I do a lot of self talk, Susan. It's what got me over the line some five years ago. If ever doubt creeps in I assure myself that today is all that we are assured about, so why worry. It really helps. I also practice gratitude when I walk. It's amazing how much better I feel. And when I fail I have a ho'opanopano Hawaiin chant that I say in my head. Some people might see it as hocus pocus, but it helps me, and that's all that matters. I always feel better.

When I read about your surgery, I was reminded of having my daughter by C-section. I woke up in theater. Used to think period pain was bad...