Be Patient With Yourself: Becoming Someone You’ve Never Been Before

“Be patient with yourself. You are becoming someone you’ve never been before.”

These words stopped me in my tracks because, as a stroke survivor, I understand how deeply they resonate.

On 3 December 2022, my life changed forever. I suffered a major stroke, underwent brain surgery and was brought back to life three times. I spent approximately three months in intensive care and high dependency, facing an uncertain future.

I survived, but surviving was only the beginning.

Before my stroke, I was fiercely independent. I worked, raised my son and managed a busy life. Walking, driving, working and everyday activities were things I simply took for granted.

Suddenly, everything changed.

My left side was affected, walking became difficult, my left hand no longer worked as it once had, and overwhelming fatigue became part of my everyday life.

Almost four years later, I am still recovering. Some days I feel strong, determined and proud of how far I’ve come. Other days, I feel frustrated, exhausted and overwhelmed by the challenges I still face.

Stroke recovery isn’t a straight line. There are setbacks, pain, spasticity and moments when my body simply refuses to cooperate. I’ve learned that determination alone cannot control the speed of recovery.

Patience has never been my greatest strength, but stroke has taught me that sometimes progress means taking a few steps forward, and sometimes it simply means getting through a difficult day.

I’ve learned to celebrate the little victories. Showering independently, preparing a meal, gardening or putting my hair up using one hand might seem insignificant to others, but to me, these moments represent freedom, courage and hope.

What people don’t always see is the emotional side of recovery. The loneliness, exhaustion, frustration and sadness of missing the person you once were.

There are days when I miss my old life and the independent woman I used to be. But I’m learning that I don’t have to stop loving who I was to appreciate who I’m becoming.

My stroke took many things away, but it also taught me resilience, compassion and a deeper appreciation for life. Along this journey, I became a Reiki practitioner, discovering new purpose and meaning.

I still have dreams. I want to drive again, travel, work, love, laugh and enjoy life. My stroke may have changed how I do things, but it hasn’t taken away my determination to live fully.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to be strong every day. I’m allowed to feel frustrated, to rest and to celebrate achievements that others may never understand.

I’m not the woman I was before my stroke, and I’m not yet the woman I hope to become.

I’m somewhere in between.

Still learning. Still healing. Still facing challenges. Still dreaming.

And that’s okay.

Recovery isn’t just about regaining what we’ve lost. It’s about accepting ourselves, finding strength and discovering who we can become.

So today, I’m reminding myself to be patient, because becoming someone new takes time.
stroke changed my life, but it didn’t end my story.

With love, hope and determination,
Voula ❤️