Safety First

Today I would like to talk about safety. Because I have had a few falls this week. This happens when I get over confident. I have become much more independent these last couple of months,and I will go out walking by myself. I have two concrete steps in front of the house there is no rail, and I can usually manage fine with the cane. But not this week. I knew I could do it, I've done it hundreds of times, and I did not take time to get my balanceand fell.Then I got afraid, every time I came to the stairs or a steep grade in a driveway, or an uneven patch of pavement I got spooked. I fell again in the driveway. Falling is not much fun, and it hurts.So it's important to have someone with you when you venture out into that great minefield beyond your front door. It can be dangerous out there. Remember Safty first, both inside and outside the home,especially the kitchen, bathroom and the stairs accidents happen even to those who are not disabled. So be careful out there. But don't be so fearful that youcan't do anything, you just need to do it with caution.Remember what your mother told you, better safe than sorry.So have fun, but use a condom. More tomorrow.

Okease forgive my typing errors, I need work on my one handed typing, I hope you're getting the messages.

today I'd like to talk about the importance of diet. It's difficult to stay on a low sodium, low cholesterol diet. but possible. Watch out prossessed foods, cans, jars and even frozen. high sodium. Yes fresh produce is best, it can more difficult to store and prepare.But you need to realize you are now eating for your lives. If you have to, use frozen veggies, nothing canned, jarred. And never pickled. Whole grains, dried beans and legumes are good ways to add variety and protien when you're stayingaway from red meat, stick to chicken breast, dark meat may have more flavor, but higher in fat.Use olive oil and oilive oil spreads such as Olivio. There are waysto get sweets into your diet. My sister came upon a Brownie recipe. A box of brownie mix , and substitute the egg and oil for one can of pureed black beans.There is a slight noticeabledifference in taste and texture but they are deliscious, and they are chocolateWill have more recipes , and please share yours. If your dining out request to meet with the chefIf that's not possible stress to server the importance of dietary needs, this could be life or death.

It takes a village

Today I'd like to talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people.
let's face it it took a village to put this bitch back together. Therapists, family and good friends.No one can really understand what we're going through daily. But it's important that people around us remain positive and encouraging even when you're not. Because the bad days will be there, days filled with obstacles and frustrations some days I cry and just feel useless. This is hard for my family to understand, they see it as self pity, the fact is that it is hard. I recently lost a dear long time friend because of an emotional outburst.But we need to try to make people understand the nature of our beast. We do need people in our daily life not only for practical purposes, but also for emotional support. So ask people to understand, also try to eucate them. Let them know that you will get better, that is also the nature of the beast. And maybe I should just humble myself and ask forgiveness.This friend is sorely missed.

I wanted to apologize for all my typing errors...It's not easy typing with one, at least for me.I'll
practice

welcome an introduction

welcome to a little stroke of luck. I'll take a moment to introduce myself. 7 months ago I suffered a massive stroke. that left me with hemiparalysis on the left. like anyone I was terrified. didn't know how I could live this life. I was 49 and lived a pretty full life.I could't imagine what life wou ld be like now.I began my therapy as an inpatient. I could not wiggle my toes. How would I ever walk. I began work, it was hard , but I started to take some steps, and more each day.Soon I walked down the hall.and soon sfter I climbed the stairsAfter 6 weeks I walked out of there. So I wanted to tell someone who is now facing those same fears. We do get better, It takes time and hard work.But now I walk to th end of my street every day, even cook with some help.Life is not over. You can put your socks on with one hand and become more independent. It takes motivation and yes, work. But it is possible and worth while.So everyday I willsharesome of my insights, and invite others to share theirs . as well as, their hopes and inspirations. That is where I find my hope, in those whom have been there before me and havegotten .to the other side.So lets help each other find that hope where we thought there was none.