Finding a Purpose in Traumatic Events (From The American Heart Association Blog)

Thrilled to announce an article I wrote on my stroke recovery journey was just published on the American Heart Association blog!

Here’s the article’s introduction followed by a link to the complete article on the American Heart Association’s official blog…
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“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Picasso

All of us are born with purpose in life. Some know it from an early age, but for others it can be an ongoing struggle.

Suffering a traumatic event such as a stroke can leave survivors chasing the question: What will my purpose be if I can’t do the things I used to do? We know purpose is associated with psychological well-being. Purpose is connected to resilience and our social support. It is vital for coping.

When someone suffers a stroke or any type of traumatic event, survivors can become hopeless or indifferent about the future they may have.

They have two choices of a mindset: The first is “I am going to fight as hard as I can to make a full recovery.” The second is “I’ll throw my hands up in the air and resign to my fate.” Our certainty in life has become an uncertain future. What once made sense no longer applies.

Survivors talk about a “new normal.” We have to create this new normal and apply it to our daily lives. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are a constant in the day-to-day life of a survivor.

Survivors try to make sense that our lives will still have meaning and direction. We are constantly trying to achieve goals. Striving for small ones first, then moving onto bigger ones. It’s vital to maintaining our self-esteem and life satisfaction. We want to feel as if we can still contribute to society.

Our lives have taken a detour and don’t allow us the same opportunities due to the physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. However, the opportunities presented to survivors are new and can be meaningful.

Looking through a new lens and seeing a way to find and pursue new goals, projects and hobbies is essential to finding that gift we so badly want to share with others. How do we redefine who we are? How do we look at our stroke as an opportunity to re-create who we want to be? How do we change our narrative?

Since suffering an ischemic stroke in June 2009 at age 44, I have answered those questions. I was able to find my meaning and my purpose.

My survival and recovery became my focus, which led to volunteering as a stroke facilitator, first in the acute rehab center where I was once a patient, then later at local hospitals and neighborhood communities, where I offered my time and shared my story of successful rehabilitation. I also became a volunteer for the American Heart Association, sharing my story at every opportunity.

This service to others has given me a voice. A voice to educate, share and serve in the survivor community. I have been fortunate to meet and connect with hundreds of survivors and family members sharing hope for our new normal.

Thirteen years after the stroke that changed my life, I have learned to give my pain purpose and turn it into something beautiful. I hope my fellow stroke survivors will, too.

Here’s a link to the original article on the American Heart Association Blog…