Three years ago, on May 4th, I rolled into the operating room for hip replacement surgery with a nervous smile and a nerdy quip: “May the 4th be with me!”
At the time, I had no idea how much this journey would teach me—not just about physical healing, but about fear, resilience, and communication.
Meet Henrietta, my bionic hip.
We didn’t exactly hit it off. She was stubborn. I was impatient. Recovery tested my physical limits and my mental strength. But over time, something shifted. We found rhythm, balance, and—eventually—harmony.
Now, on our three-year anniversary together, I’ve been reflecting on what this experience taught me—not just as a patient, but as a communicator, speaker, and coach.
Fear Is Fear—No Matter What Form It Takes
Whether it’s surgery, stepping on a stage, or speaking up in a meeting, fear shows up in the same ways.
- It tells you you’re not ready.
- It whispers, “what if you fail?”
- It convinces you to stay quiet, play small, or back out entirely.
In the days leading up to surgery, I felt a mix of emotions: vulnerability, uncertainty, and a loss of control. Sound familiar? Those are the same feelings many of my coaching clients describe before delivering a presentation or leading a high-stakes conversation.
Fear doesn’t care about the setting—it just wants to keep you safe.
But safe doesn’t always mean fulfilled.
Confidence Isn’t the Absence of Fear
One of the biggest misconceptions I see—especially in professional communication—is the belief that confident people don’t feel fear.
Wrong.
Confident people feel the fear and take the mic anyway. They walk into the meeting, stand behind the podium, and speak up—not because they’re fearless, but because they’re committed.
Confidence is a choice.
It’s the decision to move forward in spite of the discomfort.
When I went into surgery, I had no guarantees. But I trusted the process, the people, and the preparation. That mindset is the same one I teach to clients preparing for high-stakes presentations:
Prepare well. Trust yourself. Step up.
Your “Henrietta” Might Be Closer Than You Think
I didn’t name my hip right away. But during recovery, I realized I needed to give this big part of my journey an identity—something to smile about, something I could work with, not fight against.
We all have a “Henrietta”—a challenge, obstacle, or fear that once felt like a setback but can become a powerful part of our growth.
Maybe yours is:
- A fear of public speaking
- A new leadership role
- Navigating team conflict
- Starting a business
- Re-entering the workforce
Whatever it is, I encourage you to stop seeing it as the enemy. Instead, ask:
What is this challenge here to teach me?
Whatever it is, I encourage you to stop seeing it as the enemy. Instead, ask:
What is this challenge here to teach me?
From Recovery to Resilience: Lessons I Now Live and Teach
That journey with Henrietta now lives at the heart of how I coach, speak, and communicate:
Fear is natural. Everyone feels it—especially those doing bold, brave things.
Action is the antidote. Taking the first step is how momentum (and healing) begins.
Resilience is built through discomfort. Not by avoiding it.
And here’s the best part: once you’ve walked through fear—once you’ve stood up, spoken out, or taken that first step—you’re never quite the same again.
You’re stronger. Clearer. More connected to your voice.
The Takeaway: May the 4th Be With You
On May 4, I celebrate not just a hip, but a turning point. Henrietta is more than titanium—she’s a reminder of what’s possible when we choose courage over comfort.
So if you’re facing something that scares you—professionally or personally—remember this:
Feel the fear.
Take the first step.
Trust that your future self will thank you.
You just might find yourself walking stronger—on your own Henrietta.
Click HERE to schedule a discovery call to learn more about Confidence as a choice.
Communicate With Influence I help dental teams turn conversation into connection—and connection into growth.