Life can change in a split second. One minute you are living your normal life, and the next you’re waging the fight of your life. That is what happened to me on February 23, 2020, when I experienced a rare hemorrhagic stroke at the age of 39. The doctors informed me that only 20% of individuals suffer this kind of stroke and that the survival rate is only 10%. The odds were stacked against me, but I survived.

The stroke robbed me of walking, speaking, eating, swallowing, and even vision. All I knew about myself was lost. I was lost and frightened. But amidst all this darkness, I discovered something amazing—hope. My story of survival is one of resilience, determination, and the will to fight against all odds.

A Story of Survival

Recovery wasn’t easy. It was long, it hurt, and it was full of challenges. I had to learn things all over again that other people take for granted. Each little success, whether it was wiggling a finger or uttering one word, gave me the motivation to continue on. My resilience was tested for a long time, but it taught me that the human spirit is more powerful than we believe.

When I first awoke in the hospital, I had no concept of what had occurred. I could not talk or move. The only thing I could do was hear the voices of people around me. My family members, physicians, and nurses all spoke positive words to me, but within me, I was so scared. My Story of Survival had just started. Would I ever walk again? Would I ever be able to hug my loved ones, prepare a meal, or even breathe without fighting? These things nagged at me, but I was not about to give up.

Physical therapy was my new normal. I learned how to use my body again. Every day was a struggle, but I persevered. The first step I took felt like climbing a mountain. The first word I spoke felt like music to my ears. Every milestone made me realize that I was still here, still fighting, still surviving.

The Emotional Battle

It’s a survival journey, not only surviving physical battles. It’s a tale of discovering the strength to repair emotionally and mentally. I had to come to terms with my life never being the same again. There were times when it all got too much and frustration gripped me, when I thought about just giving up. But I kept telling myself why I had to carry on—my family, my future, and because I felt that I was meant to tell my story.

There were nights aplenty when I couldn’t sleep, asking myself why this had to happen to me. The psychological burden was as great as the physical one. I had to battle depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. But gradually, I realized that my tale was far from finished. Each obstacle was a chance to become stronger.

Lessons from My Journey

Recovery is not just about regaining what was lost; it’s about discovering new strengths along the way. Every challenge taught me something valuable, shaping me into the person I am today. Reading stories of survival books also played a crucial role in my journey, offering inspiration and reminding me that resilience is possible even in the toughest times.

Patience is Key

Recovery takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. The best way to move forward is one step at a time. Some days will feel impossible, but patience and persistence will make all the difference.

Small Steps Matter

Every little victory is a step forward. Celebrate them. Whether it’s wiggling a toe, lifting a spoon, or speaking a single word, progress is still progress. Each milestone, no matter how small, brings you closer to healing.

Support is Everything

Family, friends, and even strangers can become your biggest source of strength. I was blessed to have a support system that reminded me every day that I was not alone. Their encouragement gave me the will to keep going, even when I felt like giving up.

Never Lose Hope

No matter how hard things get, there is always a way forward. The darkest moments often lead to the brightest breakthroughs. Hope is the light that keeps us moving, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

Mindset is Powerful

The way we think affects the way we heal. Instead of focusing on what I lost, I started to focus on what I could still achieve. A positive mindset fueled my determination, helping me push through setbacks and redefine my own limits. Reading stories of survival books further reinforced my belief that I was not alone in my struggles and that perseverance could lead to triumph.

Finding Purpose After Survival

When I finally regained some of my strength, I realized that my journey could help others. Surviving was just the beginning—what truly mattered was how I used my experience to make a difference. Writing my book, The Unknown Assassin: Story of a Stroke Survivor, was a part of my healing process. It was more than just a personal reflection; it was a way to connect with those who felt lost, scared, or uncertain about their future. I wanted to share my journey, not just for myself, but for others who might be struggling. I wanted stroke survivors and their families to know that they are not alone, that their battles were understood, and that recovery—though difficult—was possible.

This book became my purpose. It allowed me to take my pain and turn it into something meaningful. I wanted to create a guide, a source of hope, for anyone who has faced a stroke or any other life-changing event. Through my words, I hoped to inspire resilience, to remind people that even in the darkest moments, there is a path forward. If my story could help even one person find the strength to keep fighting, then every hardship I endured would have been worth it.

How to Cope with a Stroke and Recovery Process

If you or someone you love is going through stroke recovery, know that you are not alone. The journey may be challenging, but with patience, perseverance, and the right mindset, progress is possible. Here are some key steps that helped me regain my strength and rebuild my life. Reading true stories of survival books also provided me with motivation, reminding me that others have faced similar struggles and emerged stronger.

Accept Your New Reality

It’s okay to grieve the life you once had. A stroke can change everything in an instant, and those changes can feel overwhelming. But at some point, you must accept that this is your new normal. Acceptance is the first step toward healing, and it allows you to focus on what you can do rather than what you’ve lost.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

The people you allow into your life during this time matter. Surround yourself with those who uplift and support you. Whether it’s family, friends, or caregivers, having a strong support system can make a world of difference in your recovery. Avoid negativity and seek out those who encourage you to keep going, even on the hardest days.

Focus on Small Goals

Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to “get back to normal” all at once. Instead, set small, achievable goals. Each step forward is a victory, whether it’s regaining movement in a finger, learning to speak a word, or walking a few steps. Celebrating these small milestones will keep you motivated and remind you of your progress.

Seek Therapy and Support Groups

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy played a huge role in my recovery. These therapies helped me regain strength, mobility, and communication skills. Joining a support group also helped me feel less alone—talking to others who understood my struggles gave me hope and valuable advice.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Stroke recovery isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression are common, but they don’t have to define your journey. Talking to a counselor, journaling, practicing meditation, or engaging in activities that bring you peace can help you navigate the emotional challenges of recovery. Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health.

No matter how difficult the road may seem, recovery is possible. Take it one day at a time, lean on those who support you, and never stop believing in your ability to heal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you or a loved one has faced a stroke or any major health crisis, know this: there is always light, even in the darkest times. With determination, patience, and support, recovery is possible. My journey is proof of that.

I never expected to go through something so life-altering, but I have come out of it stronger and more determined than ever. This experience has taught me resilience, patience, and gratitude. And most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to help others. To learn more about my story of survival and how to find strength in difficult times, check out my book. Together, we can find hope and healing.