4 Things I've Learned after the Stroke

4 Great Things

On this fourth day of the Ultimate Blog Challenge, Paul Taubman recalls some great things that come in fours. * 4 seasons, 4 suits of cards, 4 elements, 4 leaf clover, etc. * We often focus on the negatives and that is what most people think about when they know someone whose had a stroke. Many people express sympathy for me. It is hard to hear that people feel “bad” for me. At this point in my recovery, I like to stay in the positive….

I will share 4 positives things that I’ve learned after the stroke.

1. I am still the same person I always was. I may communicate differently and with more effort, but I still have the same values and basic personality traits. The people who care about me see this and don’t treat me any differently.

2. I am so much happier not having the stress of my full time job. I loved my job, but I have realized that I wasn’t always living my true values. I can still help people and share my expertise. I will soon volunteer as a mentor.

3. When you stay open to possibilities, the right people and opportunities show up. Early in my recovery I wanted desperately to find supports and information and as time passed I got what I needed.

4. It is important to seek out mental health support if needed. You don’t have to go through this alone. As a person with aphasia and apraxia this is hard. Until language skills are improved, it is hard to really express feelings. Fortunately I had a SLP who was very supportive and would work with me to express my thoughts. I had to go to different mental health counselors until I found the right ones.