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.