Category: Life Experiances

  • The Apples We Didn’t Eat: On Love, Timing, and the Art of Missing Out

    The Apples We Didn’t Eat: On Love, Timing, and the Art of Missing Out

    In 2019, back when my hair was longer and I was arguably a “lesser” version of myself, I walked into my local shop. I was in the middle of a crisis, the kind of mental fog that makes the world feel sharp and abrasive. She was there, restocking shelves. We…

  • Goal Setting After Stroke: Why Aiming High (and Low!) is Key to Recovery

    Goal Setting After Stroke: Why Aiming High (and Low!) is Key to Recovery

    In 2025, setting SMART goals is crucial for stroke recovery, acting as a compass to navigate challenges. Goals enhance autonomy, motivation, and self-efficacy, leading to improved rehabilitation outcomes. Involving a support system, tracking progress, and celebrating achievements are vital. Embrace goal setting as a mindset for a brighter stroke recovery…

  • Fleeting Warmth

    Fleeting Warmth

    I composed a Poem about an encounter on a train a couple of weeks ago i felt compelled to produce this as a way to free those feelings and an ode to the compassion I was shown.

  • working at the Cedar Foundation: Skillset service

    working at the Cedar Foundation: Skillset service

    Hi, my name is Andrew Oliver. I am a young stroke survivor, having had a haemorrhagic stroke at the age of 22, which impacted my entire left side. I decided after three months in the hospital that I was going to do whatever it took to live my life, in…

  • Healing loudly

    Healing loudly

    I recently discussed their recovery journey in a podcast with The Neuro Mermaid. I realized the importance of being vocal about their experience to inspire others. I plan to update their blog with more details about my life post-stroke, launch a podcast, and work on public speaking to help fellow…

  • My first time travelling – How The Light Gets In

    My first time travelling – How The Light Gets In

    I share my experience at the Hay Festival, meeting their hero Steven Bonnell, discussing various topics with him, attending shows, and engaging in thought-provoking panels. i also reflected on the impact of the event and expressed a desire for more photos. The diverse and stimulating experience left me feeling more…

  • My first time travelling

    My first time travelling

    I embarked on a challenging journey to the Hay Festival, facing obstacles and experiencing the beauty of Hay-on-Wye. Despite setbacks, such as getting lost and sustaining a hand injury, the resilience and determination prevailed. The trip, a test of stamina, ended triumphantly, leaving the me with valuable lessons and a…

  • Working with The Cedar Foundation

    Working with The Cedar Foundation

    In 2023, after a stroke, I aimed to re-enter the workforce. Joining Cedar Foundation, I trained for interviews and found my skills suited a social media role. Working with the passionate team, I gained inspiration and will contribute to their user forum. I highly recommend the charity for its impactful…

  • Stroke & Redifining Self Care.

    Stroke & Redifining Self Care.

    If you had asked me six years ago what “self-care” meant, I probably would have pictured a spa day, a glass of expensive scotch, or perhaps simply turning my phone off for an hour. It was a luxury. It was a bonus round. Then, five years ago, my brain decided…