31 Tips for Thriving (with a Aphasia and Apraxia)

This month I’m once again participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. If you follow this blog you know that the challenge is to write and post blog entries daily for the month. I have had trouble completing the challenge but have been successful 2-3 times I think. (I have to look back to check.) The times that I have completed the whole month I have had a plan from the beginning.

This month I intend to share tips and strategies that have helped me along this over 6 year journey. For those who don't know me, I had a stroke in May of 2019. Having a stroke and losing some physical strength was hard but losing my voice was devastating and debilitating. I have recovery well. These communication disorders still challenge me, but I can honestly say

I am living well

(even with aphasia, apraxia of speech and slight dysarthria.)

So here's my plan. for the month:

Week 1 - Foundations: Mindset, Self and Hope

Week 2 - Tools and Therapy

Week 3 - Relationships and Support Systems

Week 4 - Emotional and Mental Health

Week 5 - Thriving Long term

Day ONE

Rebuilding Self-Esteem

When stroke or other trauma changes the way you speak, think, or move, it can feel like your sense of self has been shaken. Many people with aphasia or apraxia of speech say they don’t feel like “themselves” anymore. The words won’t come, conversations feel harder, and even everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to grieve the “old you.”

But here’s the hopeful truth: self-esteem can be rebuilt. Not by pretending the stroke never happened, but by gently discovering new ways to value yourself, celebrate progress, and honor the person you are becoming.

My Story

When I had the stroke, I lost more than just words. I lost confidence. I felt frustrated that I couldn’t express myself. I thought of myself as less than. Over time, though, I learned that rebuilding self-esteem is possible—it just looks different than before. Small wins, patience, and support helped me start again.

I have found that sharing my story has been an important part of recovery and helps with rebuilding self esteem. When sharing my journey, I can remember the small and bigger wins. I can bring hope to people at the beginning of their journey. I started this blog in 2020 mostly to document my journey but it has become so much more than that. My advice to my fellow PWA (persons with aphasia), share you story. You never know who it will help, but I’m certain it will help you.

5 Ways to Rebuild Self-Esteem After Stroke

1. Belonging - building (or rebuilding) your community

We all need to feel part of something. After stroke, isolation can creep in—but connection heals. Surround yourself with family, friends, and peer groups who remind you that you are still you, and that you belong.

2. Uniqueness - Embrace It!

Stroke may have changed parts of you, but it didn’t erase your uniqueness. You still bring gifts, humor, creativity, and perspective that no one else can. Celebrate the qualities that make you you.

3. Strengthen Internal Control

Recovery can feel like so much is out of your hands. But you can take control of daily choices—how you respond to challenges, how you pace yourself, how you care for your body and mind. Focus on what you can influence, and your confidence will grow.

4. Learn from the Past, Focus on the Present

It’s natural to replay old mistakes or grieve “what was.” Instead, honor the lessons of the past and then gently bring your attention back to the present. What can you do today—right now—that supports healing? Each present moment is a gift.

5. Determination - hold on to hope and find your purpose again

Self-esteem grows when you believe tomorrow can be brighter. Have hope, even if progress feels slow. Pair hope with determination: the steady choice to keep trying, to keep showing up, to keep moving forward. That courage is where true strength lives.

Gentle Reminder

I believe reBUILDing self-esteem after stroke is not about “getting back” to who you were. It’s about honoring who you are now, and who you are becoming. Belonging, uniqueness, control, presence, determination and hope are the bricks. Day by day, they build a strong foundation for confidence and getting your self-worth back.

✨ Takeaway Tip: Today, write down one way you showed determination. It could be finishing an exercise, speaking up in a conversation, or simply getting out of bed. Small steps are strength

If you feel comfortable, please share in the comments section one way you showed determination recently.

I was determinated to post this blog today. And I did. Let's see what I come up with tomorrow.

Until then...

NOTE: I used ChatGPT to organize my thoughts and create cohesiveness. Aphasia is a language disorder and using tools such as ChatGPT help me.

#aphasia #apraxia #dysarthria #stroke #selfesteem