Recovering with Purpose: Four Months After Spinal Surgery

It’s hard to believe it’s been four months since my spinal fusion surgery on July 2. My previous updates have focused on the tangible milestones: how far I could walk, what I accomplished in physical therapy, and the gradual return of strength and mobility.

But those physical achievements aren’t the end goal—they’re the means to something greater. We work out not just to build muscle, but so that we can show up and do what we love in life. We practice yoga and meditate not simply for flexibility or focus, but to cultivate balance and presence off the mat.

Right now, the true signs of my recovery show up in my everyday life—in the moments that fill me with meaning and joy.

My Real Markers of Progress

1. Road-Trip Ready:
   I recently hosted my aunt and uncle for a few days at home, then we all road-tripped to Southern California for more family time. The six-hour drive flew by as we caught up, reminisced, and simply enjoyed being together. After three wonderful days in Los Angeles celebrating with more family, my husband and I headed back home—tired, happy, and deeply grateful. It might sound like a simple trip, but for me, it was my first post-surgery road adventure, and a meaningful milestone of endurance and connection.

   My aunt and uncle have always been role models and continue to be. In their 80s, they still live vibrantly—playing tennis, bridge, and traveling across the country to visit family. We even celebrated my uncle’s 84th birthday together, and I brought my aunt to my bridge class, which made the trip even more special. Their energy, joy, and zest for life embody what I call Authentic Connection and Thriving Longevity.

    Celebrating 84 with my Uncle.

2. Playtime with Purpose:

   At my granddaughter’s 3rd birthday party, I found myself running, dancing, and laughing with her and her adorable toddler friends through countless rounds of Ring Around the Rosie—completely immersed in the moment and grateful for the strength to join in.

3. Hosting Again:
   I’m hosting friends for dinner this weekend—something I haven't yet had the energy to manage since surgery. Cooking, setting the table, and gathering friends for conversation feels like reclaiming a piece of myself.

4. Living My Purpose:
   I’m halfway through leading my live online signature coaching course, Sexy in Your 60s, and even facilitated a live session while traveling. Supporting other women to live vibrantly and purposefully feels especially meaningful as I navigate my own healing journey.

   My granddaughter with her Savta and Bubbe at her 3rd birthday party.

Staying Committed to the Work

I’m still a long way from where I want to be physically, and I have a lot of work ahead—work that will take time, patience, and consistency. While I’m not in a rush, I know I need to stay committed and keep showing up to do the work.

I’m designing a lifestyle that weaves together work and self-care with travel, recreation, and time spent with loved ones. I want to live in a way that allows me to both contribute and recharge—because health isn’t just about what we do for our bodies, it’s about how we live in them.

What’s hard? When I wake up stiff or sore and have to remind myself that movement is still my medicine. When fatigue sneaks in after a day full of joy—walking, socializing, or cooking—and I need to balance gratitude with grace for my limits. When my mind races ahead of my healing body.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how easy it can be to push through fatigue, to override what our bodies are trying to tell us in the name of productivity or resilience. But healing asks something different of us—it invites presence over pressure. It reminds me daily that pacing isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve noticed I haven’t been as consistent with my home physical therapy routine. Between travel, family time, and other priorities, it slipped more than I’d like to admit—and I can feel the difference. My body reminds me quickly when I fall out of rhythm. But instead of judging myself, I’m using this as a reminder of the importance of consistency and compassion. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness, adjustment, and starting again—one intentional choice at a time.

These moments are part of recovery. Healing isn’t just physical—it’s also emotional and spiritual. It’s about Balance and Boundaries—knowing when to push forward and when to rest. It’s also about Vision and Vitality—keeping my focus on the bigger picture of how I want to live, rather than on any single setback.

Bringing My Healthy Habits on the Road

When I’m not at home with my self-care routine—exercise, pacing myself, eating nourishing food, yoga, meditation, time in nature, and creative hobbies—I’m learning how to take those habits with me on the road.

My healthy baseline at home gives me resilience when I travel, but I’m always experimenting with ways to stay grounded wherever I am. One area I’ve been working on (with just a tiny bit of success) is drinking less alcohol.

Why does this matter? Research increasingly shows that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. As women age, our bodies metabolize alcohol differently—we become more sensitive to its effects, even in small amounts. The general guideline for women is no more than one drink per day, if any.

Does that mean I abstain completely? No. I still enjoy an occasional glass of wine, champagne, or a thoughtfully crafted cocktail. But I’ve noticed that when I drink, I tend to eat more than I intended, my sleep quality drops, and if I have a second drink (which does happen—but rarely more than that), those effects are amplified.

Lately, I’ve found success in simply drinking less—and sometimes skipping alcohol altogether. It’s a small but meaningful shift. My mornings feel clearer, my sleep deeper, and my choices more intentional. These small steps all add up—they’re part of Intentional Nourishment and Vision and Vitality, two pillars of my VIBRANT Method that guide my own lifestyle as much as they shape my coaching practice. What I'm trying now? Craft Mocktails! Keep an eye out for some recipes--and share yours with me, please.

My favorite splurge in El Segundo is the vegan ice cream at Ginger's Divine Ice Cream.

Reflections on Healing and Living Fully

Recovery, I’ve learned, isn’t about getting back to who I was before surgery—it’s about becoming a stronger, more conscious version of myself.

Every stretch, every mindful breath, every new challenge has brought me closer to a deeper appreciation for my body and my life. Healing is teaching me patience, gratitude, and the art of pacing myself in ways that support both living well now and aging vibrantly for the long term.

My recovery embodies the spirit of Intentional Nourishment (always!), Resilient Movement, Authentic Connection, Naked Truths, and ultimately, Thriving Longevity—the seven pillars that make up my VIBRANT Method for living sexy, strong, and soulful in your 60s and beyond.

If You’re on Your Own Healing Journey

If you’re recovering from an illness, injury, or simply working toward feeling stronger and more present in your daily life, know that you’re not alone. Progress takes time, and every intentional step matters.

If you’d like to explore how to bring more vitality, purpose, and balance into your own life, I invite you to learn more about my coaching and programs at www.slant2plants.com .

Together, we can work toward living Sexy in Your 60s—and beyond.