Dependence can lead to independence. I’ve been feeling terrible still because I haven’t honored my limitations that worsen my head pain. It’s been several weeks now with no improvements. I decided that I must switch over to 100% dependence on Voiceover for iPhone for at least 4 days. Otherwise, I will get worse. My symptoms have surpassed what is manageable. I’ve been playing with fire. I must take my life seriously. I only get one shot at this. Back when I was drinking, I wasn’t taking life seriously. I didn’t know the root of all my problems was my drinking, and when I began to see that, I ignored it.

I heard someone say today that we don’t get well all at once. First physically, then mentally, emotionally, and finally spiritually. Wellness takes balance, and balance is difficult when you are suddenly thrown into a brand-new body that you don’t quite understand after a stroke. My self-will drives me to do what I want, not the next right thing, and that’s what’s causing me pain.

Turning my will and my life over to something greater than myself gives me freedom. It neutralizes my self-will. That’s Step Three in my sobriety program, and I can practice it in stroke recovery as well. It’s using VoiceOver. It’s taking naps. It’s doing the thing I don’t want to do so I can feel better. It’s taking suggestions from doctors and therapists, and acting upon them. There’s strength in asking for help, whether it is professional, spiritual, or communal. We weren’t meant to do life alone. Dependence on each other builds real independence. The bravest thing I can do is ask for help and follow through. That’s how I move from surviving to living.

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To learn more about vestibular disorders visit https://vestibular.org

#strokeRecovery #sobrietyjourney #voiceoveraccessibility #emotionalhealing #spiritualgrowth #stepthree #selfwillvswillingness #mentalhealthmatters #recoveryispossible #onebodyonelife