Sunday Reflections

46 Comments

1. Pamela: Twenty years ago, I broke my neck, shoulder, and 4 ribs in an auto accident. Recovery was long and hard. ALWAYS safety first, no matter what anyone says.There are so many cute tennis shoes and other options. I am your age and close in size; I started walking 15 minutes last summer and now walk an hour every morning; I am stronger and able to walk on uneven terrain better than I have in years. Walking literally has given me back my life. I have also lost 15 pounds, not trying hard, but just by eating less processed food and more raw fruits and veggies. One day at a time! Happy healing.

2. Thank you for the update, Pamela. God goes with you every step of the way. I love your tips for a joyful day, and as always, you are an inspiration to so many.

3. Thanks for being here, Deborah! Happy Sunday

4. Thank you for sharing this, Nyla…what I have experienced is so tiny compared to what you went through. Your comment will be an inspiration to many…thank you for sharing. You are right about ONE DAY AT A TIME and when that day brings challenges then…Persevere.

5. Praying for your recovery soon. My beautiful late mother in law loved shoes, but she had rheumatoid arthritis and could barely walk. She grieved so over not being able to wear pretty shoes anymore. She passed away at the age of 63, and I so hope that one of her heavenly rewards is beautiful shoes. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy your wonderful summer,

6. I am recovering from a fall I had six weeks ago. I broke my arm and dislocated my elbow while walking. I found your article on toe strength very interesting since I have a fused big toe. I am going to talk to my chiropractor about this and maybe get more guidance on what I can do for physical therapy. I hope we can both get out there and have some fun this summer.

7. Oh, goodness, I missed your post on falling and getting rid of all your open shoes. I’m so sorry that happened to you!!! I have (this year) given up backless shoes and I have a sneaking suspicion, I will be in your position sooner rather than later, as it seems I can trip over my own shadow these days. Blessings to you!

8. Pam, although I agree with you that we should wear what makes us feel good, I have to take issue with your reference to “ugly” people online that tell us what styles make us look old. I follow some of those bloggers and their advice has been helpful to me. I’m 72 years old and, over the last seven years, I’ve lost almost 50 lbs. I went from plus-size clothing to a current size 14. Obviously, I’ve had to completely revamp my wardrobe and buy all new clothes. With my new wardrobe, I wasn’t trying to look “young,” but I wanted to look “modern.” To be quite honest, I appreciated the perspective of these bloggers and followed a lot of their advice. I was inspired by them to shop at some retailers I never would have considered before, like J Crew and Banana Republic. As a result, I have a new wardrobe that I love. Do I look 20 years younger? Of course not – and I wasn’t trying to! But, I look more modern and that’s what I was trying to achieve. By telling your readers not to listen to certain influencers, you do a disservice to women like me who appreciate and apply their advice. There’s room in the fashion blogosphere for many different voices.

9. Thank you, Cheryll…I will. What a beautiful word picture of your Mother in fabulous shoes walking down those golden streets of heaven!

10. So sorry you had a bad fall, Terry. The toe part of this is very interesting and I would be so curious to know what he recommends for you. Please report back….and take care.

11. That’s me…tripping over my own shadow…but I am determined to turn this thing around and develop a new plan. Thanks Kim…be careful.

12. For those of us who fall frequently, I’m always aware of what dangers I might encounter in different situations. Since the effects of my polio has been with me all of my remembered life, the possibilities of falling have made such a difference in how I walk as well as what shoes I can wear and still be stable. I recently ordered a pair of trekking poles to use when I walk every day, thinking their use might help me be more balanced when I walk daily. Also my yoga for the last ten years has had a positive effect on my flexibility. Your selected Bible verse today so adequately fits our discussion. I will be taking it to heart…thank you!

13. Hi Terry…I think my issue is with several on YouTube that judge others for what they wear and call them matronly. I agree with looking modern. The word current is one of my style adjectives and I confess I love it when others tell me I do look my age. What I desire for women is to look like YOU and to develop those style adjectives unique to you so that you can look your very best and be confident. Of course, there is room in the blogosphere for many voices and the voices that encourage us with sound, positive advice are so helpful. But, the ones that say if you wear sneakers you will look old…if you don’t tuck in your shirt you will look old…if you wear color you will look old…and on and on…those are the voices I disagree with. I am here because other bloggers inspired me and helped me on that new path as well…one of the reasons I wear Banana Republic occasionally. It is not those bloggers…but mainly some on YouTube that I have an issue with. Thanks for speaking up so I could clarify.

14. We are fortunate that there are great sneakers out there. No reason to be dinged for being old … that’s all just clickbait. I admit I watch some of those videos, because I do enjoy seeing what the younger women are wearing, and decide if I want to wear it too. Old is fine, being in a rut isn’t. I had cracked ribs a couple of years ago, because I was taking pictures of a cove in Maine while hiking an unimproved trail. Not paying attention is a problem I have. The ribs take a long time to heal, and if you overdo it, it will take longer. Ask me how I know! I took a full dose of Tylenol for a couple of weeks, and it really helped. Not all heirloom veggies are better. I have had Moon and Stars watermelon, an old Amish variety, and it’s indeed tasty, if you can work around the seeds that are more present than the flesh. I will take a modern seedless one any day. I make it a point if to stop at farm stands in the summer … Ohio strawberries, tomatoes, melons and corn are superb.

15. Thanks Linda. You are correct that many of those videos are clickbait and now include mostly AI images. I love looking current and I use those trend posts as guidelines to do so. I just do not want women “attacked” for personal choices that they make to be confident with their dress. In April, I wrote this post about how to avoid looking old…I stand by what I said. https://over50feeling40.com/2025/04/4-tips-to-avoid-looking-old.html

16. That salad with strawberries looks amazing. I am, as you know, a weekly visitor to our Farmer’s Market, both to support local small farms and to enjoy the best produce possible. Nonetheless, up here in Oregon, tomatoes, in particular, have a fairly narrow window. How I quench my tomato obsession in between… I buy the Canadian hothouse grown tomatoes, both on-the-vine and cherry and grape tomatoes. Although the flavors never match the peak of summer flavor, adding a dash of vinegar (Caprese balsamic) helps to bring out the best in them. I bet the shop where you sourced your artisan vinegars recently might have something similar.
    As to your fall, I am so sorry. As a fellow cranky-feet sufferer, I understand how tough it can be as old favorite shoe choices get x’ed off your list. I highly recommend water exercise classes as a safe place to move your body with very little chance of falling.

17. I am considering the water classes more than I ever have. As soon as this rib heals, I will be back at it again. I do use balsamic vinegars on my tomatoes, but I am going to check into the Caprese balsamic you mention here, Connie…sounds delicious.
    The salad is so simple…fresh spinach, tossed with strawberries and/or blueberries, either roasted almonds or walnuts, feta cheese and your favorite dressing. My family likes it with poppyseed dressing.

18. I am so sorry about learning of your fall. You are wise to discard the flip flops and wear comfy shoes.
    Take time to rest and heal. Yes, a cracked rib can cause severe discomfort.
    Look after yourself. You are dearly loved by your family, friends and all the people who read this blog.
    God Bless! ❤️🙏❤️🙏

19. You are so kind, Cathy. I appreciate so much these words today.

20. I am wishing you a speedy recovery from your fall. I think there are lots of great looking shoes that are good for our feet now. Too bad they weren’t there when I was teaching and on my feet all day, in heels no less. My feet are paying for it now! I gave up on clogs when in my twenties, I almost fell in an open manhole because I was looking in shop windows. My husband caught me, but the clogs didn’t help. Falls can happen to anyone, we need to be aware of our surroundings and wear proper shoes.

21. I laughed because there were so many days as a teacher that I wished for comfortable shoes…I can even remember thinking how I wished we could wear an athletic shoe! Thank you for your kind words, Kathy.

22. Dear Pam,
    I feel for you with my whole heart. You are up beat, and so positive, and determined to heal, having such a great attitude is always so helpful. We had a pearl we lived by in our marketing and sales company, “attitude determines altitude.” You’ve got this.
    On a side note the flip flops that you fell in are the same ones I gave away years ago. They were endorsed by many podiatrist years ago. My podiatrist is adamantly against all flip flops. Like you, I wear sneakers 99% per cent of the time. I just feel grateful I can still walk. After my fall I’m extra careful to watch every step I take and not get distracted by anything around me. You can’t be too careful.
    The Tylenol PM that you take, does that help you sleep throughout the night?

23. Katherine, thank you for sharing. I got those flip flops because they were so highly endorsed. That is one of the reasons I decided to post about it. I am taking on regular Tylenol at night to help with pain. I am very sensitive to pain meds… they make me very groggy. So it is not a Tylenol PM. Thank you for your kind words

24. I certainly hope you heal fast so you can spend a nice summer with your grandkids.
    That salad looks delicious and easy. I have some strawberries I just need the spinach. When I had my surgery in April I had to shower with that soap in the morning. I still have some left.

25. So sorry to hear about your fall. I just turned 80 a few months ago and have begun to realize that my regular choice of shoes — backless sandals — are not always appropriate for me in certain conditions. My feet have never been comfortable in closed toe shoes no matter what style I’ve tried; and since I live in one of the hottest places in Arizona I usually wear sandals year round. However, I now have a few pairs of sandals with backs and straps that I am finding safer for me when I’m going to be on my feet for longer periods or walking in more difficult areas. Guess my next step (hopefully not too soon) will be finding some kind of closed toe shoes that I can wear comfortably. Do hope — and pray — you recover quickly and get back out to enjoy your summer.

26. The spinach and strawberries are delicious together! Thanks Paula!

27. Thank you for sharing, Ann! We will all walk this walk…without falling…together!

28. Pamela it is okay to take pain medication as long as you are in pain. Just tapper off as you begin to feel better. Like you, I recently gave away several backless pains of shoes. I also seem to trip over shadows! My Easy Spirit slip on shoes and my Skechers similar with the mesh uppers are cooler than sneakers. However, I wear my Brooks walking sneakers for walking the dog with my husband. I bought him a pair too. I’m 80 and Brent is 83. We stick to the sidewalks in our neighborhood to avoid falls. I’ve had some nasty ones so you have my heartfelt sympathy. I dress smart and current but comfortable and safe. Today will require a waterproof jacket with hood as it is chilly and threatening rain. It is also windy. My waterproof jacket blocks out the chilly wind. I will put Trixy’s little jacket on her as well. Rest when you can but get up and move around about once an hour to avoid stiffening up even more. Hot tube if available will really help but hot baths are soothing. My thoughts are definitely with you for healing today.

29. Pam, we continue to pray for you. I am sure some days are harder than others, but there is joy in the morning!
    A few years after we moved into our active adult community, a message came to my email; it was a reminder from our “Health Share Group” reminding ladies over 60 to wear shoes with full support…..for safety. I took their advice, so glad I did.
    I look forward each day to reading your post. I have learned many new ideas. The best always

30. Thanks Sydney! I am moving often…not going to make that mistake again. I just don’t like how groggy pain meds make me…thanks!

31. Hi Audrey! I agree that there is joy in the morning. I even sing it! I wish there were more cautions out there about the shoes…there needs to be louder voices about it!

32. Pam, we are praying for you for your recovery, I am sure it is discouraging from time to time, but always remember joy comes in the morning!
    A few years after we moved into our active adult community, I received an email from our Health Share Group reminding we ladies to wear good support shoes…..for safety. I have followed that advice. Sometimes my choice of shoes is different than I might have worn.
    I look forward each day to your posts, so thankful for the various new ideas I have received, especially the 5 adjectives for my clothes!!
    The best always,

33. Thanks Pam for helping me be aware of what is current in fashion. I don’t have an eye for fashion trends or color unfortunately but after learning from you, I recognize it around me! Thanks!! I have same feet issues and Brooks Addiction are my main choice and sandals or shoes that are completely flat sole that doesn’t curve up on the front.
    I don’t like cooking but am learning better since finding “The Homemade Method” plan for women especially over 50 who want healthy food, recipes, and lower A1C, blood pressure, inflammation, etc.. I am grateful to have reduced pain.
    Currently we are downsizing and moving and appreciate the many ways you have gone before me and helped on so many areas.
    Praying God’s presence and healing will be tangible and given wisdom and patience for each next step you are to take. May you be refreshed in this time of rest God has provided (unexpectedly).

34. Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your wonderful comment. Just last week I was reading about the Homemade Method. You have motivated me to look at it closer! So happy to have you here.

35. Dear Pam: Continued prayers coming your way. I told my husband what had happened to you, and he decided he had better give up his flip flops too. So he gave his rather expensive pair to our son. Likewise, I decided that my gardening clogs have to go. A lot of our garden is uneven and I am sure I am better off in a closed toe and lace up sneaker. So you see, your tough experience has already helped a lot of us! Like another reader I am thinking about trekking poles when I walk. If those poles give us even a little more balance and stability it may be worth the extra effort. I am also thinking they may provide a light arm workout. Have you thought about planting a cherry tomato? There is a yellow variety called Sun Gold which is fabulous and delicious–wins all kinds of taste tests. You could easily grow it in a container in a sunny spot. Your grandchildren would probably enjoy helping to harvest. Tomatoes need about 7 hours of sunshine to thrive and typically do not do very well in our coastal location, but this little cherry does very well. I so appreciate your posts and your thoughtful and humble attitude. You are a light to so many of us!

36. Mary…Bless you for sharing about the shoes! I have plenty of sun! So I will look into the sun Gold tomatoes…after the rib situation is better! Thank you for everything!

37. I’m also praying for a quick recovery for you. You’ve gotten such good advice from the community here I don’t feel I have anything more to add other than Arnica which is a natural herbal pain remedy. I use it instead of NSAID medicines due to a condition I have. It has helped me with healing from injuries and eye surgery. I am so looking forward to local produce. We are getting close to strawberry and tomato season. I would grow my own veggies if I had a flat yard. So I will be frequenting the farmers’ market. Stay positive and strong.

38. Yes…I use Arnica! I am rubbing the gel on the side area at night. It is good for many aches & pains! Thanks Kathie!

39. I don’t have any sandals due to unsightly bunions. I had been trying to talk myself into trying some regardless of the appearance. But no longer! Your fall has told me that I am doing the right thing by staying with my closed toe shoes. Thanks for sharing your painful story and I hope you recover fully and quickly.

40. Sharon..,you are doing the right thing! Stay safe and have fun in your closed toed shoes!

41. There couldn’t be a more fitting scripture for this setback you’ve just experienced, and it resonates deeply with me, as well. Like you, I was shocked that we aren’t supposed to use hydrogen peroxide these days. I hope your arm cut heals quickly, along with these newer injuries from your fall. My grandpuppy did exactly the same thing to me a few months ago, right on a vein and it took several weeks to close properly. I am relieved that the scar isn’t too bad and seems to be fading. I’m so fortunate that my best friend is a nurse specializing in wound care – she has great tips and tricks. Regarding pain control, I cannot take any prescription pain meds, and managed my foot surgery and back procedures with only Tylenol and ibuprofen. I learned that combining the two (never exceeding maximum dosage limits, of course) provides much stronger pain relief, so you might consider adding one ibuprofen with the Tylenol at bedtime. I hope the July family activities you’re anticipating help you get through this setback with your usual grace and positive attitude, which is such a good model for the rest of us dealing with similar situations. Continued prayers for your quick and comfortable recovery!

42. Pam – I don’t know what the pool situation is in your town, but my local jurisdiction has big public pools with a lot of water fitness offerings.

    What I’ve seen in my area is that you don’t have to be an expert swimmer to do water fitness.

    I have arthritic feet and a hip that gets sore and had knocked off serious aerobic activities b/c my joints ached. Now that I’m retired, with daytime availability I’ve been doing a couple of different aqua fitness classes and they bring me such joy. There isn’t any reason to fear falling, the water is there to hold you up.
    Most classes don’t do a lot of head in the water activities, so if you’re worried about your hair a swim cap will protect it.

    I can do the moves I used to do on the gym floor in the water, get my heart going and not suffer later on from the high impact activity.

    Once your bruises heal up, maybe when you Grands go back to school in the Fall, look into what’s available in your area.

43. The day I fell was the day I was going to join the Y…and I was very excited about it. They have the water classes. I hope to do this maybe in two weeks. Thanks for confirming that it will be a good call. I really appreciate it.

44. Thank you!

45. Hope your recovery is swift and smooth, Pam! I think your last few posts speak to your resilience and optimism. Recognizing what caused the fall and thinking about what you need to do to prevent it speaks to your intelligence and thoughtful approach to life. This is why I remain a consistent follower and reader of your blog. As we all age, I think it is important to make changes that improve our lives. I had to give up high heels in 2016. While I experienced some of what you spoke to, I now find that lower heels, specifically kitten or block heels along with wedges and flats work just fine for me. Hope the summer is a fabulous one for you and your sweet family!

46. Thank you for your encouragement, Pat. I appreciate your words more than you know.