Caitlin D’s Barefooter Story
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Caitlin D’s Barefooter Story —
1 – What’s your favourite activity outside of work and how does it help you live your Barefoot Lifestyle ?
I always love reading books! I have found it a very effective strategy to help my brain relax and reset with some quiet time. This sets me up perfectly to engage more fully in whatever other activities I need to do for the day, or wind down after a big day.
2 – What is your favourite movement activity, how long have you been doing it for and how does it foster your health and wellbeing journey?
I enjoy a weekly Pilates session (shoutout to the beautiful Jaclyn @mvmntbydesign). I’ve been doing Pilates for about 3 years now and love the way mindful movement energises my body and mind. I have found this movement practice to be especially good for my hypermobility – the emphasis on slow controlled movement is always so much harder than it looks as anyone who has done yoga or Pilates knows for themselves!
3 – What is one of your favourite memories and how did it shape who “Caitlin” is today?
More so a general cluster of memories for me: growing up in a semi-rural 40-acre property. Growing up in such a beautiful environment with so much space kept me busy outside, giving me a huge appreciation for nature. It also gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by so many beautiful animals (pets, livestock, and wildlife).
I had days where I would get in the pool before breakfast and spend the entire day swimming with my siblings – only to emerge to eat breakfast, lunch, then dinner. There would be periods in summer where my blonde hair turned slightly green from being in the chlorinated pool so much!
4 – If you could choose your dream holiday, would you prefer an international or local destination? And what has been your favourite holiday so far?
Gonna go with the classic Europe trip with the addition of Canada (so picturesque!)
I am finally planning on getting to this Europe trip later this year in fact. In October I am heading off to Amsterdam, London, and Germany with my sister and a high school friend! I am very excited to try some new food, experience different history and explore some beautiful new sights.
Favourite holiday so far: spending 2 weeks travelling around Tasmania with my family being able to spend quality time together whilst exploring new places is so much fun (especially in such a beautiful landscape)
5 – What made you want to become a Physiotherapist and so far what has been your favourite moment as a physio?
I started out my uni life studying biomedical science and just got so interested in my anatomy/physiology courses. Anatomy interest + wanting to help others = physiotherapy! A little quote I heard years ago also sticks with me: “If doctors save lives, then a physiotherapist makes it worth living.” This really resonated with me; I really enjoy being able to make long-term connections with my clients and make a difference in their lives. I love working alongside someone and help someone work towards and reach their goals, whatever that might look like for them.
My favourite type of moment is to see someone get excited by the progress they make. I feel so much joy when I hear “I can do this activity now!” Any of the “little” wins such as being able to move a certain way without pain, or “bigger” goals of being able to get back to (or start a new) activity deserve to be celebrated & it really lights up my day.
Bonus Question: you always have amazing plaits and braids, who taught you to do your hair?
Myself – through trial and error. I like having long hair, but I like to keep it out of my face – hence the braids
