What if the key to your healing journey was hidden in a mindset you’ve been avoiding—one that actually welcomes emotions instead of suppressing them?

In a world that often praises toughness and emotional restraint, many trauma and injury survivors feel isolated trying to “stay strong.” This episode challenges that narrative by introducing a fresh, emotionally intelligent take on Stoicism—one that might be exactly what your recovery needs right now.

Featuring guest Becky Schmooke, author of 'Choose the Handle That Holds,' the discussion delves into the stoic philosophy, how it embraces all emotions, and the concept of 'amor fati' — loving one's fate. Becky introduces her practical framework, STOA, for achieving success and resilience, which she uses even with NFL teams. The episode highlights the importance of practical tools in personal growth and recovery, offering insights into integrating stoic principles in everyday life.

00:00 Introduction to Whole Again

00:53 Meet Becky Smoke

04:42 The Stoic Philosophy

08:12 Becky's Journey to Stoicism

14:53 Practical Applications of Stoicism

19:32 Embracing Latin and Stoicism

20:30 Understanding Amor Fati

22:01 Personal Recovery and Acceptance

24:16 The Power of Amor Fati in Daily Life

26:14 Introducing the STOA Framework

29:40 Practical Applications of STOA

31:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Discover more about Becky and her book: Choose The Handle That Holds.

Take a deep breath and begin to reclaim your strength starts with embracing every part of your story—and learning the mindset shift that could transform your recovery.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh...

In this episode of 'Whole Again' hosted by Michael, listeners are guided through a microdose of meditation aimed at helping survivors of physical injury and trauma. This session focuses on the concept that the present moment is enough, encouraging participants to breathe deeply, release tension, and let go of thoughts about the past and worries about the future.

00:00 Introduction to Whole Again

00:22 Guided Meditation: Embracing the Present Moment

00:35 Breathing Techniques for Relaxation

01:49 Affirmations and Closing Thoughts

02:56 Invitation to Continue the Journey

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Are the words you use holding you back from healing?

When you're recovering from injury or trauma, the way you label your experience can either shut down growth or unlock resilience. In this episode, discover how a simple mindset shift rooted in Stoic wisdom—and a digital detox tip—can help you reconnect with your senses and reclaim your power.

Takeaway

• Learn why calling something “bad” can limit your ability to grow through it.
• Discover the empowering reframe that helps you meet hard moments with clarity and acceptance.
• Try a digital health practice that strengthens your mind-body connection and supports your healing journey.

Listen now to reframe your recovery, reset your senses, and take a mindful step toward becoming whole again.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.