Don’t you find it humorous how life is going well one moment, and it changes in the blink of an eye? It’s like you’re chewing your favorite food, and suddenly, you end up biting your inner cheek! Another funny thing is that we all go through this; it’s a humane feeling and experience. You may think you’re in control, but suddenly, everything is out of your grasp and flipped upside down.
For me, it was when I suffered a stroke. It was scary – I was not ready to die. It’s because I never imagined that a sudden health crisis could come and yank me away from all my life plans. I went from being someone who thought they had it all figured out to questioning everything. However, I recovered, but it was slow and steady, without me thinking, I’ve got it all.
Embracing the Unexpected
I was running on autopilot before the stroke. After all, I was walking the path I had set for myself. I was so focused on the big picture, I was so certain of my routines and goals, that I never paid attention to what was going on in the present. Then, without warning, I was forced to hit pause. Everything I thought was important suddenly seemed trivial as I faced the very real possibility that my life could have ended.
That pause made me realize something I had overlooked for years: we can’t plan for everything. Life doesn’t always follow the path we expect, and that’s okay. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected that brings the most growth.
Finding Meaning in the Struggle
Recovery was tough, both physically and mentally. I often wondered if I’d ever get back to where I was. But as I worked through the pain and frustration, I realized this experience wasn’t just something to get through—it was teaching me something important.
I learned that my purpose wasn’t about the plans or goals I had before. It was something deeper that came out during the hardest parts of recovery. In A Stroke of Luck, I reflect on how the stroke changed my outlook on life and helped me find growth in unexpected ways.
Redefining What Matters
I recently learned that life is less about what we do and more about how we approach the challenges we face. I had spent so much time focusing on what I wanted to accomplish that I hadn’t stopped to appreciate the moments along the way. My stroke reminded me of that. I was forced to slow down and reevaluate what truly mattered.
Now, I don’t measure my life by the goals I hit or the milestones I reach. Instead, I use that focus I used to have on the relationships I build, the kindness I offer, and the ways I can lift others up. This shift in perspective has brought me a sense of peace that I never knew I was missing.
Moving Forward
Looking back, I wouldn’t wish a stroke on anyone, but I am grateful for what it taught me. It showed me that life is unpredictable, but it’s also beautiful in its unpredictability. The curveballs life throws can be devastating, for sure. However, they can also lead us to discover strengths we didn’t know we had.
If you’re facing your own curveball moment right now, my advice is to lean into it. Let it teach you. You may find that, like me, your greatest challenges lead to your greatest growth.
