Can preparing for the worst actually lead to healing, strength, and resilience?

In this episode, Michael explores a powerful mindset shift rooted in Stoic philosophy — Premeditatio Malorum, or the premeditation of evils — and why it's a surprisingly effective tool for survivors of trauma and injury. Rather than falling into fear, this ancient practice helps you meet challenges head-on with clarity and calm.

Learnings:

• Learn how visualizing setbacks can train your nervous system to respond, not react
• Discover how “thinking negative” can give you more control, not less
• Use this tool to stay grounded at work, during recovery, and in everyday life

Press play to discover how a surprising mindset shift can help you handle life’s unexpected moments with strength and grace.

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...

Are you living with pain that feels all-consuming? What if you could shift your relationship with it—starting with just one breath?

Many survivors of physical injury or emotional trauma struggle with the constant presence of pain. In this short yet powerful meditation, you'll learn how to acknowledge your discomfort without letting it define you, helping you reclaim a sense of self beyond the suffering.

Takeaways:

• Experience a guided breathing practice designed to ground you in the present moment.
• Learn a gentle mantra that helps reframe your experience of pain.
• Discover how to create space between your identity and your discomfort through mindfulness.

Take a couple of minutes to explore this micro dose meditation and start reshaping your relationship with pain today.

00:00 Introduction to Whole Again

00:21 Guided Meditation Setup

00:58 Deep Breathing and Grounding

01:25 Acknowledging Discomfort

01:52 Mantra for Pain

02:58 Closing the Meditation

03:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

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...

Do you ever feel like you're falling behind in your healing because things aren't going perfectly?

In a world that filters everything to look flawless, survivors of trauma and injury often feel pressure to “get better” without setbacks. In this episode, Michael challenges the perfection myth and shares a powerful mindset shift to help you stay consistent, make meaningful progress, and honor your journey—scars and all.

Takeaways:

• Discover the mindset that helped Michael move forward when recovery felt slow and messy
• Learn how the wisdom of Kintsugi and stoicism can help you embrace your imperfections
• Get a practical digital wellness tip to set boundaries, protect your energy, and reduce screen time

Take a full breath in and a release breath out and learn how to make real progress—without the pressure of perfection—so you can heal and grow with purpose.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:43 Understanding Perfectionism

01:29 Embracing Imperfections

01:58 Stoicism and Effort

02:36 Recovery and Progress

05:11 Digital Health Tips

07:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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...

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.

What if the key to your healing lies not in avoiding pain, but in transforming how you respond to it?

If you're navigating the aftermath of injury or trauma, the emotional weight can feel just as heavy as the physical. In this episode, you'll learn how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism can become a powerful ally in reclaiming your resilience and turning everyday struggles into stepping stones.

Takeaways:

• Discover the Stoic mindset shift that helped one survivor transform his recovery journey.
• Learn how to practice the "dichotomy of control" to release anxiety and focus your energy where it counts.
• Explore how the phrase "the obstacle is the way" can reshape your view of setbacks and open new paths to growth.

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:15 Exploring Stoicism

06:32 The Dichotomy of Control

09:51 Embracing Obstacles as Growth Opportunities

12:35 Practical Exercise for Control

13:57 Conclusion and Next Steps

Tune in now to learn how to apply these Stoic principles and take one empowering step forward in your healing today.

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...

Did you know that something as simple as your exhale can help you feel stronger, calmer, and more in control?

In this episode of 'Whole Again,' host Michael introduces a micro-meditation designed to help survivors of physical injury and trauma reclaim their strength and resilience through mindful breathing. The meditation focuses on the power of breathing out and emphasizes relaxation and trust in the natural rhythm of the breath. Listeners are guided through a breathing exercise and reminded to integrate mindful breathing into their daily lives. Additionally, Michael encourages listeners to explore more mindfulness practices through the Pause, Breathe, Reflect app and join the community sessions held thrice weekly.

00:00 Introduction to Whole Again

00:31 Preparing for Meditation

00:52 Breathing Techniques

01:43 Trusting the Breath

02:18 Conclusion and Resources

Takeaways:

• Discover why focusing on your exhale builds trust in your body and mind.
• Learn how a simple breathing practice can help you feel more grounded and resilient.
• Experience a guided moment of mindfulness to carry with you throughout your day.

Take a deep breath, press play, and explore the power of your exhale to find calm, clarity, and strength.

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...