Coming This Summer: Garden Chats – A Mindful Living Series
There’s something quietly powerful about pausing with nature—about letting the warmth of the sun, the hum of bees, and the fragrance of blooming flowers remind us that life doesn’t have to be rushed.
This summer, I’m inviting you to join me in the garden for a new kind of gathering.
Garden Chats: A Summer Series of Mindful Living is a weekly YouTube Live experience where we slow down together. Starting June 22 and continuing through the end of summer, these free, heart-centered chats are open to anyone seeking gentle connection, reflection, and a breath of peace.
No script. No pressure. Just space.
What to Expect
Bring a cup of tea, your curiosity, or simply your quiet presence. Each week, I’ll go live from my garden to share thoughts on mindful living, healing, and being present with what is. Sometimes we’ll explore simple practices; other times, we’ll just talk about the real stuff—grief, growth, gratitude, and everything in between.
The days will vary, so make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel and have notifications turned on so you don’t miss a session.
Why the Garden?
The garden teaches patience. It reminds us to root, to bloom in our own time, and to trust in cycles of rest and renewal. It’s the perfect backdrop for conversations that nourish the soul.
You’re Invited
This is for you if you’re craving calm. If you want to reconnect with yourself. If you’re ready to welcome a little more meaning and stillness into your days.
If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.
Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.
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Hip Rehab Part 1: How to Activate Key Muscles After Surgery
After six hip surgeries and countless rounds of rehab, I’ve learned that healing isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters. Right now, that means going back to the foundation: muscle activation.
In this first post of my Hip Rehab Series, I want to share how I’m rebuilding strength from the inside out by focusing on simple but essential movements like pelvic tilts, bridges, and gentle core activation. These movements may look basic, but they’re powerful.
Why Activation Matters in Hip Rehab
When you’ve been through injury, surgery, or chronic pain, certain muscles can go offline. Your body finds workarounds — compensating with tension, poor movement patterns, or even instability in surrounding joints.
Before jumping into strength work or balance drills, we need to wake up the core players
• Glutes (especially gluteus medius and maximus)
• Deep core (like the transverse abdominis)
• Lower back stabilizers
• Hip flexors (gently and intentionally)
These muscles stabilize the pelvis and hip, and their activation sets the stage for everything that follows.
My Go-To Rehab Movements
Here are the three foundational exercises I return to, again and again — whether I’m starting over after surgery or just checking in with my body on a tough day.
1. Pelvic Tilts
A gentle way to reconnect with the core and learn how to move the pelvis intentionally.
• How I do it: Lying on my back, knees bent, feet flat. I gently tilt the pelvis back to flatten the low back against the floor, then return to neutral.
• Why it works: Helps engage the deep abdominal muscles and creates awareness in the lumbar spine and pelvis
2. Bridges
A classic for good reason — bridges activate the glutes, open the front of the hips, and encourage pelvic stability.
• How I do it: Same position as pelvic tilts, but I press through my heels to lift my hips while squeezing my glutes — then lower slowly.
• Tips: I focus on slow, controlled movements and pause at the top to make sure I’m engaging the glutes (not just my lower back).
3. Basic Core Activation
I focus on breath-led activation — gently drawing in the lower belly on the exhale while maintaining relaxed shoulders and jaw.
• How I do it: Sometimes I place hands on my belly and ribs to feel the breath and deepen the connection.
• Why it helps: Creates a strong center to support hip and pelvic movement. Think of it as turning on the light switch before entering the room.
Why I’m Returning to These Basics
After all my surgeries — and especially this latest one — I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is go back to the beginning with compassion and patience.
These foundational exercises help me:
Rebuild from a place of alignment
Reduce compensation patterns
Set the stage for long-term strength
They’re also a reminder that simple is not weak. These movements challenge me to slow down, breathe deeply, and move with awareness.
A Gentle Reminder
Whether you’re recovering from surgery or simply trying to reconnect with your body, these small movements matter. You don’t have to push through pain or skip steps. Healing happens in the quiet, intentional moments.
In my next post, I’ll share how I layer in functional strength and stability, but for now — I’m honoring this phase. One breath, one bridge, one tilt at a time.
Post-Hip Replacement Rehab Series ? Part 1 | Gentle Core & Hip Activation for Healing. If you would prefer a seated version of Hip Activation, please visit this video.
If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.
There’s a quiet moment in practice—a soft pause—when we begin to draw inward. The world continues on around us, but something shifts. We are no longer reaching out. We are returning home.
This is pratyahara.
Often described as the withdrawal of the senses, pratyahara is less about escaping the world and more about creating space to listen—to yourself, to your breath, to the silence that speaks beneath the surface.
The Art of Gentle Withdrawal
In a culture that celebrates constant input, pratyahara invites the opposite: stillness. It’s the conscious choice to soften your gaze, to lower the volume, to turn your attention inward—not with resistance, but with reverence.
For me, pratyahara often shows up in the smallest ways:
Pausing before I respond.
Stepping away from screens.
Resting my eyes in meditation or supported savasana.
Noticing the wind on my skin or the rhythm of my own heartbeat.
It’s not about ignoring the senses. It’s about shifting where we place our attention.
How I Practice Pratyahara
Like all the limbs of yoga, pratyahara is a living, breathing practice. Some days it’s more formal; other days it’s a quiet decision in the middle of daily life. Here’s how I gently invite it into my own rhythms:
Guided Relaxation or Yoga Nidra – A sacred practice of conscious rest and internal awareness.
Soft Eye Gaze or Eye Pillow – Letting the eyes rest to encourage inward reflection.
Intentional Silence – Even just 5 minutes of quiet each day can recalibrate the nervous system.
Unplugged Walks in Nature – Tuning in to the breath and the heartbeat instead of the noise.
Pratyahara reminds me that I don’t need to chase peace outside myself. It’s already here, waiting in the stillness.
A Loving Return to Yourself
In many ways, pratyahara is the bridge between the outer world and the deeper practices of meditation and contemplation. It’s where we begin to turn the dial down on distraction and up on truth. On presence. On peace.
Even just one mindful breath taken with intention is a form of pratyahara.
So the next time the world feels too loud, too fast, or too much—close your eyes. Come home. The sacred lives there.
If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.
My favorite example of what Yoga really is comes from my first Yoga teacher training. We learned the Yoga principles make up very important aspects to the practice. The teacher shared that Yoga is best described as a bicycle wheel where only one of the spokes on the wheel has to do with the body (asana), and the rest of the spokes is how we show up in the world.
What are the Yamas?
The Yamas are best described as five guidelines or principles in which we relate to others and the world around us. Another spoke of the wheel (the Niyamas) relate to our own personal guidelines and relating to the Self. When we understand and apply these guidelines to our life we can begin to see we are truly living our Yoga.
Ahimsa
(non-violence). When I first began practicing Yoga I thought ahimsa meant I had to give up eating meat, which I did for a while. It is actually much more than that. Violence begins in our thoughts and goes outward to our actions, and our words. Violence can also relate to how we treat the Earth. Our actions have profound effects on others and the world, so living a non violent way can impact people as well as animals and plants.
Satya
(truth). Satya is truthfulness, but it’s more than just telling the truth. The word ‘sat’ literally translates as ‘true essence’ or ‘unchangeable’. One example of how living Satya exists is how we present ourselves to others and how we relate from the space of truth. For example, exaggerating facts to appear more extreme, or withholding facts to appear more pure, are acts that do not align with Satya. Also the thoughts about others and the stories we make up about others can relate to this Yama.
Asteya
(non stealing). We often think of stealing in the material sense, but this Yama is much more than that. To live asteya means we are mindful to not steal someone else’s grief by comparing it with our own grief. It also means that we do not steal someone’s celebration by becoming envious. Further, it is an honoring of one’s time and not “stealing” their resources to benefit us. Oh, and stealing their donut off their desk counts, too.
Brahmacharya
(moderation of the senses/right use of energy). In the ancient origins of Yoga this may have been interpreted as a form of celibacy, which no longer applies in our modern world of Yoga. Instead, this Yama actually can mean that we are aware of where we invest our energy. Another way to see this is directing our energy away from external desires and instead, towards finding peace and happiness within ourselves. Participating in drama and gossip is a form of energy that is not a useful place to invest in.
Aparigraha
(non-greed). This important Yama teaches us to take only what we need, keep only what serves us in the moment and to let go when the time is right. This can be in a literal sense as it relates to materialism but it can also lean towards a greediness of demands on someone else where expectations are high. Holding onto relationships, people, jobs, money and other areas can be a form of greed.
Reflecting on the Living the Yamas
We can learn that Yoga is much more than laying on the floor and creating shapes with our bodies. As we do, it is important to remember that while we are practicing the physical part of Yoga, we can infuse all of these Yamas into the time on the mat (or in a chair). For example, when we expect and demand that we have our “spot” in the yoga studio, or when we put too much focus on perfecting our headstand, or we push our bodies into pain we have just been harming, untruthful, greedy, and not using our energy appropriately.
Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.
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.
If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.
“As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise, you will miss most of your life.” — Buddha
A Day in the Life: My Mindful Routine
Mindfulness is more than a practice—it’s a way of living that allows us to stay present, reduce stress, and embrace each moment with intention. Over the years, I’ve developed a daily routine that supports my healing, fosters inner peace, and helps me move through my day with more awareness and gratitude. In this post, I’ll walk you through my mindful routine, offering practical tips that you can incorporate into your own life. If you’d like a deeper dive, be sure to check out my podcast episode on this very topic!
Morning Mindfulness Rituals
The way we start our day sets the tone for everything that follows. Instead of rushing into the morning, I take time to ease in with intention.
Breath Awareness: Before getting out of bed, I take a few deep breaths, tuning in to my body and setting an intention for the day.
Gratitude Practice: I reflect on three things I’m grateful for, which shifts my mindset toward appreciation.
Gentle Movement: A short stretching or chair yoga practice helps awaken my body and ease any stiffness.
Mindful Sipping: I make my morning tea or coffee a ritual, savoring each sip instead of mindlessly drinking while multitasking.
Try This: Before reaching for your phone in the morning, take five deep breaths and set an intention for your day. Notice how it shifts your mindset!
Midday Practices for Presence and Grounding
The middle of the day can often feel hectic, so I incorporate small mindful moments to stay balanced and centered.
Mindful Eating: I slow down and focus on my meals, appreciating the flavors, textures, and nourishment they provide.
Stretch Breaks: Gentle stretching or a short movement break helps prevent stiffness and resets my energy.
Fresh Air & Stillness: Stepping outside, even for a few minutes, to breathe deeply and notice my surroundings keeps me grounded.
Pause & Reset: If I feel overwhelmed, I take a few conscious breaths to recenter.
Try This: Set a reminder on your phone to take a deep breath and stretch mid-afternoon. A few mindful moments can bring a fresh sense of clarity to your day.
Evening Wind-Down and Reflection
As the day comes to a close, I focus on slowing down and preparing my mind and body for rest.
Digital Detox: I set aside my phone at least an hour before bed to reduce stimulation.
Journaling: I write down a few reflections on my day, focusing on what brought me joy and what I learned.
Restorative Yoga or Breathwork: A few minutes of gentle stretching or deep breathing helps signal to my body that it’s time to relax.
Gratitude Reflection: Before closing my eyes, I think of three positive moments from my day.
Try This: Before bed, take a few moments to reflect on something that went well today. It can be a small win, a kind interaction, or a moment of peace.
Encouraging Your Own Mindful Routine
Mindfulness isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Your routine doesn’t have to look exactly like mine; the key is to find small, meaningful ways to weave mindfulness into your day. Whether it’s taking deep breaths in the morning, savoring your meals, or ending the day with gratitude, every mindful moment adds up to a more intentional life.
If you’re curious to hear more about how mindfulness supports my journey, tune in to my podcast episode, A Day in the Life: My Mindful Routine. I’d love to hear about your own mindful practices—feel free to share in the comments!
If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Picasso
The Healing Power of Giving: How Baking Bread Connects Me to Kindness
Pain has a way of making our world feel small. When we’re struggling—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—it’s easy to become consumed by what we’ve lost or what feels out of reach. For me, my journey with chronic pain and the inability to work in assisted living has been a deeply challenging transition. But I’ve found that one of the most powerful ways to shift my focus away from what I can’t do is to pour my energy into something kind, something bigger than myself. For me, that something is baking bread.
Every week, I bake fresh sourdough loaves for a church that feeds the homeless. There is something profoundly healing about mixing just three simple ingredients—flour, water, and salt—into a wholesome, nourishing loaf. But the true magic lies in the love and intention that go into each batch. With every stretch and fold of the dough, I pour in my care. As the bread rises, so does my heart. And when I place those warm loaves into the hands of someone in need, I feel a connection that transcends my own struggles.
Science supports this too.
Acts of kindness release endorphins, reduce stress, and even lower levels of pain. When we give from the heart, we create meaning in the midst of our own suffering. Baking bread has become more than just an act of service; it’s a form of therapy, a way to stay connected to purpose when my body limits me in other ways. It reminds me that even when I can’t show up in assisted living facilities like I once did, I can still contribute in a meaningful way.
I talk more about this on my podcast, where I share how acts of kindness can be a profound part of our own healing. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own pain, I invite you to listen and explore ways to shift your focus outward. Maybe for you, it’s writing letters, making meals, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need. Whatever it is, I promise—it will not only lift others but will also lift you.
So, the next time you’re feeling lost in your own pain, ask yourself:
What can I do for someone else today? The answer might just bring a little healing to your own heart.
If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.
Life is full of challenges—whether it’s navigating health struggles, career transitions, or personal setbacks. When faced with obstacles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. But what if we could approach these challenges with a mindset of resilience instead of resistance?
Mindfulness offers us a way to shift our perspective. It helps us stay present, accept what is, and move forward with clarity and strength. In this post, we’ll explore how to develop a resilient mindset, how mindfulness supports us in difficult times, and a guided practice to help you ground yourself in strength.
The Mindset Shift: From Resistance to Resilience
When we encounter hardship, our natural response is often resistance. We ask, Why is this happening to me? or How do I make this go away? But resistance only amplifies suffering. Instead of pushing against reality, mindfulness teaches us to acknowledge what’s happening and respond with awareness rather than reactivity.
A powerful mindset shift is moving from Why me? to What now? Instead of seeing challenges as barriers, we can reframe them as opportunities for growth. We may not control what happens to us, but we can control how we meet it.
Using the Body to Support the Mind
Our thoughts and emotions don’t just exist in the mind—they show up in the body. Stress and anxiety can manifest as tension, shallow breathing, or restlessness. When we engage the body through movement or breathwork, we send a message to the nervous system that we are safe, capable, and grounded.
Simple practices like deep breathing, gentle movement, or even placing a hand on the heart can help bring a sense of calm and stability during difficult moments.
Rewriting Your Inner Dialogue
What we tell ourselves matters. If our inner dialogue is filled with self-criticism or fear, it reinforces a sense of powerlessness. But when we consciously choose thoughts that support resilience, we shift our experience.
Try this simple journal prompt: Think of a current challenge you’re facing. Instead of focusing on what’s difficult, ask yourself: What is this challenge teaching me? How have I already shown strength in navigating it?
By changing the way we speak to ourselves, we cultivate self-compassion and confidence in our ability to handle life’s ups and downs.
A Guided Mindfulness Practice: Grounding in Strength
Mindfulness is a tool that can help us feel more resilient in the face of challenges. Below is a short guided practice to help you reconnect with your inner strength.
Step 1: Grounding the Body
Find a comfortable position—seated or lying down. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a deep breath in… and a long, slow breath out. Feel the support of the ground beneath you.
Step 2: Breath Awareness
Bring awareness to your breath. No need to change it—just notice it. As you inhale, imagine drawing in strength. As you exhale, release tension. Try repeating silently to yourself: • Inhale: I am strong. • Exhale: I release what I cannot control.
Step 3: Reframing Challenge with Gratitude
Think of a challenge you’re facing. Instead of resisting it, acknowledge it with openness. Say to yourself, This is what I’m experiencing right now, and I am open to growth.
Now, shift your focus. Is there something this challenge has taught you? Even in difficult moments, there is always something to be grateful for—whether it’s support from a loved one, personal growth, or newfound wisdom.
Step 4: Affirmations for Resilience
Repeat the following affirmations silently or out loud: • I am stronger than I realize. • I trust in my ability to navigate challenges. • Every challenge brings an opportunity for growth. • I meet obstacles with grace and resilience.
Step 5: Closing the Practice
Take a final deep breath in… and let it go. Gently bring awareness back to your surroundings. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Open your eyes when you’re ready. Carry this sense of strength with you into the rest of your day.
Final Thoughts
Challenges are an inevitable part of life, but with mindfulness, we can meet them with greater ease and resilience. By shifting our mindset, engaging the body, and practicing self-compassion, we strengthen our ability to navigate difficult times.
What’s one challenge you’re facing right now? How can you approach it with more mindfulness and self-compassion? Take a moment to reflect, and remember—resilience is not about never struggling; it’s about knowing you have the tools to keep going.
If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.
The Benefits of Mindfulness and How to Apply It to Daily Life
In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, practicing mindfulness offers a powerful way to bring peace, clarity, and intention to our daily lives. Mindfulness is more than just meditation—it’s about being fully present in each moment, engaging our senses, and fostering awareness in everything we do. From baking to conversations, movement to creativity, mindfulness can transform the way we experience life. Let’s explore the benefits of mindfulness and simple ways to apply it to everyday activities.
The Benefits of Mindfulness
Reduces Stress and Anxiety – By focusing on the present moment, mindfulness helps reduce worries about the past or future, creating a sense of calm.
Enhances Emotional Well-Being – Mindfulness encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation, leading to greater resilience and happiness.
Improves Focus and Concentration – Being mindful strengthens our ability to concentrate, making us more efficient in our tasks.
Encourages Gratitude and Enjoyment – When we slow down and appreciate small moments, we cultivate gratitude and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Supports Physical Health – Studies show that mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and even enhance immune function.
Applying Mindfulness to Everyday Life
Mindful Baking and Cooking
Instead of rushing through meal preparation, approach cooking and baking as a meditative practice. Focus on the textures, aromas, and colors of your ingredients. Feel the warmth of the oven, listen to the sound of chopping vegetables, and savor each bite with full awareness. Cooking becomes more than just a task—it turns into an act of nourishment and creativity.
Mindful Movement
Whether walking, stretching, or practicing yoga, movement can be an opportunity to connect with your body. Notice the way your muscles engage, how your breath flows, and the sensations in your joints. By moving with awareness, you cultivate a stronger mind-body connection and reduce physical tension.
Mindful Crocheting and Creative Activities
Engaging in creative activities like crocheting, painting, or knitting can be deeply meditative. Focus on the rhythm of each stitch, the feel of the yarn between your fingers, and the evolving pattern. Let creativity be a moment of presence rather than an outcome-driven task.
Mindful Thinking and Conversations
Mindfulness in our thoughts means becoming aware of how we talk to ourselves. Notice negative self-talk and gently shift toward self-compassion. In conversations, practice active listening—truly hearing what the other person is saying rather than planning your next response. This fosters deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.
Mindful Interaction with Others
Be fully present when engaging with loved ones, colleagues, or even strangers. Put away distractions, maintain eye contact, and offer your full attention. Simple acts, like genuinely asking how someone is doing and truly listening, can enhance relationships and create a more compassionate world.
Final Thoughts
Mindfulness isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. By incorporating small moments of awareness into daily activities, we create a more fulfilling, balanced, and peaceful life. Whether through baking, moving, creating, thinking, or connecting, mindfulness transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Start today by choosing one daily activity to practice with full awareness—you might be surprised at the joy and peace it brings.
Consider joining my free Facebook group called 365 Days of Mindfulness for daily tips and community building of mindful people.
Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected ways. No matter how carefully we plan, how much effort we put in, or how much we wish for a certain outcome, things don’t always go as we hoped. But there’s a beautiful truth in the words of John Wooden:
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”
This quote is a powerful reminder that our experience of life isn’t just shaped by what happens to us—it’s shaped by how we respond to it. Challenges, setbacks, and disappointments are inevitable, but our perspective and attitude determine whether we feel defeated or find opportunities for growth.
Shifting Perspective
When life takes an unexpected turn, our initial reaction might be frustration or sadness. It’s natural to feel this way, but after the initial emotions settle, we have a choice: we can resist what is or we can embrace it and find a way forward. The people who thrive aren’t necessarily the ones with the easiest path; they’re the ones who adapt, learn, and grow from whatever comes their way.
This doesn’t mean ignoring difficult feelings or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it’s about acknowledging reality while choosing to focus on solutions, lessons, and possibilities.
Finding Gratitude in the Unexpected
Some of life’s greatest blessings come disguised as disappointments. A missed job opportunity might lead to a better one. A difficult breakup might create space for personal growth and a deeper relationship in the future. Even in the midst of hardship, there are often hidden gifts waiting to be uncovered.
One way to shift our mindset is through gratitude. When we take time to appreciate what we still have, even in challenging moments, we cultivate resilience. Gratitude doesn’t erase difficulties, but it changes how we experience them.
Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
History is full of stories of people who turned setbacks into success simply by shifting their perspective. J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter after experiencing financial hardship and rejection. Oprah Winfrey overcame early career failures to become one of the most influential voices in media. These individuals didn’t let obstacles define them; they used them as stepping stones.
I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately as I prepare for my seventh hip surgery—my fourth in just the past 12 months. Having my total hip replacement removed is not a journey I ever expected to take, and there have been moments of deep frustration, grief, and uncertainty. But through this experience, I’ve also found incredible lessons in resilience, patience, and self-compassion. While I wouldn’t have chosen this path, I’m choosing to embrace it, finding strength in small victories and gratitude in the support around me.
We can do the same in our own lives. The next time life takes an unexpected turn, ask:
What can I learn from this?
How can I grow through this experience?
Where is the hidden opportunity?
By making the best of how things turn out, we open ourselves up to new paths, deeper wisdom, and a greater sense of peace.
Embracing Life as It Comes
Life isn’t about having everything go according to plan. It’s about navigating the twists and turns with an open heart and a resilient spirit. When we learn to accept, adapt, and find meaning in every experience, we realize that things really do turn out best—because we make the best of them.
What’s a time in your life when things didn’t go as planned but turned out better in the end? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.
As I approach the one-year mark since my hip replacement surgery, I find myself reflecting on the journey.. This past year of hip replacement recovery has been a profound teacher, showing me the power of patience, resilience, and self-compassion. I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear; some days feel like giant leaps forward, while others require grace for the setbacks.
Strength doesn’t just come from physical therapy but also from the mindset we cultivate. What has been most helpful is staying consistent with gratitude, listening to my body’s cues, and surrounding myself with support—whether from professionals, loved ones, or fellow warriors on a similar path. On the other hand, what hasn’t been helpful is the pressure to “bounce back” quickly or compare my progress to others. Healing happens in its own time, and learning to honor that has been one of the greatest lessons of all.
I believe that beyond the practical advice we are given for recovering from a total hip replacement, if we learned to add mindfulness into the process we will embrace whatever comes our way. Mindful recovery means we look deeply at our thoughts, words and actions everyday.
Through reflection and mindfulness I have looked back at this year and created what I have found to be helpful and not helpful, and the lessons I have learned.
What is Helpful
I have spent the last year learning what is helpful in my recovery. In addition to a daily gratitude practice, here are my top perspective take-aways:
Hearing the words “I am sorry” goes a long, long way when you are in a challenging situation
Being asked “how can I help” feels so supportive
Having someone ask questions like “how are you doing emotionally” can be game changers
What is NOT Helpful
On the other side of what is helpful, I found things completely not helpful. Here is my quick list:
Blaming the doctor, the hospital or the patient serves no good
Suggesting that I sue the surgeon or the hospital is a waste of time
Comparing my experience with anyone else’s
Being exposed to negativity and toxic energy
Hearing “you’ll be fine” or “tomorrow will be better”
Life’s challenges often serve as our greatest teachers, offering lessons that shape our resilience, perspective, and inner strength. Difficult experiences push us beyond our comfort zones, forcing us to adapt, grow, and find meaning in hardship. While struggles can feel overwhelming in the moment, they often reveal our capacity for perseverance and self-discovery.
Through these trials, we learn the importance of patience, self-compassion, and the support of others. Every setback carries a hidden lesson, whether it’s the value of slowing down, the power of gratitude, or the realization that we are stronger than we ever imagined. In the end, challenges don’t define us—they refine us.
Lessons Learned
I was able to reflect on the last year and compile my top lessons that I have learned. Here they are:
Every single day you MUST find joy
Learning to ask for help can be the greatest gift you can give yourself
Accepting help from others can be good for you and others
Practicing the great pause
In this video I capture the details of the helpful and not helpful thoughts as well as the lessons learned. I also give the much anticipated update and next steps for my recovery. Sadly, another surgery is around the corner.
To see the entire journey, click here and you will see my entire playlist devoted to the total hip replacement journey.
Feeling super lost, unfocused, cranky? Wonder what meditation is all about? Do you have to be perfectly still? Check this out!
Meditation offers a wide range of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some key advantages:
Mental Benefits
1. Reduces Stress: Lowers cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.
2. Enhances Focus: Improves attention and concentration.
3. Boosts Emotional Health: Encourages positive thinking and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
4. Increases Self-Awareness: Helps you connect with your thoughts and emotions.
5. Improves Memory: Supports better retention and cognitive function.
Physical Benefits
1. Lowers Blood Pressure: Supports heart health by reducing stress-related hypertension.
2. Improves Sleep: Helps you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper rest.
3. Boosts Immunity: Reduces inflammation and supports overall health.
4. Relieves Pain: Eases chronic pain by increasing body awareness.
Spiritual Benefits
1. Encourages Inner Peace: Creates a sense of calm and harmony.
2. Deepens Connection: Fosters a sense of oneness with yourself and the world.
3. Enhances Gratitude: Cultivates a mindful appreciation for life.
Practical Benefits
1. Improves Decision-Making: Helps with clear thinking under pressure.
2. Supports Productivity: Balances mental energy for better performance.
3. Encourages Patience: Builds resilience in stressful situations.
Even just a few minutes of daily meditation can yield noticeable benefits.
Try this simple meditation to get you started!
With over seventeen years of experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-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 featured on Insight Meditation and all major podcast platforms featuring her podcast Embracing Wisdom with Stacie.
In a world that often feels fast-paced and self-centered, the act of serving others stands as a profound counterbalance—a way to connect, inspire, and build a greater sense of purpose. Service to others doesn’t require grand gestures or vast resources. Instead, it begins with small, heartfelt acts of kindness that ripple outward, creating an impact far greater than we might imagine.
Why Service Matters
When we serve others, we tap into a deeper sense of humanity. Science and spirituality alike remind us that helping others not only benefits the recipient but also nurtures the giver. Acts of service release oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, fostering connection and joy. Beyond this, service cultivates empathy, strengthens communities, and reminds us of the beauty of interdependence.
Small Steps Toward Big Impact
Often, we underestimate the power of small actions. A simple smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture can brighten someone’s day. What may seem ordinary to us can be extraordinary to someone in need. Consider volunteering a few hours at a local shelter, helping a neighbor with groceries, or simply being present for a friend who needs to talk. These moments of service weave a tapestry of kindness that uplifts everyone involved.
Cultivating the “Greater Good”
The “greater good” begins with individual intention. When we act with selflessness and compassion, we inspire others to do the same. Imagine a world where these acts multiply—where kindness becomes contagious and communities are transformed. By cultivating an attitude of service, we contribute to a collective spirit of unity and hope.
Reflect and Engage
Take a moment to reflect: How can you serve today? Perhaps it’s through your talents, your time, or simply your willingness to listen. Every action, no matter how small, carries the potential to plant seeds of positivity that will grow and flourish in ways you may never witness.
As we move forward, let us remember the power of service. Together, we can build a world rooted in compassion, one act of kindness at a time. Serving others isn’t just an act—it’s a way of being, a path to cultivating the greatest good within ourselves and our communities.
What will your next step be in creating this ripple of service?
