Benefits of Writing

Thank you for sharing this!

I too love to write; old school style, with paper and pen! I also loved to draw. 

My Stroke effected my right arm, it now has a mind of its own and does whatever - whenever. I found this extremely difficult to contend with; at the beginning. I then began to teach myself left handed. Colouring-In first, then drawing, and now writing. It’s a work in progress!! And only just legible!!

Writing is a fantastic escape and amazing for anyone’s memory.

Keep writing for you!

Belinda 

Yes, I agree whole heartedly. Writing has kept me company during my recovery. I write songs mostly but have found myself writing poetry and stories as well, sometimes reflections. When I read some of the poetry I wrote in the early stages of recovery, it is pretty heavy reading, very raw and then surprisingly humorous at times. I have written a lot of new songs, very different in genre than I was used to, lots of honest, vulnerable story telling, with enough pace to help me breathe (I still get breathless but am getting stronger. I was a professional singer). Writing has been great for my mind, my reading, expressing my feelings but also making me feel connected to creativity and feeling I can still contribute, despite the issues I am having. Each song has been a triumph, for a receptive audience...me!

Space to breath, not pace*

Hi Donna, you have done remarkably well, your honesty is an example to others!

I am a writer and poet,and have found tremendous satisfaction at being able to share my experiences post stroke on the medium.

My advice- keep it up!Brian

Well done Donna. Keep writing. It helps. I often just listen to music and memories start resurfacing and it is a healing experience. My dear family bought me a portable speaker for my birthday, so now, I listen to music all day long and must say, that music has a healing effect1

Re writing, I started writing up my family's tree, going back a few generations (both Mum's and Dad's side).

I guess, stroke survivors' and their families have so many stories to tell - starting with the event (stroke), going on with the recovery and life after stroke (work, friends, emotions, finances, etc.)

Julie, I just read that you are a professional singer. I was once introduced to a great group of stroke survivors from Bayswater (I think). They are called 'Stroke Accord' - I think. Members are stroke survivors who live with Aphasia, but when they sing, there are no difficulties singing lyrics as they are. Very friendly group of people. Unfortunately, I have no voice, so, don't go there anymore. They also perform in public - I think they are on FB as well. 

Re movies and real life stories - one of my favourite ones (French, based on a true story). 'The diving Bell and the Butterfly'.

The title itself defines very well the state of some of stroke survivors...

In a nutshell, the survivor can only communicate with his one eyelid - following his stroke, he suffers the 'locked-in-syndrome'. Thanks to one of his therapists he manages to 'dictate' a book about his life, which is the basis of this moving movie. One scene that stayed with me was when he, for the first time after stroke, is taken out outside - and feels the wind on his face...

forgot to say - the way he is able to dictate is that he moves his one eye lid (once for yes) while the therapist moves across a board with the alphabet. Long process - but, they did it!

Thanks for sharing all your thoughts 

I am always grateful for words that assist in my recovery. 

Until next time 

Cheers Donna