It is often the Little Milestones in your Rehab journey that really count.
…
As we Stroke Survivors slowly travel along our Rehab Highway we tend to focus on the BIG achievements-
- the showstoppers that are noticeable.
- that are often greeted with acclamation.
And rightly so!
These milestones are attained through significant effort by you, assisted by the skills of an accompanying stroke clinician \{be it a physio, an OT or speech therapist] so you are perfectly justified to reflect and say, “job well done.”
Because it has been just that. -Especially if you are recovering from the effects and impact of a stroke.
The MAJOR milestones that make me quietly reflect on my Rehab progress were - walking unassisted over all types of terrain, dressing myself, shaving, using a toothbrush, and walking up and down stairs. These mundane tasks have had a powerful effect on my life and lifestyle
But the journey [As all Stroke Survivors know] is never ending!
However, Fellow Time Travellers I have quite a way to go and over the next few months/years the following activities [ AKA LITTLE THINGS\} will receive my ongoing attention-
Using secateurs to harvest the fruits of my burgeoning vege garden
Holding the garden hose, using the spade to dig the garden
Use my high-pressure water cleaner-my Father’s Day present! Go Figure!
Improve my writing- currently looks like a 7-year-old.so I can write the novel I have been planning for decades
Do the Cryptic Crossword in the Sydney Morning Herald – I miss that treat!!
Swing a golf club.
When I achieve these tasks. I will practise what I have writ!
I will reflect on my progress.
For these little steps have/will round out the edges of those BIG STEPS I have mentioned above!
FYI- I was right hand dominant and it was heavily impacted by my stroke in 2016, hence my emphasis on my arm/hand.
If you are a Stroke Clinician, have your survivor focus \{if they can\} on the LITTLE ACTIVITIES, they are just as powerful as the MAJOR ACTIVITIES.
If you are a Stroke Survivor, think about the LITTLE THINGS that have gone missing following your stroke and focus on re-introducing them to your daily life.
Works for me!!
Brian A Beh,
Stroke Survivor,
Lifelong Member of the Hopalong Cassidy Fan Club
Poet, Philosopher and Child of the Cosmos
Winner “Improving Life After Stroke ‘Category
Stroke Foundation of Australia 2021 National Awards