Question: when was the last time you changed up your shoe-tying routine? Chances are, not since the first grade when you graduated from doing the “bunny ear method” to the more complex bowknot, a progression that can be likened to taking the training wheels off a bike or finally learning to enjoy a plate of veggies!
But, personal milestones aside, it may actually be time for you to update your shoe-tying routine to a more streamlined, one-handed system. Sure, it may not seem like something that deserves the top spot on today’s to-do list, but the lesson can serve as a helpful—and a fun! —reprieve from a stressful day.
How this kick-butt Paralympian developed her own one-handed lacing technique
While working to tie a shoelace one-handed may be akin to learning a parlor trick for most, for the host of today’s video, Megan Absten, it’s just part of life.
The two-time silver medalist with the U.S. National Paralympics Track and Field Team lost her left arm at just 14-years-old when an all-terrain vehicle that she was riding in turned over. Obviously, the Florida native didn’t let her injury define her. In addition to track and field, Absten also excelled at wrestling during her reign as a top high school athlete.
Because this real-life superwoman is so physically adept, it likely comes as no surprise to you that a simple chore like tying a pair of shoes is a piece of cake for the Paralympian. That said, at the top of the video, Absten does admit that things weren’t always so rosy in the footwear department.
When she was first attending occupational therapy as a teen shortly after undergoing her amputation, Absten was initially discouraged by the techniques taught to her. She wasn’t too keen on the idea of constructing knots that didn’t look like the real deal or carrying around an instrument to help her tie her shoes—something that, we think, most high schoolers would have a hard time with, too!
So, instead of throwing in the towel by switching to Velcro kicks, the crafty Absten used her famous brand of determination to come up with her own method, which she so graciously teaches us in the clip.
Now, before we watch the tutorial, it’s important that Absten gets the full credit that she deserves for her shoe-tying hack. Upon pouring through the comments section, we were struck by how many folks out there were so grateful for the technique.
Commenter meganb007 writes:
I’m a RN. I’ve never had any ideas on how to help people with amputations. You have no idea how much this helps me, help my patients! Thank u!☺
Another, Angel Pendragon writes:
As a mom of a little boy with a left arm brachial plexus injury, I truly appreciate having come across your video. Subbed and showed him this already. :) THANK YOU!!!! 💗
We, for one, are completely wowed by this Paralympian’s tenacity! To get the full one-handed shoe-tying tutorial for yourself, be sure to watch Megan Absten’s video below. Soon, you, too, will be lacing your sneaks while holding your baby, brushing your teeth, talking on the phone—the possibilities are endless!
Were you able to complete this one-handed shoe-tying hack? Do you know of a better one? Have you experienced a debilitating injury that has forced you to re-think the way you perform everyday chores?