In this episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael OBrien shares his journey of resilience while cycling across America, focusing on his experience in Missouri. Michael reflects on the unexpected detours, the scorching heat, and the lessons learned on the Katy Trail. He emphasizes the importance of embracing nature, developing small but consistent habits, and persevering through life's muddy moments.

Key Themes and Messages:

Embracing Nature:

• Michael underscores the importance of reconnecting with nature, not just as a backdrop for our activities but as an integral part of our lives.
• Quote: "We are nature. Often we talk about getting out into nature, but we are nature."

Developing Healthy Habits:

• Small, consistent steps are essential for building lasting habits that improve well-being.
• Quote: "Small steps consistently over time—that's how we create a healthy habit."

Persevering Through Tough Times:

• Life’s challenges, represented by the muddy conditions on the Katy Trail, teach us the value of resilience.
• Quote: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Community and Connection:

• Michael highlights the power of community support, drawing strength from like-hearted individuals who share the journey.
• Quote: "We can find a way to reconnect, to come back together and reconnect with ourselves and then reconnect with each other."

Mindfulness and Reflection:

• Mindfulness practices, even brief ones, can significantly impact our mental and emotional health.
• Quote: "Just a few minutes each day tapping into our senses can wake us up to life."

Major Quotes:

• "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." – John Muir
• "No mud, no lotus." – Thich Nhat Hanh
• "I've had some sad days, I've had some challenging days, and all the different emotions in between. But I haven't had a bad one."

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Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in my podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. You’ve got this!

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 [email protected]. 

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, 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 overwhelm 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.