Finding New Passions and Purpose

Day FIVE

Aphasia and apraxia of speech can take away more than just words. They can also steal the activities and roles that once gave life meaning. Maybe like me, you loved teaching, telling stories, leading meetings, praying at church or singing in a choir. When those abilities are disrupted, it can feel like a part of you is missing.

But here’s the truth: purpose doesn’t disappear—it transforms.

You still have purpose. I believe we all are here for a reason - before…and now!

Honoring What Was Lost

It’s okay to grieve the activities you can no longer do the same way. For me that activity is reading for pleasure. I can tell you that grief is real. But it’s also a chance to ask, “What now? What else could bring me joy, connection, or meaning?”

Discovering New Possibilities

Many people find passions in unexpected places after stroke:

• Gardening or caring for plants 🌱

• Painting, photography, or crafts 🎨

• Cooking or baking 👩‍🍳

• Walking, yoga, or gentle exercise 🚶

• Volunteering in new ways 🤝

These activities don’t rely on long conversations, but they can still bring fulfillment, connection, and pride.

My Story

Even before I could speak, my sister and father and I played UNO when they came over to visit with me. That simple activity which doesn’t require speaking was the perfect activity to make me feeling a part of the visit. I still prefer to be active when visiting with family, conversations are still difficult but I’ve learned to be a good listener.

Not being able to do activities I used to do made me extremely “blue”. I desperately sought to “talk” to someone who understood. I tried mental health counseling a number of times and most didn’t help. I will never forget when one counselor suggested “You just need new hobbies” as if that was the easiest thing to accept and do. Over time, with two wonderful psychologists using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I was able to accept some limitations and find new opportunities that enabled me to use the skills I had. Connecting with others who have Aphasia, apraxia of speech, and dysarthria helped as well. When I was not able to find the groups that I needed, I was able to create my own on zoom and also on Facebook. If you have any of these disorders, I encourage you to join our private Facebook group, https://m.facebook.com/groups/646069226475414/?ref=share

Purpose Beyond Words

Purpose isn’t only about what we say. It’s also about what we do and how we share ourselves: our kindness, presence, creativity, and resilience. You can still inspire, teach, and connect—sometimes even more deeply—without relying on speech alone.

Gentle Reminder

Losing one pathway doesn’t mean losing your whole identity. Passion and purpose can be rebuilt in new forms. Be curious. Be open. Let yourself be surprised by the joy waiting in new places.

✨ Takeaway Tip: Choose one activity this week—something new or something adapted—that you’d like to try. Start small. Notice how it makes you feel.

#blogboost #aphasia #apraxia #strokerecovery #passion #purpose

NOTE: I used ChatGPT to help with organization and to make it cohesive. Aphasia can affect speaking, reading and writing. Tools, like chatGPT, can help.