the power of boundaries as a high-achiever

Learning to set healthy boundaries is essential for healing, self-respect, and emotional freedom. In this My Mindful Medicine blog, former elite athlete and functional medicine practitioner Theresa Kulikowski shares her journey from people-pleasing and burnout to honoring the body’s wisdom. Discover how trusting your boundaries supports resilience, balance, and authentic well-being.

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breaking the mind-body barrier in sports

Sports need a bodymindspirit approach—not silos. As an Olympic alternate turned functional medicine practitioner, I show how the body–mind connection drives athlete mental health, recovery, and performance. Address root causes—thyroid, gut, nutrition, trauma—while integrating mindfulness, psychology, and medical care. Build holistic wellness teams to unlock resilience and sustainable success.

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revealing promise: insights from a fulfilling book signing at west point

At West Point, my two-day signing for Beyond the Battlefield renewed my hope. Cadets and professors embraced mindfulness, meditation, and moral injury as vital tools for military mental health and resilience. This book shares true stories of service, PTSD, healing, and connection—bridging civilians and soldiers. Join the conversation, nurture courage, and explore mindful pathways to recovery.

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Perfectly Imperfect: LEARN HOW TO CELEBRATE OUR MISTAKES AND LET GO OF THE FEAR OF FAILURE

Perfectionism holds us back. Inspired by Greg McKeown’s Effortless, this post reframes “rubbish” (mistakes) as fuel for learning. As a former elite athlete and Army veteran, I share how embracing imperfection, mindfulness, and self-compassion builds psychological safety, a growth mindset, and momentum. Ditch fear, redo the test, and let mistakes spark effortless breakthroughs.

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LEARN HOW TO CULTIVATE MORE AUTHENTIC JOY IN YOUR LIFE

Learn how to cultivate authentic joy with mindfulness and neuroplasticity. Break the negativity cycle by training your brain to “take in the good”—notice, savor, and wire new neural pathways for ease, gratitude, and resilience. Simple daily practices build lasting habits of joy and well-being. Explore a mind-body, functional medicine approach and watch the H.E.A.L steps to begin.

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PLANTING THE SEEDS OF THE MIND

Just like a garden, our minds grow what we plant. This post explores how mindfulness helps us "weed out" harmful patterns and plant seeds of compassion, resilience, and joy. Inspired by Thoreau, Thich Nhat Hanh, and personal experience, I share tools to shift mental habits and nurture healing from within.

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A Vital Message for Suicide Prevention Month

As Suicide Prevention Month highlights, athletes and veterans face unique mental health challenges. Learn how mindfulness, meditation, holistic wellness, and supportive care can reduce depression, suicidal ideation, and stress. Discover practical strategies for chronic illness recovery, mental health support, and building resilience in high-pressure careers.

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EMBRACING WISE HOPE: HOW TO HAVE HOPE IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Discover the power of wise hope in your life with this reflective blog post and guided meditation. Learn how to cultivate balanced hope, mindful aspirations, and present-moment fulfillment while navigating disappointment, anxiety, and longing. Explore practical steps to connect with your deepest desires and bring peace, clarity, and self-discovery into daily life.

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WAKING UP FROM THE TRANCE OF UNWORTHINESS

Mindfulness wakes us up—from self-judgment, unconscious living, and the trance of unworthiness. Through present-moment awareness and compassion, we can reconnect to our shared humanity, release limiting beliefs, and become a force for healing in a world that needs more kindness, clarity, and hope.

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FINDING THE CALM IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s storms? This blog explores how mindfulness helps us stay grounded, even when chaos surrounds us. Through guided practice, breath awareness, and a shift in perspective, we can find steadiness within. Discover how presence can be your anchor—even in the fiercest winds.

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FIVE STEPS ON THE MINDFUL PATH THROUGH DEPRESSION

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, you're not alone—and there is hope. In this blog, I share five mindfulness-based tools to help you navigate emotional darkness with compassion and courage. From the RAIN technique to grounding in nature, journaling, and somatic practices like pendulating, these steps are designed to support healing and remind you that your pain is valid, and your presence matters. Let’s walk this mindful path together.

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LET IT R.A.I.N MINDFULNESS AND SELF-COMPASSION

Discover the transformative power of mindfulness and self-compassion with the R.A.I.N. practice. Learn to recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture your thoughts and emotions, reduce anxiety and stress, and develop emotional resilience. Perfect for managing overwhelm, difficult feelings, and cultivating inner peace daily

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Mindfulness, OCD, Anxiety, Self-Compassion, Healing, Befriending Ourselves Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie Mindfulness, OCD, Anxiety, Self-Compassion, Healing, Befriending Ourselves Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie

BEFRIENDING THE BEAST

Our minds can be our greatest ally—or our fiercest foe. In this heartfelt blog, I share my personal journey through intrusive thoughts, OCD, and postpartum struggle, and how mindfulness, grounding, and compassion helped me befriend the “mental beast.” Learn how to gently shift from resistance to healing and reclaim peace.

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LIFE BEYOND SPORTS: SHEDDING OUR ATHLETIC ARMOR

Shedding our athletic armor is part of healing after sport. This blog explores the identity loss, pressure, and perfectionism athletes face and how mindfulness, compassion, and awareness help us reconnect with who we are beyond the competition floor. Reclaim your strength, release the armor, and rediscover your true self.

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Understanding the Power of Functional Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Health

Discover the power of functional medicine—a root-cause, holistic approach to healing. Learn how personalized care, prevention, and lifestyle medicine can transform health from the inside out. Functional medicine empowers you to move beyond symptoms and reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit.

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HOW TO BREAK THROUGH WHEN WE BREAK DOWN

Emotional breakdowns may feel like weakness, but they often hold the seeds of breakthrough. In this heartfelt blog, I share how chronic illness, perfectionism, and personal struggle led to deep emotional release—and the healing wisdom that followed. Learn how to navigate breakdowns with mindfulness, grace, and growth.

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LISTENING TO LIFE: THE GENTLE STRENGTH OF RECEPTIVITY

Feeling depleted or burned out? Discover the healing strength of mindfulness and receptivity. This gentle, reflective blog explores how receiving—through breath, light, sound, and kindness—can support spiritual growth, ease chronic fatigue, and restore balance to body, mind, and soul.

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Spirituality, Tools for Healing, Emotional Wellness Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie Spirituality, Tools for Healing, Emotional Wellness Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie

The BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY OF LIFE: A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN

Grief, beauty, and spiritual reflection converge in this heartfelt tribute to Uncle Bob, a soulful adventurer who lost his life kayaking Lake Superior. His legacy lives on through nature, connection, and the deep spiritual truths his life revealed. Explore how love, loss, and interconnection shape our journey through this beautiful tragedy of life

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IS THE GOAL OF MEDITATION TO NOT HAVE ANY THOUGHTS?

Many beginners give up on meditation too soon—believing they’re “doing it wrong” because their minds won’t quiet down. But what if the goal isn’t to stop thoughts at all? In this post, I explain what mindfulness meditation is really about—and how a mindful approach can help you find peace even amidst the mental noise.

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Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT

Discover how mindfulness meditation boosts athletic performance by reducing stress, improving focus, enhancing recovery, and supporting restful sleep. This practice helps athletes, coaches, and parents stay grounded, present, and resilient—on and off the field. Train the mind like the body.

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