The past three days have been a mix of growth, reflection, and small victories. From reconnecting with routines to embracing new milestones, these moments have been filled with hope and steady progress. Here’s how the journey unfolded.
November 12: Bodywork and Mindful Momentum
The day began with a gentle nudge from my alarm at 8:35. After a solid night’s sleep—something I hadn’t achieved in weeks—I felt rested and ready for the day. A morning massage session set the tone, offering both physical relief and insights for future sessions. I plan to incorporate cranial massage next time for a smoother, more holistic experience.
Afterward, I treated myself to a cappuccino at a Small Town Coffee Roasters, savoring oat milk and caramel under the sunshine. With The Heart of the Soul by Gary Zukav in hand, I reflected on emotional awareness and even expanded selections using ChatGPT—a practice I enjoy for deeper introspection.
Later, a chiropractic adjustment brought positive news: improved foot alignment and reduced misalignment. The session left me feeling energized, which I carried into a productive afternoon. From cleaning and hammock adjustments to physical therapy, where I pushed through mild discomfort, the day felt full of progress. Work in the shop followed, where I tackled repairs, paperwork, and even some creative hammock projects.
The evening wrapped up with mindful organization in Notion and a cozy dinner of potato soup and grilled cheese. As the day closed, I reflected on the balance of energy and calm, grateful for minor nerve pain and the freedom to move without a cane for short distances.
November 13: Mindful Pauses and Rediscovery
The previous night began with an attempt to sleep in the hammock, but discomfort brought me back to the couch by 2 a.m. Despite a slow start, I embraced a mindful shower inspired by The Art of Contemplation by Richard Rudd. Pausing to sing and feel the warmth of the water transformed a routine into a moment of presence. Following, I had a mini milestone, where I was able to put on my underwear and pants from a standing position! Sometimes, the simplest of things can be exciting.
After breakfast, I enjoyed another cappuccino and spent an hour reading The Heart of the Soul. Distractions, like texting a friend and expanding ideas in ChatGPT, became intentional pauses rather than interruptions. I juiced the remaining fresh apples from my parents’ tree, blending in ginger and lime for a refreshing treat before heading to work.
The afternoon brought physical challenges with frequent sit-stand transitions at work straining my hip. Still, I stayed mindful of my movements and made ergonomic adjustments to ease discomfort. After work, I was feeling low energy, but I made the decision to go to gym over rest, walking in the pool during my weekly men’s mastermind call. Wrapping up with the sauna and hot tub left me feeling refreshed.
At home, I explored a new WordPress theme for my website—a small but exciting step toward creative growth and expanding my knowledge in website development, in particular this blog. Following an hour at the desk, I noted some stiffness in my hip, while walking with my cane, which reminded me how crucial it is to be mindful of my seating positions to avoid cramping my hip. The day ended with music, playing the drum, and spontaneous dancing—a reminder of joy in the little moments.
November 14: Milestones and Gratitude
The day began under the steady rhythm of rain, a soothing backdrop to a slower start. A cappuccino shared with a friend and some quiet reading by the window with Lokah, my cat, brought warmth to the morning. Inspired by reflections on energy centers in The Heart of the Soul, I brainstormed upgrades for my van camping setup, exploring safer heating alternatives.
Physical therapy at 1 p.m. brought another milestone: walking and exercising without a cane for part of the session. Progress was evident, though I stayed mindful of any residual sensitivity. Work in the afternoon was productive but paced, with less strain on my hip compared to the day before.
The highlight of the day was a solo grocery shopping trip—my first in four months since the hip replacement. Walking with the buggy felt stable, and I didn’t need my crutch. Standing for 90 minutes, including a 45 minute catch-up conversation with old friends, marked a momentous step toward reclaiming my independence.
The evening brought even greater triumph: a 1,200-foot unsupported walk under the glow of the full moon. Though my gait still needs refinement, this walk filled me with hope, reminding me of my love for hiking and the progress still to come.
Reflections Across the Three Days
These three days were filled with small but powerful victories, each a testament to resilience and patience:
• Physical Milestones: Walking unsupported for 1,200 feet and completing a grocery trip without a crutch marked significant progress.
• Mindful Practices: Embracing pauses, whether through reflection, music, or spontaneous joy, added depth and balance to each day.
• Creative Growth: Exploring van upgrades, diving into WordPress, and refining organization systems brought excitement for the future.
As I navigate recovery, these moments remind me of how far I’ve come. Healing is not linear, but it is full of lessons—about patience, adaptability, and the strength found in the small victories.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you made it to the end, I would love to hear from you! 
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu – May All Beings Be Happy and Free 