Cheers to 3 Years!
Trust me, a stroke really is no joke!
It is hard to believe that March 12th, 2022 marked the third anniversary of the stroke I survived. The medical community refers to a stroke as an “event”.
This time of year I think a lot about the “event” and the intense days that followed. It goes without saying it was a very frightening experience for me as well as those I love. However, the anniversary of this event is something I choose to CELEBRATE. I am so thankful to be alive today, and so thankful for my recovery, which was really nothing short of a miracle!
Cheers to 3 years!!
Cheers to the Universe for having my back. Cheers to all the incredible doctors, nurses and specialists that were there the night of the stroke and the crucial days that followed. Cheers to all the energy healers that have been part of my recovery and healing ever since, AND most importantly cheers to my amazing family and friends that were by my side every step of the way!
Last year at the anniversary of the stroke I shared the impact energy healing had on my recovery and posted this last week (click here to read). I shared how I had been working every day to make my comeback stronger than my setback. Energy healing continues to be critical to supporting my on-going healing from the stroke, and everyday, I am continuing to make my comeback stronger than my setback.
From the outside, it would appear that I have fully recovered from the stroke. However, we all know that what we see isn’t always the full picture. I have definitely come leaps and bounds from that impactful day 3 years ago. When I couldn’t get out of bed or open my eyes without vomiting due to the nystagmus. To the early days of my recovery in inpatient rehab relearning to walk and swallow, and then returning home to adjust to a new way of living. Life for me had completely changed, I was not working, and had to be entirely dependent upon others to get to and from a myriad of appointments, as well as needing to relearn how to drive. While my recovery has been quite remarkable, three years later I am still working to heal my right leg and foot, specifically the neuralgia in my leg and numbness in my foot. While simply thinking about the early days of my recovery makes me feel extremely tired, it also makes me SO appreciative of how far I have come AND excited about where I am heading.
While many things have contributed to my recovery, this last year I have realized the importance of my attitude and mindset in regards to my recovery.
Attitude is defined as a ‘settled way of thinking or feeling about something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior, and mindset is the established set of attitudes held by someone or a mental attitude or inclination.’ I truly believe that at the core of my healing is the positive attitude and mindset that I have worked so hard to nurture and grow. I truly believe, and my thoughts reflect this, that I can and will heal.
A positive attitude and mindset begin with positive thinking. Positive thinking is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. Positive thinking doesn't mean that you ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. I personally know it can have a big impact on your physical and mental health - it definitely has on mine. I truly believe that we are all doing the best we can!
Post-stroke this became an integral part of my healing. As I reflect on those early days and most of the days since then, I now realize how powerful my thoughts, attitude and mindset were. Several days after the stroke, Drew, Toby and I had begun developing a list of “perks of the stroke.” This positive reframe and levity was instrumental in getting us through those first few intense weeks.
I share this, because I know everyone has their battles to fight, and struggles they face. These ‘events’ or ‘experiences’ all look different, some are known, most are probably hidden, all awhile the whole world is still going through a pandemic.
I believe focusing on our thoughts is the most important work we can do and will continue to be the most important work to do because it significantly impacts all facets of life. The thoughts we think matter. They help create our experiences. By focusing on what we want, instead of what we don’t want, the more we will create the life and experiences we need.
At almost every step of my comeback I have been able to reframe things to find the positive. It doesn’t mean that I always feel positive. Its SO important to remind ourselves to feel all the feels - the entire gamut of human emotions - the good, bad and ugly. But I also believe and trust that everything always works out, sometimes even better than we can imagine.
I have always believed in the power of thoughts. Nothing is more powerful than our mind. Now more than ever I know that our mindset and the thoughts we think are the key to healing. In order to live a life of balance, and to create that inner peace we are all striving for one needs to be taking care of themselves energetically and mentally.
This photo of Drew, Toby and me was taken the day I left inpatient rehab (10 days post stroke).
I share this picture to demonstrate one example of the miraculous healing I’ve experienced.
If you look at my left eye, you will notice that my eyelid has a droop and my pupil is smaller. This condition, Horner’s syndrome, was caused by the stroke, which disrupted a nerve pathway from the brain to my face and eye. The neuro-opthamologist explained that I would have this condition for the rest of my life.
He even suggested drops for whenever there were special occasions and photos would be taken. I decided to trust myself and focus on what I could control in regards to healing my eye. I gave thanks for the fact that I could see and focused on healing my eye as best I could. Thankfully, through powerful thoughts and intentions along with energy healing I no longer have a droopy eyelid or smaller pupil!
Spring is a hopeful season!
It is the renewal of life. It brings us warmer and longer days, after a long, cold winter.
When we come out of hibernation, it is normal to feel a bit stagnant. If you are finding yourself feeling stuck or out of balance, perhaps it is time to start looking for your own reset.
“Spring cleaning” is just as important for your mind, body and spirit, as it is cleaning out your home. I cannot think of a better time or season to do so. It is not lost on me that the stroke I experienced happened as Spring was unfolding.
While I wouldn’t want to experience a stroke again or wish that upon anyone, I know that this stroke of luck provided me with an opportunity. At the age of 46, I had to take stock, make changes and prioritize what was most important to me. The stroke also provided a reset, an opportunity to rewire my brain, and to do some deep “spring cleaning” of my thoughts, which is helping me transform beyond my wildest dreams.
You don’t need to experience a stroke or another life threatening event to reset, but instead come try a session at TULA. It might just be what you need to spring ahead!
In honor of this special anniversary, please be on the lookout for another TULA giveaway coming soon to social media. I am excited and eager for what is to come this spring and will continue to work to strengthen my comeback. I hope that if you are experiencing any setbacks that you too can make your comeback stronger than your setback!
With gratitude,
Kerry
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Be on the lookout for a future blog delving into the power of our thoughts.