I can now say without a doubt that the greatest prejudice against me comes from me! I had it in my head that organizations would not hire me and men would not want to go out with me, once they know about my stroke!

There are two main problems with this. First, these thoughts are coming from within me! If I think that way, there is little doubt that my experiences will support my thinking. Second, because of my own prejudice against my stroke, I spent a lot of time trying to prove I have not lost some level of my former abilities. That is a lie! Enough with defending what I was, what I am no more!!!

I say without pain, that I cannot do certain things as well as I used to, such as public speaking without adequate notes. Instead, I have been forever transformed into the stoke-blessed-me, the authentic me! Here I find, a new found specialness.  I can speak more powerfully than ever before, on the right topic and with sufficient preparation. Moreover, I passionately write, I innovate, I find creative solutions, and I am more committed to whatever I take on!

This is the authentic me, the stroke survivor. I am ready to expose her to, to share her with, the world. Here is a piece I was moved to write in celebration of our authentic selves.