Part 1: Making Sacred Space in Sterile Places

julie3506
Jul 12
2 min read

By Julie Stevens, Founder of MOJO Health

When the Hospital Became Home

Three years ago today, I walked into the emergency room knowing I'd spend all day waiting for a room where my cancer journey would officially begin. But instead of accepting the cold, clinical environment that hospitals are known for, I made a choice that would set the tone for everything that followed.

I decided to make that space mine.

The Transformation

While other patients settled into standard-issue rooms with white walls and fluorescent lighting, I was busy creating something entirely different. My dear friends had prepared photo collages from two poster boards, filled with faces of everyone who loved me. My "Maximize Joy" flag went up first – a bright declaration of intent. My Widespread Panic flag followed because music has always been my medicine.

Balloons brought color where there was none. Flowers filled every corner with life and fragrance. My speaker system pumped out songs that made my heart sing. And in the center of it all sat a magical stuffed unicorn – a gift from one of my favorite little humans, representing the love I couldn't physically have in that room.

Why Environment Matters

What I didn't realize at the time was how profoundly this decision would impact my healing. Research shows that our environment directly affects our stress hormones, immune function, and overall well-being. Patients who personalize their healing spaces report:

Reduced anxiety and depression
Better sleep quality
Lower pain levels
Faster recovery times
Improved treatment compliance

But this wasn't about research – this was about survival. From the very first day, I refused to let fear dictate my experience. I was going to find my frequency, even in the most sterile of places.

The Birth of a Philosophy

That transformed hospital room became the first expression of what would later become MOJO Health's core belief: You have agency in your healing journey. You don't have to accept the standard experience. You can create something better.

Your environment – whether it's a hospital room, treatment center, or your bedroom at home – affects your ability to heal. When you surround yourself with love, joy, and reminders of what you're fighting for, you're not just decorating. You're actively participating in your own healing.