My stroke damaged the part of the brain that prompted the body movements. Limbs had the ability to move but didn't receive the message to move anymore. So, after my stroke I had limited mobility.I only have right arm function, so the right hand had to be the dominant limb.Amazingly my right arm helped my left arm. Isn't that sweet! Well, the brain is relearning the basic. I had to do months of speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational to help rewire the brain through repeated practice to communicate movement to the body. All movements and exercises I do become sequence of steps that when practiced repeatedly help rewired the brain and help it to remember.
The first time I stood up and learn to walk was full of excitement.I was so excited like a toddler learning to walk for the first time. I kept telling my therapist I want to do it again and again until I was too weak to do it. I was exhausted after the therapy session but I felt accomplished. I pushed through and didn't give up. My therapist told me they have not seen anybody walked after just 2 weeks after having a stroke. I was elated and it motivated me to stay hopeful.
I'm not back to my old self after my stroke but I'm trying to accept the new me. Yes, my affected arm and leg are moving more. I can walk without my cane a little longer and farther without getting tired. I can cook food for me and my family that taste good. I can follow recipes and don't get overwhelmed. I can do more now but I sometimes missed the old me.
But I realized the sooner I accept the new me, and know the new me the more happier I will be. So instead of feeling angry and sorry, I decided to invest my energy into building up the new me.
We all have the tendency to compare ourselves with others stroke or no stroke right? The best thing about living after a stroke is that you don't care about many things anymore especially all the nonsense in the world. You realized how beautiful life is actually. My stroke changed my perspective in life. I learn to embrace my imperfections. I learn to appreciate my struggles. I learn to choose to LIVE and to THRIVE!
Accepting your limitations is the first step toward becoming the new version of you.Life is challenging and difficult after stroke but you can choose to be positive. Do things that make you fill fulfilled.Don't give up. Create a new dream. Reinvent yourself.
Here's one of my favorite quotes that I want to share with you all. Hope I inspire you today.
Grapes must be crushed to make wine .
Diamonds form under pressure.
Olives are pressed to make oil.
Seeds grow in darkness.
Whenever you feel crushed, under pressure, pressed, or in darkness_
You are in a powerful place of transformation and transmutation.
Trust the process.
Trust God.
I know I still have a long way to go. But I'm a fighter and I am going to fight this. It's scary sometimes but we can use fear to live with renewed purpose and have a new outlook in life after stroke.I'm a living. breathing miracle! Everyday I'm here is a blessing.
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