How to Make the Best of Life’s Challenges: A Guide to Resilience and Growth

Making the Best of the Way Things Turn Out

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!

Hip Replacement Recovery

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.

Hip Replacement Revision

Part Two.

Earlier this year in February I had a total hip replacement. In April, there was signs something was wrong so we did a revision and washed it out, had a series of unfortunate complications, and then just this past week, another hip surgery. That makes three this year alone and six total on my left hip. I have a whole series of vlog videos walking through the journey in a mindful way here.

First of all, thank you to everyone who has texted or messaged me this last week. It has been a whirlwind of preparation and then reality.

The surgery was done late Thursday. The surgeon said the entire joint capsule around my hip had “erupted” and was torn to bits. He said it was completely open and torn, causing the large amount of pain and swelling.

The infectious disease doctor also shared how horrific it was from his standpoint. He said he had never seen so much shredded tissue and he had no idea how I functioned. He walked in and said before we talk germs I have to say you are one “strong woman because I can’t imagine being able to function with that much shredding inside” ? He said the capsule had literally exploded.

The surgeon replaced the ball and cup liner as the liner was already showing wear with an irregular contact with ball as if something slipped. He got it functional and feels that caused the capsule to fill and pop. Thankfully I never dislocated which is shocking given I had minimal tissue around the joint itself. Thankfully my surgeon who installed the hip in February did an amazing job.

Next we wait on cultures but everything thus far looks good as far as bacteria.

The pain is unbelievable. So much more than the actual joint replacement and sadly the use of my chronic pain meds limits the options for adding anything stronger. So I am icing. Resting. And doing what I can.

I am grateful to be home so I can manage my pain and be as comfortable as possible. Sitting and laying on the ol buns hurts so much so navigating on my side and belly with the wedge in my legs is quite a sight.

The restrictions as pretty intense and the mindfulness required with walking and moving is crazy. It will get easier.

We are all optimist the joint will function and also extremely cautious with the tissue and surrounding area, as well as all the sutures used to rebuild a capsule.

Once again, so grateful for all the love and support in my life.

Hip Replacement Update

Many have asked and wondered how the ol’ hip replacement is healing. The hip is eh…the arm is not.

I have gone back to work and mostly doing what I want to be doing….however the pain is still very prominent. I adjust things constantly and have adapted almost everything in my life so that I can carry on. It still takes great effort to do everyday things. I stopped using a cane awhile ago because it was aggravating my arm…more on that.

I will see the infectious disease doctor later this month to check status of the infection.

When the infection arose I had a picc line (IV) placed and that caused a blood clot in my arm. Then my body made more clots. The blood clots in my arm have taken up space and seem to like living there rent free. Sadly, after a recent ultrasound it shows the veins are chronically inflamed and damaged from the DVT and superficial clots. The solution is finding comfort and not aggravating it. She suggested not lifting anything heavy or doing heavy work and minimize stretching it.

She also said this is permanent damage that rarely resolves.

So there is that.

It seems my adult life has been one opportunity after another to show up, to be strong and forge through challenges.

I am so so so grateful that I have the strength I do.

Onward.

Being Authentic

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.

Having Hope

Hope is a function of struggle—we develop hope not during the easy or comfortable times, but through adversity and discomfort. Hope is forged when our goals, pathways, and agency are tested and when change is actually possible. ~Brené Brown

Hope is a wish for things to change for the better and sadly we have to be uncomfortable in order to have hope. Hope really doesn’t cultivate during times of ease and pleasure. Whether we hope our vacation is relaxing because our lives are stressful, or we hope we get better because we have fallen sick. Hope is hope and typically only comes when we are in a less than desired situation.

I have given it my all when it comes to looking this hip replacement recovery square in the eye and challenging it to knock me down. Each and every day I wake with hope and an attitude to go about as if.

As if my body will begin her sweet steps towards healing. Also as if the discomfort of constant pain will dissipate. And, we can’t forget the living as if everything is fine and dandy.

Elements of Hope

According to Dr. Randy Ross, hope is wildy misunderstood. It’s not wishful thinking or simply having a positive attitude. He has also isolated four elements of hope including positivity, responsibility, agility, and reality. These for elements have made up every day of my life long before the hip saga.

Raising three humans alone and navigating multiple disabilities in my daughter forced me for the last 30 years to remain positive, responsible, agile and have a great fortitude for the reality of my situation. Currently, my days are spent navigating the spectrum of reality and welcoming in the idea that my pain and recovery simply sucks. That is the reality.

So, as my BFF Brené says, I have been tested and I have changed. I believe in the end it will all be for the better because who wants to be the same person they were a year ago anyway?

Funny how the adversities of life can bring about the most pivotal changes in one’s life.


I have a little more to say about hope and you can watch it here.

Lessons Learned

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.

Finding Joy in Hard Times

It is easy to find joy during times in our life when everything appears to be in place. We find joy in the lazy Sundays before the yard work for the season takes over. Finding joy is easy when we are sipping drinks on the beach enjoying a deserved vacation. The simple joy of being around young children who find pleasure in just being alive is packed with joy.

What about when life is hard?

How do we find joy during the painful seasons of life? When the daily grind overcomes every corner of our life. The chores are endless. Or our aging parents need constant care. Perhaps our lives are full of the demands of school age children and we have little self care time. The chronic pain that many live with makes finding joy nearly impossible.

Looking for moment of joy

After my last hip surgery, the complications have seemed to be endless. Infections, blood clots, multiple visits to the ER seem to have taken over my life. Constant doctor appointments and conversation about my pain is exhausting.

Until I chose joy.

There are always moments of joy. Waking up to the sound of a spring bird is joy. Watching as the trees begin to bloom is joy. Smelling the first cut grass of the season is joy. Carefully nurturing the garden seedlings is joy. Laying your hands in sourdough bread dough is joy. Tasting the fruits of your labor slathered in butter is joy.

We are going to be okay

Looking back at life, there are countless times when it is easy to see that indeed we did end up okay. When we are in the vortex of struggles it is nearly impossible to see it, but I do believe it is there.

We will be okay. I will be okay. You will be okay.

Must Knows for Hip Replacement

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.

Evolving Self-Care

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” —Eleanor Brownn

Self care Mastery

Over the years I have become a master at self care and what I once thought of as purely selfish or saved for the elite has long since diminished. When I had my great “wakeup” I realized that self-care is actually a necessity to living a whole and complete life. I learned that loving myself meant taking time for certain things that bring me joy and in doing that, I am able to more effectively give to others.

Self-care doesn’t have to be weekly (and often expensive) things like massages, facials or extravagant shopping sprees. Self-care should be simple in nature and definitely doesn’t need to cost a lot. It might be that taking the time to perfectly craft your coffee in the afternoon is your version of self-care–in fact, since I am not out and about as much while I recover from hip replacement, I have found sprinkling a little ground cinnamon on my afternoon coffee to be a fabulous substitute to my usual coffee shop Americano. It may be that your self-care is gardening, or baking bread (YES!), or a solo walk, or organizing your office, or a long shower with special smelling soap, or sitting in the sunshine, or the occasional binge on Netflix.

Self Care Before Surgery:

My self-care before surgery was long, long walks everyday and vigorous strength training sessions. It was also daily coffee(s), Yoga, and weekly massages. My self-care post surgery has changed quite a bit but I am still committed to making sure that I am loving on myself every single day. When I redirect my thoughts away from pain and towards something that brings me joy, I am practicing the best kind of self care there is. I am no longer taking long, long walks or hiking in the mountains. I am not getting on the floor for Yoga, or taking long bubble baths, or splurging on multiple trips to a coffee shop throughout my day. Since I am unable to do some of those things due to limitations in mobility, driving myself and being off work for two months, I have evolved my self-care to fit my current situation.

Self Care After Surgery:

  • Long hot showers instead of bubble baths
  • Daily affirmations (I have used affirmations for years, but being a bit more intentional about them)
  • Making anything and everything sourdough (who knew how fun that could be?)
  • Dabbling more in aromatherapy when I feel my mood changing to a negative one
  • Using and enjoying my crystals in a deliberate way
  • Jigsaw puzzles, digital planning and a lot of iPad goodness
  • Easy stretching and spine work
  • Making soothing DIY skin products
  • Being creative and productive every day

I have come to realize that self-care is a constantly evolving practice. I know for me that being productive and using my creative nature to accomplish something everyday brings me joy. That something might be baking a gorgeous loaf of sourdough, or completing a challenging jigsaw puzzle, working on a new project, or finishing a juicy novel. Or, it might be whipping up a body butter for my skin or enjoying an extra long shower. Whatever it is, I am still loving on me and that is a must for all of us.

How do you self-care and how has it evolved in your changing seasons?

Follow me for more goodness!


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.