Chris is at Bondi Beach, describing the extraordinary ocean conditions with massive waves and shore breaks. He then talks about managing personal transitions, sharing a story about developing plantar fasciitis in his left foot. After tearing a tendon during a physio session, he reflects on the importance of discipline and routine in healing and managing transitions. He emphasizes the need for following expert guidance and self-leadership to ensure a quicker and more efficient transition, whether for personal health or other life changes.

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Experiencing the Power of Nature at Bondi

Good morning or good afternoon, wherever you are. This is Chris down on the beach, and it is unbelievable.

I’ve lived here in Bondi for nearly 10 years, and I can confidently say that today’s ocean break is among the biggest I’ve ever witnessed. The waves are crashing directly onto the beach, spanning from the south end to the north, creating a total shore break that’s truly immense. It’s a sight to behold as the waves break deeply, washing right up to the beach, with a distance of 100 metres between the pavilion and the ocean break, and the waves breaking a further 100 metres out.

It’s days like today that challenge even the most skilled surfers and swimmers. The spectacle of the turbulent ocean, combined with the tranquillity of a sunny day and a light wind, creates a miraculous contrast. Walking along the beach amidst this natural drama is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

A Personal Story of Transition

Today, I want to delve into the topic of transition by sharing a personal story that I find quite interesting and relevant. About 10 weeks ago, I started to develop an ache in my left foot, which only bothered me after prolonged walking, especially in bare feet. After weeks of trying to figure it out independently, I visited a physio four weeks ago. During the session, the physio asked me to hop on one foot, and as I did, I tore a tendon in the back of my heel.

Now, I was dealing with the original problem and the tear, which was likely inevitable. Following an MRI, the diagnosis was a mild spur in the heel and plantar fasciitis, a common condition. Additionally, I had a small heel tear where the plantar fascia meets the heel. The first part of my healing journey involved avoiding walking on my heel.

The Theme of Transitions

This situation presented me with a transition from having a sore foot to healing. Throughout my life, I’ve navigated numerous transitions, whether from a bad marriage to a good one, a challenging business situation to a positive one, or recovering from spinal surgeries. Managing transitions has been a central theme in my life and work. My job involves helping people navigate transitions, no matter the nature.

In the transition process, we face choices. Do we revert to old strategies, seek expert guidance, or self-manage? Reflecting on my heel injury, I realised the importance of making informed decisions. My physio, one of Australia’s best, initially recommended seeing a sports doctor. However, my trusted GP advised against it, suggesting anti-inflammatories and rest instead. I opted to self-manage with my GP’s remote guidance.

The Importance of Routine and Self-Discipline

The critical aspect of this transition was following a strict routine. Daily exercises, heel massages with a ball, foot rest, and anti-inflammatory treatments were essential for healing. As the month progressed, I realised my approach had been somewhat lax. I often neglected the exercises and massages, delaying my healing process by a whole month.

This experience underscored the challenge of managing one’s own transition. External recommendations from professionals are vital, but so is diligently following them. My negligence meant missing out on activities I love, like walking and swimming at the beach.

Lessons in Self-Leadership

The key takeaway is the importance of having a coach or guide in any transition and the necessity of self-leadership in following instructions precisely. Transitions require routine, and often, the need for transition arises from not adhering to preventative routines. I could have managed my foot better had I known about plantar fasciitis earlier.

My GP’s advice has always been beneficial for my well-being, and maintaining preventative routines is crucial to avoid future issues. This experience reminds us to be vigilant about routines, especially as we age.

Conclusion

For those engaging in coaching sessions with me, it’s essential to note down bullet points, set reminders, and adhere to schedules to ensure the quickest and most effective transition. This approach will help avoid unnecessary delays and frustrations.

Thank you for reading. This is Chris. Have a beautiful day. Bye for now.