Throughout their ‘journey’, many have, at some stage, someone who has inspired in them a new perspective, a new love for life. Who was your ‘someone’, and what did they say? – Diana #ourstrokevoice
Hi All,
I shared this on Facebook, and got some really interesting comments.
They really made me think, some people feel that they don't want to be defined by their stroke.
Other people that do, and are proud to be defined by their survival of their stroke.
Karen and Shelagh posted these comments (I hope you don't mind me sharing this lovlies - I though what you said was really important).
Shelagh said "I had a long conversation with my sister last year and she was worried that my stroke had 'defined me', by writing and publishing my book, she felt that I was always going to be acknowledging that stroke was a huge part of my life, and I wouldnt be able to 'move on.' She felt that I could still have achieved all the things I had done in the past three years without stroke. My answer..I feel very strongly that my stroke HAS defined me. It doesnt have to be for the worse but I feel it has been for the better of me. I would not have published my book without me having had a stroke, I would have been so busy at work that I wouldnt have had time to get fit, climb mountains and regain my exercise regime. What Im trying to say is stroke, as much as it knocks us down, doesn't mean me we never find the strength to get back up again and do something worthwhile with our lives".
Karen said "
I accept the quotation of one stroke survivor's expression of something which has inspired them. I'm glad this hit a sweet spot for that person.
I have a different perspective and expressed it recently in a different forum thus...
'Through online stroke groups I have connected with many, many wonderful, supportive, understanding friends. And I've been lucky enough to meet a number of my online friends in person. This week I met one such person and we had a ball.
One of the things we talked about was the extent to which being a stroke survivor 'defines' us. For me I am conscious, every waking moment, that I've had a stroke. My body and mind feel and function differently now. Different in ways that are painful, frustrating and exhausting. I expect it's the same for most people here. Talking about the impacts of our strokes doesn't define the whole of who we are. It doesn't mean we're not waking up each day and making the most of life. I think we're simply seeking acknowledgement for how hard we're working from those around us. It's why it's so nice to spend time with other stroke survivors. They just get it!'.
Click here to see the whole conversation.
Diana
