The Long Road Ahead

It’s my birthday. Another year older, another year wiser, and another year further down this unexpected path called stroke recovery. 29 years old, and six of those years have been shaped by a life-altering event that knocked me off my feet (literally) and forced me to re-evaluate everything I thought I knew about myself and the world.

So, as I blow out these candles and make a wish (probably for another me if only cloning is available, I’d sign up), I’m reflecting on the 29 most profound lessons this journey has taught me:

1. Life is damn precious (and unpredictable): Seriously, one minute, you’re celebrating a holiday; the next, you’re learning to walk again. Stroke was a brutal reminder that tomorrow is not guaranteed and that we should make the most of every damn day.
2. Your body is a temple (that sometimes needs a serious renovation): I used to take my health for granted. Now, I listen to my body’s whispers, prioritize rest when needed, and nourish myself with good food and (slightly) better lifestyle choices.
3. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s strength. Asking for help, expressing my emotions, and acknowledging my limitations were some of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But they were also the most empowering.
4. Patience is a superpower (and a necessity): Stroke recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Learning to be patient with myself, with my body, and with the pace of my progress has been a lifelong lesson.
5. Resilience is a muscle that needs to be exercised: I never knew how strong I was until I had to be. Facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and picking myself up after every fall has built a resilience I never thought possible.
6. Gratitude is a daily practice: Focusing on the good, the things I’m grateful for, has been crucial to maintaining a positive outlook and finding joy amidst the challenges.
7. Connection is essential: Sharing my experiences with other survivors, connecting with loved ones on a deeper level, and building a community of support has been invaluable.
8. Comparison is the thief of joy: Comparing myself to others, where I was before my stroke, or where I thought I’d be by now is a pointless exercise that only leads to frustration and self-doubt.
9. The brain is a remarkable organ. Witnessing my own cognitive recovery has filled me with awe and a deep appreciation for the complexities of this incredible organ.
10. Humour is the best medicine (after actual medicine, of course): Finding the humour in my situation, laughing at the absurdities, and maintaining a sense of lightness has been essential to my mental well-being.
11. Advocacy is a powerful tool: Sharing my story, raising awareness about stroke, and advocating for better support for survivors has given me a sense of purpose and helped me connect with others on a deeper level.
12. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential: Prioritizing my physical and mental health, setting boundaries, and saying no to things that drain me has been crucial to maintaining my well-being.
13. Perfection is an illusion: Striving for perfection is a recipe for disappointment. I’ve learned to embrace imperfection, to celebrate my progress, and to accept that “good enough” is often good enough.
14. Mindfulness is a superpower: Staying present, focusing on the here and now, and practising gratitude has helped me manage anxiety and appreciate the small moments.
15. Forgiveness is a gift (to yourself and others): Forgiving myself for my perceived shortcomings and forgiving those who may have hurt or disappointed me has been a liberating experience.
16. Acceptance is key: Accepting my new reality, my limitations, and the things I can’t change has been crucial to finding peace and moving forward.
17. Hope is a powerful motivator: Never losing hope, believing in my ability to recover, and envisioning a brighter future have kept me going through the toughest times.
18. Every day is a new opportunity: Each day is a chance to learn, grow, and make progress, no matter how small.
19. Challenges are opportunities for growth: Obstacles and setbacks are inevitable, but they also offer opportunities for learning, adaptation, and personal development; remember, no one can do the work for you, and you get out what you put into your recovery.
20. Celebrate the small victories: Every step forward, every milestone reached, and every challenge overcome is a reason to celebrate.
21. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and self-awareness.
22. Surround yourself with positive people: The people you spend time with have a profound impact on your well-being. Surround yourself with those who lift you up, support you, and make you laugh.
23. Find your tribe: Connecting with other stroke survivors, sharing experiences, and finding a community of support has been invaluable.
24. Embrace your story: My stroke is a part of my story, but it doesn’t define me. I’ve learned to embrace my story, to share it with others, and to use it to inspire and empower.
25. Live with intention: Setting goals, pursuing my passions, and living a life that aligns with my values has given me a sense of purpose and direction.
26. Never give up on your dreams: Just because my life took an unexpected turn doesn’t mean I have to give up on my dreams. I’ve learned to adapt, to redefine my goals, and to find new ways to pursue my passions.
27. Find joy in the everyday moments: The small things – a warm cup of coffee, a good book, a sunny day – have taken on new meaning and bring me immense joy.
28. The learning never stops: Six years on, I’m still learning, growing, and evolving. This journey has been a masterclass in adaptation, resilience, and self-discovery.
29. I’m not done yet! This is just the beginning. I have so much more to learn, so much more to experience, and so much more to give. I’m excited to see what the future holds and to continue this journey of recovery, growth, and self-discovery.

This birthday, I’m not just celebrating another year of life. I’m celebrating the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the unwavering belief that the best is yet to come.

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