t walk! I was in pain for hours and literally had to hop around for the next two days, it was terrible haha.

I figured I just sprained my toe, so almost two weeks went on. It felt like it was getting slightly better, however after a long 75-minute walk, it hurt again and completely set my recovery back to the beginning. I decided it was time to get an X-ray. To my surprise the PA told me it was broken! I’m in my 30s and have never broken a bone in my life before. I have sprained an ankle and wrist but that’s it.

I’ve had to take some time off driving because pressing the pedals became really painful. You don’t realize how much you use your toes to brake and accelerate until every steep downhill drive near my daughter’s school made me wince.

While being forced to slow down physical activity has been frustrating and I feel deeply saddened I can’t run outside, I realize it has turned into an unexpected gift as I’ve wanted to open this art shop for a long time. Having to stay off my feet has created the exact space and stillness I need to finally bring my online art shop to life.

The physical stillness feels strangely familiar; the past year has been a heavy season of transition for me. Alongside life as a mom, moving through the deep grief of losing my beloved mother last summer took much of my energy inward as I held space for my family and navigated life’s changes.

It’s been the hardest year of my life honestly. I’ve seriously felt what it feels like to hit rock bottom. My mom was one of my best friends and to lose someone you love so much has truly been heartbreaking. The waves of grief ran very deep for a long time and I wasn’t able to paint or create much.

Thankfully the heavy grief broke months ago and I’m ready to start following my goals and passions. But let’s be honest, I will always cry for my mom and that is perfectly okay.

This unexpected standstill feels like a gentle nudge to awaken and transform. Stepping into this creative endeavor is my way of moving forward, honoring where I have been and creating a space to share my stories and artwork with you.

Just like the Orca I painted and titled “Reawakening,” I have been to the depths, I am ready to break the surface, breathe in again and welcome the beauty that life has to offer.

Thank you for being here and supporting this new chapter.

♡ Felicia