Life After Stroke? Death Sentence or Opportunity for Growth?

If you have already experienced a stroke, who gives a rip what the symptoms are or listening to medical jargon. You want to know if there is life after stroke, right?

Let's just use plain talk here, and talk about how to get back to as normal a life as possible.

First of all, I am not a doctor nor do I portray one on TV. You are urged to seek out professional medical advice whenever necessary.
Physical therapy, whether professionally administered or self-administered is not only very important but advised as well.

That takes care of the physical part of the equation, but what about how you feel inside? That is just as important if not more so. Am I right?

Things like:

Inadequacy

Lowered to no self esteem

Sense of personal loss

Wondering if everything will EVER get back to somewhat normal

Will there ever be any more intimate times with my significant other

Will my condition cause a severe strain on my family

Will I ever be independent again

The list goes on almost into infinity

Consider this the first in a series of articles to help you mentally cope with your situation. One article could not begin to cover all the above points, let alone all the points that need to be touched upon.

In this article we will cover briefly how to condition the mind for recovery and have a life after stroke.

When you make up your mind about something, as we all know, whatever you make up your mind about happens. But this will not turn out to be another self-help manual. Robert Frost said it in his lyrical way:

"The only way around is through..."

The mind is one of the most powerful members of the body. Even when damaged, it has miraculous powers to restore itself very remarkably.
Therefore, in preparation for rehab, you must first address your mind.

Take a look at all the thoughts you have about your "disability" and transform them into strong positive patterns that address your "ability" to overcome obstacles and physical limitations.

Life is challenging enough for anyone, let alone stroke survivors. However, with the correct mindset, you will confront all the challenges head on.

I, for one, have faith in you!

Think positively; visualize your recovery and the journey to get there. Visualize communicating clearly and effectively. Visualize yourself walking normally. Do not think of how you will get there, just know in your mind and heart that you will! The power of thinking positively will help you overcome all obstacles and help you achieve the greatness you so richly deserve, even in the face of adversity.

Do not perceive your physical condition as a limitation, but strive to enjoy life in new and exciting ways. It all starts with your new frame of mind and your mental conditioning.

Do not think of your stroke as a setback because life is constantly changing anyways, as it does with all individuals.

Granted, a stroke will make a dramatic change in your lifestyle, but can also present you with a new opportunity, along with its challenges, to live a fresh, new, better, and rewarding life!

May God bestow many blessings on you and be with you on your new journey towards health and happiness!

So, you see, there IS life after stroke!