The focal point of our discussion in this episode is the importance of structuring one’s day with intention, reflecting on our actions, and nurturing self-kindness. In the first segment, we explore the concept of a Morning Reset, emphasizing the necessity of initiating our day with purpose and positivity. As we transition into the Midday Recharge, we address the common patterns of fatigue that can diminish our productivity and well-being, proposing strategies to combat this lethargy. Finally, the Evening Reflection segment serves as a critical juncture for assessing our daily accomplishments and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

By incorporating these three segments into our daily routine, we can foster a more balanced and fulfilling life, ultimately leading us to a state of enhanced emotional intelligence and personal satisfaction. In our discourse, we draw attention to the critical role that self-expectation plays in shaping individual experiences and interpersonal relationships. The hosts articulate their personal journeys of releasing burdensome expectations, particularly within familial dynamics.

This discussion is enriched by anecdotes that illuminate the transformative power of unconditional acceptance, both for oneself and for others. The dialogue emphasizes that by relinquishing the need for control over outcomes, individuals can foster healthier relationships and cultivate a more serene existence. The significance of gratitude is also highlighted, particularly in how it can serve as a cornerstone for personal and relational growth. Through their reflections, the hosts advocate for a conscious approach to daily interactions, encouraging listeners to embrace flexibility and appreciation, which ultimately lead to enriched relational dynamics and personal fulfillment.

Takeaways:

1. Initiating one's day with intention and self-care is paramount for maintaining personal energy levels throughout the day.
2. Releasing expectations, particularly in relationships, fosters a sense of freedom and enhances personal growth and emotional intelligence.
3. Engaging in evening reflection allows individuals to acknowledge their accomplishments and set a positive mindset for the following day.
4. Practicing gratitude at both the beginning and end of the day cultivates kindness towards oneself and others, enriching interpersonal relationships.
5. Establishing a midday recharge can alleviate fatigue and prevent emotional depletion, enabling sustained productivity.
6. Consistently affirming one's self-worth, independent of external validation, empowers individuals to navigate life with confidence and grace.

In Episode 101 of The Adjusting Your Life Podcast, Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC shares the personal story behind his path into chiropractic and the experiences that shaped both his life and his approach to care.

Dr. Steve reflects on the challenges he faced early on, including being born prematurely and growing up with speech and learning difficulties. Those early experiences affected how he saw himself for many years, often leaving him questioning his abilities. Rather than holding him back, those struggles eventually became a driving force—building empathy, awareness, and a deeper understanding of what it means to heal.

The conversation traces the key moments and people who helped Dr. Steve recognize his potential and reconsider the story he had been telling himself. He talks openly about the role of encouragement, mentorship, and self-acceptance in changing direction—not just professionally, but personally. These moments ultimately led him to chiropractic and reshaped how he views limitations, both in himself and in others.

Dr. Steve also walks listeners through his time in chiropractic school, including the surprises, self-doubt, and philosophical shifts that came with it. He discusses how early expectations around technique and adjusting evolved into a broader understanding of care—one that includes behavior, patterns, and the way people live their lives. A memorable story from his early career highlights the importance of guidance and timing, and how seemingly small moments can leave a lasting impact.

As the episode unfolds, Dr. Steve explains how his practice grew from a focus on adjustments alone into a more comprehensive approach that includes behavioral awareness and coaching. His own health experiences played a major role in that shift, sharpening his ability to read the body and recognize patterns without relying solely on imaging. The result is a conversation about resilience, growth, and the value of listening—both to the body and to life’s lessons.

1. Early health challenges can shape empathy and purpose later in life
2. Encouragement and mentorship play a critical role in overcoming self-doubt
3. Chiropractic education often challenges assumptions about healing and care
4. Personal experiences influence how practitioners connect with and support patients
5. Moving from adjusting to coaching can expand impact and understanding
6. Learning to read the body’s signals builds deeper awareness and trust

This episode is available in its entirety to all podcast subscribers.

In this first episode of The Adjusting Your Life Podcast, Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC talks about why having a sense of purpose matters more than most people realize. Purpose isn’t just a big idea or a long-term goal—it’s what guides your decisions, shapes your habits, and influences how you respond to everyday stress. Without it, life can start to feel reactive or directionless.

The conversation explores how purpose often develops early in life and how family dynamics and generational patterns influence the way we see ourselves. Dr. Steve discusses how parents, often without realizing it, pass along beliefs about self-worth and identity. One of the key themes in this episode is that self-love isn’t something taught through words alone—it’s modeled through behavior. When parents struggle to value themselves, that message can quietly carry forward.

Dr. Steve also shares practical ways to start identifying your own “why,” especially for listeners who feel disconnected from a sense of direction. Rather than focusing on surface-level goals, he encourages looking at personal experiences, recurring patterns, and meaningful moments that reveal what truly matters. A clear sense of purpose, he explains, becomes an anchor during times of stress, change, and uncertainty.

1. Purpose influences daily choices, not just long-term goals
2. Knowing your “why” helps you stay grounded during change
3. Family and generational patterns shape self-worth and direction
4. Self-love is learned through example, not just affirmation
5. Small wins build momentum and clarity over time

1. Ward Chiropractic
2. Chiroman — https://chiroman.com
3. The Adjusting Your Life Podcast — https://adjustingyourlifepodcast.com