Healthy Lifestyle

Marigold Body Butter

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Yes, that is right! I am a believer in body butter for my skin and it is the only thing I use! Adding in some flower power just makes it better! Marigold petals are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from free radical damage. They also contain compounds that can help stimulate collagen production in the skin, which can reduce the signs of aging. So why not add some marigold to my already amazing body butter!

I have been collecting marigolds all month before they freeze outside and infusing oil with them. This has been the BEST body butter I have ever made. It’s creamy, soothing and don’t worry, it loses the marigold smell which can be super pungent. What you don’t lose is the powerful benefits.

If you are not a fan of DIY projects I probably will have 10-15 more jars before it’s all gone. Get on the list! Just email me!

Save Me a Jar

Marigold works best with most skin types. It can help with skin prone to dry spells, eczema and psoriasis. It can also help skin that is experiencing inflammation, sun burn, rashes and redness and even more!

Due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, marigold is something that should make its way to everyone’s home apothecary cabinet.

Making Marigold Oil for Body Butter

You’ll need to plan a little ahead for this body butter so be sure to read this first and then get going. The first step is to gather marigold blossoms and let them dry. Pick the blossoms off and set on a cookie sheet or tray to dry outdid, but not directly in the sun. Once they get a little dry, pull the green part off and gently remove the seeds (they look like tiny match sticks). Continue to let them dry for 2-3 days. Grab a pint size mason jar and add the dried flowers and seeds.

You’ll need about one cup of infused oil so be sure to add enough almond or grapeseed oil to completely submerge the flower parts and give enough extra for the body butter. I let mine sit for three days before I made the butter.

Making the Body Butter

•one cup shea butter

•one cup strained marigold oil (use a strainer to catch the flower parts)

• three tablespoon beeswax pellets

• 1/4 cup almond oil

• splash of vegetable glycerin (optional)

• 20-30 drops of your fave essential oils  For this butter I added ylang ylang, magnolia and peppermint.

• Put all of the ingredients except the essential oils into a mason jar. Place the jar in a pot of simmering water until it melts. Once it is all melted together, pour into a glass bowl to become hard again. I even put the bowl in fridge for a while. Once it is hard, add the essential oils and whip with a hand mixer until fluffy. Store in glass jars. ENJOY!

And just like that you have marigold infused body butter packed with skin supporting ingredients!

Living with Chronic Pain

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Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming but when you put a few tools into your toolbox you can start to feel empowered versus defeated. I have found combining traditional treatment with some holistic approaches is the perfect balance for living with chronic pain.

When I was first referred to a pain management specialist I was in my mid-thirties and had no real idea what it all meant. I knew that I was there to address chronic and ongoing back pain but was a little clueless about empowering myself with a few tools to help manage the pain. Over time I have gathered quite a bit of knowledge and found what works for me.

Tools for Living with Chronic Pain

A holistic approach to living with chronic pain means you bring together a variety of tools to help support you. Being open to trying things is key when looking for the right tool for you. Here are my top four tools in my toolbox.

Gratitude

Please don’t skip past this part because you think that there is no way gratitude can help your physical pain. Hear me out. Gratitude CAN in fact reroute your thinking from dwelling on pain to a better place. Get yourself a small notebook, a free app, or a document section on your computer and start with 3-5 things each day you are thankful for, and why. Listing off your family, friends, house and dog is fine and dandy, but discovering the feeling that is evoked in your is where the magic really is. Next, do a quick google search on the benefits of gratitude and you might just be convinced to give it a try. It is my #1 tool I reach for time and time again to help me live my best life while also living with chronic pain.

Self-Care

Find something, anything, that gives you comfort and joy. Allow this self-care practice to evolve and change over time and circumstances, but no matter what, you MUST care for yourself. This can be something like a bubble bath, a special cup of tea, a massage, learning a new skill, reading a book, buying yourself a special lotion, or anything else that comforts you. This is a daily requirement.

Movement

Nearly two decades ago, my rheumatologist told me that if I don’t move it, I will lose it. While there are some days living with chronic pain it seems inconceivable that moving would make me feel better, but it truly does. I have a little rule I follow–if I sit for 30 minutes, I must move for 15 minutes. A lap around the block usually does it. This constant motion keeps my joints lubricated and my muscles supple. I also incorporate water exercises, yoga, and mild strength training into the mix. Motion is lotion and I am firm believer in that. Those individuals who succumb to the aches and pains and opt to binge on Netflix day after day are probably in more pain than they would be had they chosen to move a little more. Try it and you might be surprised.

Reframing Your Thoughts

It is a slippery slope to think about, talk about and identify with a diagnosis. Learning to be mindful in the thoughts and words we chose as it relates to our pain is a powerful tool. I have found that catching my self saying things that “feed” the pain and diagnosis is something that I needed to nip right away. Rather than saying, “my pain is killing me”, I opt to think or say “my pain is present and I need to do something about it”. Or I simply feel it and then move on. Becoming consumed with the details of the diagnosis can overwhelm you and you can quickly sink into identifying as the diagnosis and lose yourself.

Listen to this podcast for more details about the power YOU have to build your holistic toolbox because you are so worth it.

Losing Heaviness

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Back when I was young, married and raising three people I was completely asleep when it came to self love. I was overweight and miserable. I was extremely heavy in all areas of my life. I did not like who I was. I was also very unaware at how much heaviness I was carrying in the terms of emotion. It became clear that when you love yourself, you take actions that care for yourself. I never connected that the heaviness I was in my body was a direct link to the heaviness in my emotions.

Losing Heavy Emotions

When I began to what I like to refer to as “wake up” and get healthy, I started to actually like who I was. I shed layers and layers of heavy stuff that was either put on me, or I put upon myself. Labels, disappointments, regrets, anger and so much more. I was finding dark shadows that were lurking in my heart that were asking to be let out.

Besides the practical tools I began to actually losing the physical weight, I also forgave others and accepted my circumstances. I began to surround myself with people who honored me and were good influences to a positive outlook on life. In doing this, I lost so much of the heavy feelings that were literally weighing me down.

Losing the Weight

The practical ways in which I lost weight were simple–I changed my habits. Recognizing what wasn’t working and learning to make a very conscious decision to change it was my new way. I swapped mindless habits for mindful living and the game changed.

Some of my strategies were:

  • Eating meals on small plates
  • Chewing gum while I cooked
  • Teaching others to do their dishes
  • Putting trigger foods out of sight
  • Making sure my walking shoes were always with me
  • Changing routines to avoid mindless eating (taking long baths, going for a walk, learning to garden)

You see these simple changes were to avoid be being unconscious. This influenced my snacking, my portions, and my then sedentary lifestyle choices. Many of these changes still remain part of my life.

By swapping out the mindless munching on snacks for bubble baths or a short walk, my mind was beginning to see the value in me. It is extraordinary what happens to a person’s soul when time is spent consistently alone on a walk. The changes that occurred both on the inside and outside were amazing. 

I began noticing myself.

I have spent a decade and a half living like these habits; mindful eating and multiple daily walks. I even became a yoga and meditation teacher. Basically transformed myself from an angry obese woman to a healthy and happy woman.

A vibrant life was mine. Once all the BS labels were shed, I found the true me and I found purpose.

Maintaining a light life.

While I have maintained a healthy weight for over 20 years, I have struggled with trusting my body. The multiple diagnoses I have received and the countless surgeries felt at times like a betrayal. In truth, I spent a solid 10 adult years living on double cheeseburgers, fries and chicken nuggets without a stitch of pain or health issues. Once I lightened up health issues began to surface.

I often ask myself how did I begin to develop inflammatory issues when I was now living my best life? My body’s ability to climb mountains, race bicycles, practice endless hours of yoga, walk miles and miles each day was endless.

And yet, my body was struggling. 

I have since learned to accept what is. Learning to continue on living an extraordinary happy and healthy life despite pain.Making daily choices around movement vs sitting. Or ice cream vs a single bite of dark chocolate. And binging on stupid tv vs a long bubble bath. I’ve been extremely happy with the self love I have discovered by nurturing myself.

Amazing how much healing can happen when you say yes to YOU.

Whether it is food choices, walking, yoga, mindfulness or even getting down with lifting weights learning to love myself has been a journey I am so grateful for. Listening to the inner calling of my purpose elevated my game beyond any number on a scale could have.

I have found trust in myself. And isn’t trust a much needed part of loving this life?

Take a listen to this podcast I recently did that expands on these ideas. I would love to hear how YOU have lighted up and lost heaviness.

How to Raise Your Vibration

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You have certainly heard the term “good vibes only”, right? I actually have a T-shirt that says it! Learning how to raise your vibration and live at a higher state of being is not easier than you might think. In fact with some simple adjustments to your attitudes, behaviors and choices you could easily raise your vibration and live in the good vibes only place.

What Does Raising Your Vibration Mean?

Just as music has various pitches and frequencies, we, too, emit vibrations that affect our mood, health, and overall wellbeing. Raising your vibration means increasing your frequency to a more positive, healthier level.  Everything in the universe, including us, is made up of energy vibrating at different frequencies. 

The Scale of Vibration Frequencies

The lower end of the scale includes emotions like fear, anger, guilt, shame, grief and sadness. Mid range emotions are things like contentment, courage, willingness, and neutrality. Higher frequencies include emotions like love, peace, joy, happiness, and gratitude.

As we go about our days the more we tend to land in the mid and upper frequencies the better we will feel and the higher our vibration will consistently remain.

How to Raise Your Vibration

There are several natural ways to raise your frequency and like anything, the more we practice the easier it becomes to consistently be in the “good vibes” zone.

Connect with Nature

Spending time in the great outdoors, or even tending to houseplants, can raise your vibration. Being with living things like trees, flowers, grasses, plants and animals provides an unparalleled source of high frequencies. Being exposed to the pure essence of life can do wonders for your frequency.

Change Your Thinking

Using positive affirmations, redirecting your thoughts from negativity to positivity, and becoming mindful of your everyday thoughts is a great starting point to raising your vibration. A gratitude practice has been shown to be a great source of wellbeing and can increase your vibration in a very short time. Also limiting negative influences can have a powerful impact on your thinking.

Movement

Consistently moving your body can positively impact your vibration.Exercise plays a critical role in stress management and as a result, when we are less stressed we are more resilient to the usual triggers that might shift us into fear and other low end frequencies. Regular physical movement can help clear mental clutter, allowing for a more focused and positive mindset.

Aromatherapy and Colors

Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts, typically essential oils, to promote health and well-being. Different scents have different effects; for example, lavender can be calming and relaxing, helping to reduce stress and elevate your vibration. Citrus scents, like orange or lemon, are known for their uplifting and energizing properties. I often say the plants that become oils that grow close to the ground will be calming. The plants that are higher up on the tree, typically elevate our mood and help us to feel higher up on the frequency scale. Likewise colors can impact your mood and energy. Colors are light of varying wavelengths; each color has a unique vibrational frequency. Bright, warm colors like yellow, orange, and red are often associated with energy, joy, and vitality, whereas cooler colors like blue and green are linked to calmness, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Feeding Your Body Well

Choosing to eat healthy and fresh foods are a great option for raising your frequency. The fresh plants that you eat are high-vibrational foods as they are those that are alive and full of natural energy. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Processed and packages foods have lost that vibrational essence and as a result can bring us down as they can contribute to feelings of lethargy and negativity due to the lack of nutritional value.

Want to learn a little more? This short YouTube video is a brief introduction to how to raise your vibrational frequency! Listen and let me know what you think!

Being Authentic

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Authenticity has been on my mind for the last few weeks. I often ask myself how authencity shows up in my daily choices, especially lately.

Am I trying hard to be something I am not? Am I revealing the honest parts of myself?

Truth is I have been emotionally absent to many for quite some time. I haven’t taught my special students with dementia since January. I have been unable to host yoga in my studio and feel that human connection until just very recently.

I find myself overwhelmed with the demands of each day while simply trying to heal. The healing process has been so challenging and energetically consuming.

You might see that I am doing work, or creating things, and continuing on “as if”.

Truth is, the “as if” is what helps me cope. The major lifestyle change and everyday pain I experience overcomes me. The effects of the surgeries and medications are grueling. Every little task takes so much effort.

Each day I choose to function as best I can and put in a solid amount of time “working “ on other areas of my business and finding things that bring me joy.

By 2pm everyday I am shutting down. I don’t engage much with the world as I am trying my hardest to simple exist without agony.

From the outside looking in, I appear that I am doing so well. The inside however is grieving and scared.

Each invite is an emotional negotiation. If I say yes, I am risking overwhelm. If I say no, I am risking loss.

I want you to know I am sorry.
I am simple acknowledging it and not justifying it.

I am truly doing my best. I am being my true self.

Making Lilac Jelly

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There’s something magical about lilacs in bloom as their fragrance catches on the breeze like a memory, soft and sweet, reminding us that beauty often arrives in the smallest moments.

Every spring, I find myself drawn to their delicate clusters—not just for their scent, but for the way they mark time. A fleeting season, a familiar rhythm, a sign that warmer days are finally here.

This year, I decided to capture a bit of that fleeting magic in a jar.

Making lilac jelly feels like bottling up spring. It’s subtle, floral, and just a touch old-fashioned—in the best possible way. Whether you’re new to floral jellies or a seasoned forager, this recipe is a lovely way to honor the season.

How to Make Lilac Jelly

First things first

  • Gather the blooms from your lilac bush
  • Pluck about 4 cups of flowers off the stems
  • Pour boiling water over the flowers to make a tea
  • I added a handful of blueberries to deep then color
  • Let it sit for 24 hours. You can keep it in the fridge up to 5 days if needed

Now you are ready

  • Get a large pot of boiling water or a water canning pot
  • Prepare your jars by heating them in the boiling water
  • Add the strained tea to a separate pot
  • Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Add 1/3 cup powdered pectin
  • Stir to remove clumps
  • Boil for one minute
  • Add 3 cups of sugar (one cup at a time)
  • Bring to a boil for one minute
  • Set aside for one minute, skimming off any foam

Let’s can the jelly

  • Scoop jelly into prepared jars
  • Wipe the edge of the jars and add lid and finger tight ring
  • Place in water bath for 10 minutes
  • Set jars aside somewhere to cool undistrubed
  • Can be stored up to one year (if they last that long)

How awesome is that? There is still time to make your own if you still have lilac blooms! Hurry, go!

There’s a quiet kind of joy in spreading something homemade onto warm toast, especially when it carries the scent of lilacs and the memory of spring mornings. Plus the pink color is just so amazing.

This jelly is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a way of slowing down, noticing what’s blooming, and savoring what won’t last forever.

Whether you gift it, save it, or spoon it straight from the jar, may it remind you to pause and find beauty in the simple things.

Lessons Learned

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They say we often learn the most during the hardest times. Having a total hip replacement earlier this year has definitely been packed with lessons. I have grown so much in the last couple months and despite the challenges, I am in some ways very grateful for this opportunity. It is my greatest hope that I will heal and continue to evolve into the best version I can, and also help others along the way.

My top lessons I have learned are:

  • Letting go of the “numbers” and instead listening to my body. For decades I have tracked my steps and calories to point of obsession. Since I am not walking as much, I have realized that the numbers are not a reflection of my worthiness or goodness. I have instead learned that tuning into my body and listening to how she feels instead of relying on an outcome or goal is way more joyful.
  • It is okay to receive. My whole life I have been one that relies solely on myself for success, accomplishment, comfort and most basic needs. I have learned the allowing others to give to me is not an indication of weakness. Instead, I have learned that receiving from others empowers both the giver and the receiver. How blessed I have been to be shown so much love.
  • Living equanimity is attainable. I chose the word equanimity this year and my intention was to remain steady no matter what life handed me. Despite infection, blood clots and many trips to the emergency room I was challenged greatly to remain steady and strong. Having daily gratitude is what has kept me steady. The intention that I set in the beginning of the year remains possible based on how I respond or react to the challenges I face. Remembering that I am in control of my thoughts is what grounds me.
  • Being more balanced. I have a tendency to give 100% to my work. I thrive in being productive and prior to hip replacement had very little time or energy outside of work. I have learned that I can work AND be balanced in other things that bring me joy.

Taking proactive steps every day to remain grateful is the key. The humbling this has taught me will propel me into something great. I encourage you to reflect on your own challenges and the lessons you may have learned through whatever life challenge you go through.

And for the millionth time–never dismiss what someone is going through because of their strength or project your experience onto someone else.

Maybe the greatest lesson is that my life may be different post hip replacement, and that is okay.

Changing of Seasons

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If we pay attention to the changing of seasons we notice that there are many subtle nuances. These often elusive distinctions are most noticed when we are living in the present moment.

The season I am in.

Like nature we too are constantly changing seasons. We have all experienced different junctions in life; college age, parenting, middle age, empty nest, retirement, etc. What about the little deeper subtle changes that within each season that occur?

As I am smack dab in my middle age season, I am humbled with the changes that are happening. I had planned to work really hard well into my 60’s. I had great intentions of hustling hard in my career for at least another fifteen years. But, my time in this season started to have physical challenges.

Life had other plans.

If you have been following me for long, you know I have had five hip surgeries on one hip over the last seven years. The last two attempts were within the previous three months. I have been writing about my insights and struggles as a way to distract myself. Perhaps it also gives help to others who are in the same boat.

The reality is my body is tired.

The Truth.

I had a rough week pain wise, but I am learning to leaning into what is. My pain is still very present and I have to tell myself often that it has only been two weeks since surgery. I reconcile it really has been three months since my first surgery and my endurance in the patience realm is fading fast.

At my follow up this week, my surgeon was very kind and also very real. He wants to keep a very close eye on me and watch how my body heals with a mindful watch of another hematoma. It was a hard thing to hear when told me that another 6 weeks minimum before I can really get back to my working life. I also realize what a blink that really is in the totality of my life.

The blood clots in my arm are still painful, and likely will be as they do what they do. I am seeing my hematologist soon to address all that. In the meantime I sport a snazzy sleeve and take blood thinners.

The Good.

The upside is I have been very blessed through this experience by people bringing me meals, financial support with groceries, lots of coffee deliveries, and generally TONS of love.

Those things will carry me.

I currently spend my days revamping my website, my Pinterest page and my YouTube channel. Taking short walks when I need a computer break is nice. I’ve been a guest on two podcasts recently and I bake a little on days when I feel up to it. I enjoy days in the sun when it peeks out.

What I have learned this week.

Much like nature, within our own lives there are seasons of blooms and growth, and seasons of dormancy and rest.

I am in that season of rest and dormancy but I trust that with proper respite and surrender, I will soon be blooming again.

Today, I am filled with hope for whatever comes with this season. Whatever it is, I am grateful and humbled.

Looking for Lessons

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It seems that many of us search for lessons in the challenging times or try to make sense of life when faced with hard times. Comparatively, I often wonder if we as humans also look for lessons in the joyful times? I did an inventory on some of my joys and my challenges to see if lessons could be found in both.

Looking for lesson in joy.

  • The magic of nature. Watching things grow from seed to harvest is a great source of lessons. We might give up on the seed, or find sadness when the bloom falls, or have expectations of a great harvest only to be let down. The lesson to trust the process and enjoy each stage is rich.
  • Raising children. There are plenty of moments of joy when you’re a parent. Sometimes the lessons come from the joyful times and sometimes from the heartache. The biggest lesson is learning to let go, which in the end will ultimately bring you more joy.
  • Finding purpose. When we align with our gift and use it for purpose we find joy. Finding our purpose leads us to living our best self. The sacrifice we often make to live our purpose brings intense lessons of grit, acceptance, and resiliency.
  • Simple pleasures. Baking bread happens to be my current simple pleasure and the lessons are plentiful. The rewards go far beyond the delicious taste of fresh bread into the lessons of patience and slowing down. Certainly baking bread is something that can fail with the smallest of errors so paying close attention to the details is key.

Looking for lesson in challenges.

  • Raising autism. I have shared many times the lessons I have learned raising a child with autism. The list is extensive, yet the most glaring lesson is that there is in fact goodness in what seems like devastation. A diagnosis is not the end of the world and in fact, just might open you up to a whole new gratifying perspective.
  • Chronic pain. Many times people, including myself, have looked for purpose in pain. The greatest lesson that I have learned is gratitude. Celebrating the days with minimal pain and acknowledging the people who support you and the random acts of generosity is imperative. Also, finding out that you are never alone in your pain can bring some sense of comfort. And finally, knowing that those who do not suffer are no better than those who do, they just have a different experience.
  • Loss and divorce. Face it, divorce is never easy. Even in the best of circumstances there is still great loss. The loss of a shared dream can bring lessons of self-reliance and resiliency. The loss of security can bring about tenacity. Within the loss, however if we truly look for it, we can find some pretty amazing lessons.

Do you think that gratitude plays a big part in the process of finding lessons? Although finding gratitude for the hard times can be a little more daunting than being thankful during moments of joy, I think it is the portal for many lessons.

Hip Replacement Surgery Update

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I feel like I have done this before….Oh wait, I have. A little over a week ago I had my second hip replacement surgery in just two months and this time it was a revision to the replacement. Another hopeful smooth sailing surgery with positive outcomes was the intention.

Of course the intention of the surgeon, who I admire and believe in 100%, was to remove the fluid and hematoma and get my hip functional. My intention was to trust and heal. Period. Just trust and heal.

Hip Replacements and revisions are not all the same.

Maybe someone out there will hesitate to tell their loved one how easy they are going to have it or how the recovery will be such a breeze. I will keep saying that over and over despite driving people crazy.

Hip Replacements and revisions are not all the same.

I knew going into the surgery that I would also be getting a picc line placed. A picc line is a long term IV that basically gives easy access to get IV antibiotics delivered into the body without having to poke often or deal with a peripheral IV. Sounded easy enough, but I was nervous as to how my body would respond to a plastic tubing in my chest given that every plastic, tape, or tubing inflames my skin and I end up being a blistered mess or having the culprits removed early.

The day after the picc line was placed, I noticed that my arm was very swollen. In quick fashion I was soon learning that I had a blood clot in my arm likely from the poke of the picc line. Gah. I had already been on blood thinners so this was surprising and alarming, to me.

I was discharged the following day and ready to heal at home. Unfortunately, my first full day home was spent in the ER with a very swollen arm and more blood clots. It was such a scary and surreal experience. The picc line was removed and what a sigh of relief that was.

I will say it again.

Hip Replacements and revisions are not all the same.

So I am faced with an impasse. Do I react or do I respond to these challenges?

A reaction is typically done so with force and effort, whereas a response is a leaning into and surrendering. If I react to the fact my arm is swollen with anger, how would that help me? If I accept that I have clots causing the pain, how would that help me?

Reaction vs Response

Even though this experience has been incredibly hard, I still believe 100% that reacting in a blame/shame/anger way is so not useful. Those emotions will not heal my hip.

Will responding and surrendering heal my hip? Maybe and maybe not. What I do know is that my heart will be happier and my mental health will be intact if I respond in kindness to what is happening.

Hip Replacements and revisions are not all the same.

My plan for healing is to enjoy the sunshine and the sounds of spring. I am going to reevaluate my life and what fits into the scope of peace and healing, and what doesn’t. Sometimes we have to face really hard challenges that shine a light into an area that has been darkened for a long time.

Stick around while I unearth some long overdue areas of darkness by responding to what is and what it all might mean for me. Check out the details of the week here.

Hip Replacement Surgery

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I have learned so much since my hip replacement surgery eight weeks ago. Some of the things I learned from the hip replacement process would be expected and others have been complete surprises.

My hip replacement on February 5th was much harder than I anticipated and it has been a true test of my patience and resiliency, so seeing the little shoots of green make their way through the hard winter soil is a good lesson for me to just stay the course. Sadly the course has made a major detour and I am heading back into surgery for a revision and to remove a large hematoma. I will be working closely with a team of doctors, including infectious disease, to make sure I am healthy and healing.

It is a devastating setback.

The major takeaways that I have learned from hip replacement surgery are:

  • Listen to your body
  • Trust yourself
  • Be patient
  • Fill your days with joy
  • Advocate for yourself

I head back into the throws of recovery from hip revision surgery this week so if it’s in your heart to send me some well wishes, I will gratefully accept them. If you’re curious about the details and would like to hear how the invitation to practice my word for the year — equanimity — is being played out. Take a listen to this.

My YouTube channel has a dedicated playlist of my hip replacement tips and tricks. I will be adding to them as we move along this time. I hope you find them useful.

Follow and subscribe for more goodness!

Must Knows for Hip Replacement

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If you been following me for the last month or so, you know I had total hip replacement six weeks ago. I have learned a bunch and came up with four “must knows” for hip replacement surgery. 

Of course there are countless other things you’ll need to know and anticipate but these are my top four must knows. 

Four Must Knows To Hip Replacement:

  • If you don’t already know yourself fairly well, make time before surgery to REALLY get to know YOU. Learn what you love, what brings you joy, and the inner whispers of your body. Practice how to speak truthfully and clearly to others because you will need to be precise with what you want from others and what you don’t want. Know ahead of time what you plan to do to distract yourself from pain and discomfort. Investigate ways you will pass the time while you are healing. 
  • Patience is going to be your new best friend. We have all heard of the people who recover quickly and without any complications. We also need to know that some people do have complications and hurdles to overcome. Assume you’ll be somewhere in between and get friendly with the idea of being very patient with your own healing process. 
  • Accomplish something everyday. Do one or two things every single day that will keep progress motion going. Take a hot shower, make a few phone calls, learn a new skill, put on a fun shirt, apply makeup, paint your nails, stretch your body, write an email, prepare an easy meal, or read a book. Try to not just whither away in front of the television. 
  • Develop boundaries around the “experts” who feel they know more about your body than you.  Everyone and I mean, everyone will have an opinion about your surgery and recovery. This is yours and only yours so you may have to have hard conversations with well meaning people. It is perfectly okay to tel people that their opinions are not useful. Truly, it is okay. Nobody will know exactly what you are going through so toss out their opinions with the weekly garbage. Again, know yourself and trust yourself to do what YOU need to heal.

Going into any major surgery the more tools that we can have in our toolbox the better we will navigate the challenges. These helpful tips go perfectly with all the other tools we have.

About Stacie

With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.