Introduction:
I suffered a stroke in November 2023, my second. Both due to high blood pressure. The first one happened around my 50th Birthday due to undiagnosed High Blood pressure and after that I was put on various medications to control it.
Due to work related stress and frustration with an out of touch Management team where I was working, I suffered my second stroke, with my blood pressure at 192/110 when I presented at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department. Needless to say they were quick to get me into a wheelchair and off to a ward for attention.
During my recovery I had ZERO contact from my Management team to ask how I was, my own team talked to me nearly every day and I felt connected to them, over time I felt more and more the need to return to work due to the stressful changes they were experiencing, I felt were due to my stroke taking me out of the picture.
I went back too early and due to loss of confidence in my abilities and just not feeling right, I finally left the organisation in a planned exit with the HR team.
A stroke is a life-altering event that not only affects physical health but can also lead to significant emotional and psychological challenges. One of the most profound difficulties that stroke survivors often face is the loss of identity. The familiar roles, hobbies, and interests that once defined them may suddenly feel out of reach, leaving them struggling to find a sense of self.
However, amidst this turmoil, there is hope. By focusing on something they are passionate about, stroke survivors can embark on a journey of self-discovery, rebuilding confidence and reclaiming their identity.
Understanding Post-Stroke Identity Loss:
The impact of a stroke on an individual's identity can be profound. Suddenly, the abilities and skills that they once took for granted may be compromised. Simple tasks like walking, talking, or even remembering names can become monumental challenges.
Moreover, the stroke survivor may find themselves grappling with cognitive changes, such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating, further exacerbating feelings of identity loss.
Beyond the physical and cognitive effects, the emotional toll of a stroke can also be significant. Many survivors experience feelings of grief, anger, frustration, and even depression as they come to terms with the changes in their lives. The loss of independence and the need for constant support can further erode their sense of self-worth and identity.
The Healing Power of Passion:
In the midst of this turmoil, discovering or reconnecting with a passion can be a transformative experience for stroke survivors. Whether it's painting, gardening, writing, music, or any other creative pursuit, engaging in something they love can provide a sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
Passion has a unique way of transcending physical limitations and tapping into the core of who we are as individuals. When stroke survivors immerse themselves in their chosen passion, they are no longer defined by their limitations. Instead, they rediscover their strengths, creativity, and unique talents, reaffirming their sense of self.
Rebuilding Confidence and Self-Identity:
As stroke survivors pursue their passion, they often experience a profound shift in their mindset. They begin to focus on what they can do rather than dwelling on their limitations. With each brushstroke, note played, or word written, they gain confidence in their abilities and feel a renewed sense of purpose.
Moreover, engaging in a passion project provides a sense of accomplishment and mastery, bolstering self-esteem and self-efficacy. As they witness their own progress and growth, stroke survivors begin to redefine their identity not as victims of stroke but as resilient individuals capable of overcoming adversity.
Everyday Bushcraft is my passion. It isn't about just teaching survival skills for SHTF or other scenarios that might or might not happen, its about every day life with its ups and downs and developing the mindset of survival for every day. Seeing opportunities, that "possum mentality" of harvesting now incase its not available later, developing our Situational
Awareness so we don't get blindsided by whats going on around us, about focusing on priorities in a structured way to get the most important things done first, just like in a survival situation.
Everyday Bushcraft is a framework that has been developed over my lifetime, but inspired by my stroke and the concept of having a goal to get me out past the effects of the stroke, to give me purpose and to share these concepts that work for me with other people, to develop a new mindset, the Everyday Survival Mindset that helps to prepare, navigate and experience our lives with more resilience and options.
Conclusion:
Recovering from a stroke is a journey filled with challenges, but it is also a journey of resilience, courage, and self-discovery. By focusing on something they are passionate about, stroke survivors can transcend the limitations imposed by their condition and reclaim their sense of self.
Through creativity, determination, and the support of loved ones, they can rebuild confidence, find joy in life once again, and embrace a new identity—one defined not by stroke, but by strength, passion, and resilience.
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