Believe you can and you’re halfway there.. [Theodore Roosevelt \{US President 1901-1909\}
Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers, last week I was in a ZOOM to catch up with a long-time consultant colleague currently based in Los Angeles.
Mates for over 20 years, and in consulting parlance “been kicked round the board room table a few times” we, during our regular digital get togethers share progress on our mutual health issues.
He is recovering from prostate cancer and on this week’s, ZOOM showed me the quote from former US President Theodore Roosevelt [ 1901 – 1909] which was given to him by his treating doctor. This adage was the basis for his approach to overcoming his cancer and enduring his subsequent rehab.
Thinking about my own circumstances, never at any stage was I going to let the residual effects of my stroke determine my future life, even though I was told by a doctor very early on, ’It is highly unlikely you will ever walk again”
Self-belief is one human attribute that I have no shortage of, so I was determined to do everything in my power to recover to the boundary fence of my future. post stroke being!
4 months after being admitted, I walked out on discharge day.
Gang, I am not Robinson Crusoe, there are many other Stroke Survivors who have achieved much more than me in their rehab [ have had the privilege of meeting some on a number of projects I have worked on].
They all have one trait in common. A strong sense of self belief and will to overcome the deficiencies that remain post stroke.
My Key Messages
Stroke Survivors- You are the master/mistress of your post stroke destiny. Believe that and your will attain whatever rehab goal you have identified.
Stroke Clinicians – Nurture your Survivor’s self-belief. Encourage their will and energy.