Introduction
As I move deeper into my recovery journey following hip replacement surgery, each day brings a mix of challenges, insights, and small victories. This week, spanning November 18–21, was marked by physical ups and downs, moments of reflection, and a deeper sense of trust in the healing process. Below, I’ve gathered highlights, setbacks, and lessons from these four days.
Day 1: Monday, 11/18 – Grappling with Sensitivity and Strength
The morning began with quiet reflection. After waking up late, I found solace in nude sunbathing and reading The Heart of the Soul with a cup of cacao in hand. These mindful moments helped ground me for what became a physically challenging day.
During physical therapy session at home, I encountered significant resistance and pain, especially when working on lateral movements like abduction and internal rotation. While I managed a few exercises, the cumulative discomfort was a reminder that some days require gentler efforts. By the time I got to work in the afternoon, my hip felt increasingly sensitive. Transitions—standing from a seated position, walking short distances—proved difficult, but I powered through, repairing phones and an iPad before heading to the gym.
At the gym, the hot tub, pool, and sauna helped ease some tension, allowing me to close the day with a sense of accomplishment despite the challenges. Dinner was hearty deer stew with cornbread, and Rachel and I had a chance to catch up. I ended the evening by organizing thoughts in my Notion database and preparing for bed, though a deep ache in my groin lingered as a puzzle to explore at my upcoming doctor’s appointment.
Day 2: Tuesday, 11/19 – Small Wins Amid Sensitivity
Tuesday brought a slight improvement compared to the day before. The morning began with a refreshing shower—a routine I’m coming to see as a key part of resetting my mind and body. My official physical therapy session was productive, though we remained cautious to avoid flaring up the sensitivity in my hip by skipping hold times during exercises.
Work in the afternoon flowed better than the day prior. Transitions felt smoother, and my movements were less hindered. That evening, I published a new blog post covering the highlights of November 9–11. Staying on top of sharing my journey felt like a meaningful accomplishment. I wrapped up the day with a quiet sense of fulfillment, ready to take on the rest of the week.
Day 3: Wednesday, 11/20 – A Day of Reflection and Spontaneity
The day started with a 90-minute massage, which I approached with mindfulness, focusing on observing sensations and thoughts. Afterward, I stopped by my favorite coffee shop, Small Town Coffee Roasters, and read a chapter on perfectionism from The Heart of the Soul. This chapter sparked an idea: converting these book pages into digital summaries using ChatGPT. It felt like a mini breakthrough, combining my love for reading with the ease of digital tools.
Later in the evening, I attended my weekly Men’s Mastermind Call at 6 p.m., which left me feeling inspired and connected. Afterward, I packed a bag for a road trip to Durham for my doctor’s appointment the next day. The evening took an unexpected turn when a friend invited me to their girlfriend’s farm to investigate an unusual phenomenon. Driving through the windy countryside and riding in a side-by-side ATV reminded me of the spontaneous adventures I’ve missed during recovery, offering a refreshing change of pace. After the farm visit, I drove 2.5 hours toward Durham, eventually settling into my van hammock for the night. While it was cozy, the chilly temperatures made for a less-than-comfortable sleep.
Day 4: Thursday, 11/21 – A Pivot Back Home
I woke up in my van at a rest area, just 45 minutes from Durham, ready for my doctor’s appointment. Ironically, I received a message that morning requesting to change the appointment to a phone call, as I had seen the doctor just two weeks earlier. By then, I was already two-thirds of the way there, having driven the night before. Though initially frustrated, I chose to embrace the change, appreciating the opportunity to connect with my doctor while saving a couple of hours of driving.
The quick five-minute call focused on my progress, with plans for an in-person follow-up in six weeks. Questions still linger in my mind about whether my healing is progressing as it should. Without a clear standard to measure against, I’ve learned to focus on forward progress—no matter how incremental—as a sign of moving in the right direction.
On the way home, I made a stop at TJ Maxx in search of a specific office chair for my desk. The packed parking lot and long lines quickly reminded me of the chaos of Christmas shopping season, and I decided to move on. My next stop was Five Guys, where I treated myself to a fresh, juicy bacon cheeseburger—always a satisfying choice!
The rest of the day was spent traveling home, with mindful breaks to rest and reset along the way. I arrived back around 4 p.m. and, feeling the effects of a chilly night and interrupted sleep, took a long nap to recharge. Dinner was leftover deer stew, followed by some quiet reflection on the week. Despite the unexpected changes, the day ended on a peaceful note, leaving me feeling grounded and optimistic for the days ahead.
Reflections on the Week
• Milestones: This week highlighted small yet meaningful wins—publishing a blog post, smoother transitions at work, and positive feedback from my chiropractor on hip alignment.
• Setbacks: Pain and sensitivity during physical therapy reminded me of the delicate balance between pushing myself and allowing rest.
• Insights: I’m realizing the importance of integrating mindful practices, like starting the day with a shower or grounding moments of stillness, to support my healing both physically and mentally.
• Unexpected Joys: The visit to the farm and a spontaneous ride through the countryside were reminders of the joy that spontaneity can bring, even during recovery.
Closing Thoughts
This week brought a blend of steady progress, setbacks, and unexpected moments of joy. Recovery continues to challenge me, but it’s also teaching me patience, trust, and gratitude for the small victories. Whether it’s a productive day at work, a soothing moment in the sauna, or a spontaneous adventure, each experience contributes to my growth.
Thank you for following along. If you’ve had similar experiences with recovery or navigating life’s curveballs, I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on my Telegram group.
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 