The past three days have been a whirlwind of family time, quiet reflection, exploration, and unexpected learning moments. Each day brought its own rhythm—sometimes filled with movement and connection, other times slow and meditative. Here’s a glimpse into this chapter of my healing journey.
Saturday, November 9th: Pancakes, Play, and Peace by the Fire
The morning began with the laughter of children and the smell of pancakes. I woke up on the couch around 9 AM, greeted by their mindful playfulness. After breakfast, we headed to Small Town Coffee Roasters for a treat. While I savored my usual oat milk cappuccino, the kids experimented with hot chocolate but found it a bit too fancy for their taste.
The real adventure began when I locked the keys in the van. We wandered around downtown Rutherfordton, visiting Main Street Park and KidSenses, where the kids enjoyed playing for nearly an hour. Once we retrieved the spare key (thanks to my dad!), we rounded out the outing with a visit to Kiwanis Park.
By the afternoon, we returned home to recharge. The kids relaxed in their hammocks with their iPads while I read by the fire in the backyard. It was peaceful—cloudy skies, a cool breeze, and two hours of uninterrupted reading. Despite the calm, I felt a growing awareness of pain in my thigh, likely from walking with and without a cane earlier in the day.
Dinner brought the warmth of family collaboration as my parents joined me in preparing grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato and potato soups. Their help made the evening feel less daunting, and I ended the night full and content, reflecting on a day well spent.
Sunday, November 10th: Rest, Reflection, and Renewal
Sunday unfolded as a much-needed day of rest. After waking up early, I allowed myself to drift in and out of sleep until mid-morning. My Oura Ring revealed over 10 hours of total sleep—a testament to how much my body needed recovery time.
The day was spent in quiet simplicity. I indulged in leftover potato soup and experimented with a cappuccino recipe, incorporating cacao and agave for an indulgent twist. My plans to read gave way to a compelling YouTube video on The Gene Keys, sparking introspection and a desire to transcribe its message for further exploration.
The highlight of the day was a mindful session at the gym. I spent time in the hot tub, walked mindfully in the pool, and enjoyed the dry sauna. A chance conversation with Mauricio, a man from León, Mexico, reminded me of my goal to deepen my Spanish skills. Back home, I settled into my hammock for an hour before winding down with The Gene Keys and cacao with a microdose of mushrooms. It was a day of following intuition, resting, and reconnecting with myself.
Monday, November 11th: Movement, Discovery, and Connection
Monday carried the energy of exploration. The day began with a perfectly extracted cappuccino (27 seconds, for those curious!) and some quiet reading by the dining room window. By mid-morning, I decided to take the motorcycle out, transforming the idea into a 140-mile ride alongside Jennifer.
The ride took us through McDowell, Henderson, and Rutherford counties, with detours in Swannanoa and Black Mountain. Along the way, we witnessed the lingering damage from Hurricane Helene, capturing poignant photos and videos. A meal shared with workers repairing the area highlighted the strength of human connection. A brief conversation with a Cuban worker reminded me of my goal to become fluent in Spanish, tying back to my chat with Mauricio the day before. The ride came with challenges—hip discomfort early on and the need to stand periodically to relieve pressure—it also brought freedom and joy.
The evening brought me back to the gym for another session of recovery—hot tub, pool, and sauna rotations. At 194 degrees, the sauna’s intensity tested my limits but left me feeling rejuvenated. A conversation with a man living with chronic pain reminded me of the importance of honoring individual journeys.
As the day ended, I reflected on my recovery progress while researching hammock setups. The process of refining anchor points and sag lengths mirrored my approach to healing—testing, adjusting, and finding what works best.
Final Thoughts
These three days were a microcosm of my recovery journey: a balance of activity and rest, connection and solitude, progress and introspection. From playful mornings with family to mindful gym sessions and meaningful conversations, each moment carried lessons in patience, gratitude, and adaptability. Healing, much like life, is rarely linear—but it’s in these moments of reflection and presence that I find strength to keep going.
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 