Shining Your Light

Day 27

After celebrating your unique journey yesterday, the next step is letting your light shine — in your own way, at your own pace.

Your light doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It doesn’t need to be loud or perfect. It is simply the sum of who you are: your courage, your creativity, your kindness, and the resilience that carried you through the hardest days.

It’s easy to compare yourself to others — to the people you were before, or to those who seem to navigate life effortlessly. But comparison only dims your spark. Your journey, your strengths, and your voice are yours alone. That’s what makes your light so special.

Even small acts can shine brightly. A smile, a gentle word, listening to someone, or simply showing up are all ways your light touches the world. Every time you move forward, speak your truth, or embrace your unique gifts, you are shining — even if you don’t notice it.

Here’s how I keep my light glowing:

• Celebrate My Unique Strengths.

• Let Go of Comparison.

• Share My Light Anyway I Can.

• Keep Moving Forward.

I’ve seen progress these 6 years of course. With each new thing I tried, I think I’ve shone my light to the world.

Starting this blog was one of first things. It was hard at first knowing that someone could read what I put on the internet. And that I could get criticism. Then eventually being brave enough to advertise the posts on X and FaceBook.

Being more open to saying yes to adventures. Not shying away from reading to my granddaughter when I know I can’t read as well as her other family members and make lots of mistakes (some of which she notices at this point).

Starting to attend aphasia groups and then progress to starting my own.

Participating in aphasia research projects and then being asked to be on an advisory one. (I will share more about this project soon.)

And recently going out of my comfort zone to volunteer at a local hospital.

There have been so many things I’ve done that I’m proud of since the stroke. I could not have done them without the belief that I could do more, the determination to use my strengths and skills, and the support of others who reminded me of my light when I couldn’t see it myself. We all have that same spark within us—and when we choose to let it shine, we light the way for others too.

Reflection

Your light has always been inside you, even in the darkest days. The stroke, the challenges, the moments of doubt — none of these can take it away. By honoring your uniqueness, trusting your strengths, and sharing your gifts, you remind yourself and others that light can shine in every form, in every journey. And as your light grows, it naturally invites connection with the people and world around you.

Tip

Don’t compare your light to anyone else’s. Let it shine in your own way, at your own pace. Every small spark matters — to you and to the world around you. This light is what makes connection possible, even when words are hard.