One Small Step at a Time: My Journey

This Month’s Blog… in Video Form.

Normally I sit down to write a monthly blog, but this May felt a little different.

As many of you know, I recently had hip replacement surgery. Recovery has taken up most of my time, energy, and focus over the past two weeks.

Rather than writing about it, I decided to share a more personal glimpse into the journey so far through video instead.

Recovery has been challenging at times — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Don’t even get me started on the weather, which I would usually thrive on. But it has also reminded me how important movement is, and how easily we take it for granted until it’s temporarily taken away.

I’ve been filming little moments along the way: the frustrating days, the small wins, the physio, the boredom, the progress, and everything in between.

I know what you’re thinking… “It’s only been two weeks!” But that can feel like a very long time when you’re stuck at home during half term, in the middle of a heatwave.

So here’s a little look into recovery so far… one small step at a time.

In Reflection.

Recovery has a funny way of slowing everything down. It makes you notice the things you would normally rush past.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve started appreciating the smallest milestones. Getting outside for fresh air. Moving more comfortably. Feeling a little stronger than the day before.

The progress hasn’t looked dramatic, but every small step forward has mattered. Some days feel like I’ve gone backwards, while others simply feel like an extension of the current situation.

Because my life and work revolve around movement, this experience has changed the way I think about it. I’ve always connected dancing with confidence, freedom, expression, and connection.

But when mobility suddenly becomes limited, you quickly realise how much you rely on your body every day. This recovery journey has made me even more grateful for movement in all its forms. Not just dancing, but everyday life too.

The Emotional Side of Recovery.

If I’m completely honest, I think part of this journey has been emotional in a way I didn’t fully expect.

At 44, having had two hip replacements feels strange sometimes. I know people mean well when they say, “Oh, my mum had that done,” or “My nan had one,” but it can make you feel far older than you actually are.

I think that’s partly why I wanted to make this video and share the journey more openly. Not just to get it off my chest, but hopefully to connect with someone else in a similar situation. Someone else who feels a bit too young for all of this, or who’s trying to navigate recovery while still juggling family life, work, and everyday responsibilities.

Recovery can feel isolating at times, especially when you don’t really see many people your own age talking about it honestly. So if this video helps even one person feel a little less alone, then sharing it will have been worth it.

What Recovery Has Taught Me.

In many ways, recovery feels similar to learning to dance. When couples begin their wedding dance journey, or when beginners learn a routine, they often feel overwhelmed at first.

Progress can feel slow. Confidence doesn’t appear overnight. But with patience, practice, and encouragement, those small wins slowly build into something bigger.

Recovery has reminded me that growth takes time. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply keep showing up.

More than anything, I feel grateful for the support around me during this time. My family, friends, clients, and followers have all sent kind messages and encouragement throughout recovery. Every message has meant so much.

Recovery can feel isolating at times — especially after stepping back from social media for a while — but those moments of connection have helped me stay positive.

I’m looking forward to rebuilding my strength and eventually getting back to doing what I love most — dancing.

Whether recovering from surgery or learning to dance, progress really does happen one small step at a time.

Read last month’s blog about dancing with arthritis;

https://dancewithsarah.co.uk/2026/04/dancing-with-arthritis-how-i-rebuilt-confidence/