Getting Back into the Community

Day 11

Re-engaging with the world after a stroke can feel both exciting and terrifying. For many of us living with aphasia, apraxia, and dysarthria, the world outside our homes can seem louder, faster, and more complicated than before. Yet, reconnecting with community is one of the most powerful ways to rebuild confidence and reclaim joy.

My Journey Back to Community

One of the first activities I tried after my stroke was going to the grocery store as part of my speech therapy homework. The goal was simple—ask for a specific item. It sounds easy, but at the time it was terrifying. Every word felt heavy, and I worried about being misunderstood or stared at.

Even before that, I started going back to Sunday Mass at my church. For almost a year, I cried every week because I couldn’t say the prayers or sing the hymns. I felt less than—like I was no longer part of the congregation I loved.

But I kept showing up. Week after week, I sat in the same pew and practiced quietly. Over time, I began to say some of the basic prayers—slowly, softly, but with deep gratitude. I still can’t say the responses out loud with the other parishioners or sing the music, but I can mouth every word and feel fully part of the community again.

When COVID hit, masks gave me an unexpected sense of permission not to speak. That pause helped me rebuild confidence at my own pace. Slowly, I started doing errands again, then volunteering.

Now, I’m proud to say I volunteer at a local hospital as a unit assistant—something that felt impossible in the first years of recovery. It took time, practice, and patience, but I’ve learned that community doesn’t require perfect speech—it just requires showing up.

The Barriers Are Real

Noise, bright lights, and large crowds can make it harder to process language and speak clearly. It’s exhausting to keep up, especially when fatigue sets in.

And there’s the emotional side—fear of not being understood, of having to repeat yourself, or of feeling embarrassed when words don’t come. These fears are real, but they don’t have to define your world.

What Helped Me Most

In the beginning, I rarely went out alone. I had a family member with me, especially for doctor’s appointments or important errands. Having someone there gave me both support and confidence.

I also practiced scripts—especially for phone calls and routine interactions. My speech therapist helped me plan and rehearse what to say so I’d be ready when the moment came. Sometimes, I’d even write the words down on a card or in my phone notes to use if speech became difficult.

Over time, these small steps helped me rebuild trust in myself and in my ability to communicate in the real world.

Other strategies that helped:

• Start small: Choose one familiar place and visit for just a few minutes.

• Go at quieter times: Early mornings or mid-afternoons can be calmer and less stressful.

• Bring your ID card or a note explaining aphasia: It can ease pressure in unfamiliar situations.

• Take breaks: Plan short outings with time to rest between.

• Celebrate effort, not perfection: Even one short conversation is a victory.

  
  

The Joy of Belonging Again

Community gives structure, purpose, and connection. Whether it’s returning to worship, volunteering, joining a small group, or just saying hello to a neighbor, each moment strengthens both communication skills and self-worth.

You don’t have to do it all at once. You just have to begin—one step, one smile, one moment at a time.

Daily Reflection

Think about a place that once brought you joy—a café, church, or park. What small step could you take to visit again? Even sitting quietly and observing counts as participation.

💬 Today’s Takeaway Tip

You belong in your community—speech or no speech.Start small, be patient with yourself, and let connection grow from courage, not perfection.

#blogboost #aphasia #apraxia #connections #LivingWellWithAphasia

Note: I used ChatGPT to help me organize this post and make sure my thoughts were cohesive. Aphasia can affect speaking, reading and writing. Tools such as ChatGPT can help.