My Health Journey: Lessons Learned, Finding Joy, and What It Means for You (part 3)
Part 3 of 3
To catch up on the full story- click here for part 1 and click here for part 2
Over the past few years, I've faced significant health challenges, including spine surgery, a lengthy recovery, and more recently, a stroke. These experiences shook me to my core, but they also brought invaluable lessons. As I reflect on my health journey, I want to share the insights I gained and how they've shaped my approach to health and wellness. I hope that my story can offer guidance, inspiration, and practical advice for those of you navigating your own health challenges.
The Power of Patience in Recovery
One of the hardest lessons I learned was the importance of patience. When I first faced surgery, I wanted to rush through recovery, believing that the sooner I could get back to my normal life, the better. However, I soon realized that healing—whether physical, emotional, or mental—takes time. It’s not linear, and it’s okay to not have all the answers right away.
For you, this means honoring where you are in your journey, whether you’re recovering from an illness, injury, or simply trying to regain balance in your life. Instead of forcing progress, focus on small, manageable steps. And remember, rest is just as important as movement.
Nutrition: The Foundation of Healing
When my body was in recovery mode, I became more attuned to the impact of nutrition on healing. With my digestion struggling after the stroke, I was on a very basic diet, but I made sure every bite I ate was packed with nutrition. I prioritized cooking from scratch despite my limited energy, knowing that what I put into my body directly influenced my ability to heal.
Each week, I made a healthy soup filled with butternut squash, sweet potato, carrot, and bone broth, pureed in my Vitamix for easy digestion. I also hard-boiled eggs for quick, protein-rich snacks and enjoyed strawberries as an evening treat with my husband. Nya, my high-energy dog, loves strawberries too and always sneaks a few bites, making this a cherished time for all of us.
Hydration was another key focus—I drank plenty of water throughout the day to support my body’s recovery and aid digestion. To enhance hydration, I often added electrolytes to my water, which helped replenish what my body needed and kept me feeling more energized. Staying well-hydrated played an essential role in my healing process.
In the beginning, I only had energy for two or three tasks per day, like making soup, doing laundry, or an hour of work. To make meals manageable, I batch-cooked soup and roasted large trays of vegetables weekly, ensuring quick and nourishing meals were always ready. This small, consistent effort played a huge role in my healing journey.
Takeaway Tip: Focus on simple, nourishing foods that fuel your body. Avoid quick fixes or fad diets. Eating for wellness is about consistency, not perfection
Movement: Gradual but Steady
During my stroke recovery, even simple tasks like walking my dog Nya felt insurmountable. I couldn’t walk the same distances I once did, and my energy was so low that I had to hire a dog walker and send Nya to daycare to ensure she got the exercise she needed when my husband was at work. While her cuddles and companionship brought me immense comfort, the financial stress of her care added another layer of challenge.
Recognizing small victories became a vital mindset shift. I began using a gratitude journal to celebrate progress, no matter how small. Over time, I could walk further, move faster, and even start a gentle at-home exercise routine. These moments of growth reminded me of the importance of persistence. While I’m still working to improve and haven’t reached all my goals yet, I’m proud of the strides I’ve made.
Takeaway Tip: Find movement that feels good for your body, and don’t be afraid to start small. Every step counts, and every stretch matters.
Sleep: A Crucial Element in the Healing Process
After my stroke, I was physically exhausted, and my mental state was often drained as well. I quickly realized how deeply sleep affects recovery. I had to focus not just on getting enough sleep, but on its quality. Restorative sleep became a key element in restoring my energy, helping my brain heal, and allowing my body to repair itself at a deeper level.
For many of you, sleep is often neglected in the hustle of daily life. But to truly heal and feel energized, you must invest in restorative rest. Sleep isn’t just about quantity—it's about giving your body and mind the time they need to heal, replenish, and reset.
Takeaway Tip: Make sleep a priority—create a calming bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and aim for consistent sleep hours.
Mindset: Healing Starts in the Mind
Perhaps the most profound lesson I learned was how critical mindset is during times of health challenges. My stroke affected not only my body but my emotional and mental state. I had to learn to be kind to myself, to slow down, and to focus on the long-term goal of healing rather than expecting immediate results.
Our mindset shapes how we handle adversity, and it can either hold us back or propel us forward. Positive affirmations, meditation, and gratitude practices can shift your perspective and encourage healing on all levels—physical, emotional, and mental. By focusing on a mindset of self-compassion and patience, we can navigate health challenges with greater resilience and strength.
Mindset truly shaped my journey. I worked closely with a stroke therapist to process the emotional toll of my experience, received support from a naturopathic doctor who tailored a plan for my specific needs, and welcomed a friend who practiced acupuncture to help restore my appetite and energy. My husband has been my rock, checking on me every day, making changes to his career to be able to drive me to appointments, and offering constant support. Even as we've navigated this difficult time, he has shown incredible dedication to my healing. We've also had to navigate the financial strain of my recovery, but through it all, his support and love have been unwavering. Investing in nutritious food, professional support, and my overall healing has been essential, even as my ability to work has been limited.
Gratitude journaling became another cornerstone of my healing, helping me focus on how far I’ve come rather than how far I still have to go.
Takeaway Tip: Work on cultivating a mindset of self-compassion. Remember that healing is a process, and your journey may look different from others.
Another lesson I've embraced through this journey is the importance of finding joy in the everyday moments. Whether it’s playing backgammon with my husband, spending time with Nya, or simply enjoying the fresh air and nature, I’ve learned to appreciate the small things that bring joy. While my days may look different than before, I’m actively working to savor these moments, finding happiness in the simple pleasures that remind me of life’s beauty.
Moving Forward: Prioritizing My Health
As I continue my recovery journey, I’m embracing the lessons I’ve learned—patience, self-advocacy, and the importance of staying committed to my well-being. This experience has taught me how to navigate challenges with grace and how to advocate for myself when it feels like the world is moving too fast. I've learned that healing requires steady progress and a willingness to focus on what truly matters.
Though I’ve always coached my clients on nourishment, movement, sleep, and mindset, this time has given me the chance to practice what I teach. I’ve focused on these four pillars, finding balance and prioritizing what best supports my recovery. I’ve learned to embrace the slow, steady process of healing while trusting that each small effort brings me closer to my healthiest, most vibrant self.
My mantra, "I am in constant pursuit of what is best for me and my health," continues to guide me, reminding me that investing in my well-being is not just about recovery—it’s about building a thriving future.
Takeaway Tip: Healing takes patience. Prioritize what nurtures your body and mind, and trust the process.
Moving Forward: Prioritizing Your Health
Healing and growth don’t happen overnight, but you can begin today by taking small, actionable steps toward reclaiming your energy and vitality. Every effort, no matter how small, is an investment in your well-being.
If you're ready to create lasting change in your health, I’m here to guide you. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your commitment to your health, I offer a variety of programs designed to support you in implementing what you learn, prioritizing your well-being, and taking meaningful steps forward.
Click here to explore the options that best align with your goals. Let’s take this journey together and make your well-being a priority.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my health journey—I hope it offers inspiration or guidance for your own. If you found it helpful, please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or your experiences. And if you know someone who might benefit from this blog, feel free to share it with them. Together, we can support and encourage each other on the path to better health.
xx Gaylene