Recovering from a stroke is a long, challenging journey that requires mental toughness, consistency, and the willingness to keep pushing forward—especially when things feel impossible. For me, this journey has been full of ups and downs. Some days, I don’t want to get out of bed, go to physical therapy, or even run. But I’ve found that sticking to a few key principles—discipline, obsession, and curiosity—has made all the difference.
In this post, I want to share how these three ideas have shaped my recovery and offer some actionable steps for anyone navigating their own path to healing.
1. Start Small, Even When It’s Hard
Every day brings its own set of challenges. Some days, I don’t feel like doing anything at all. But what I’ve learned is that you have to start small, no matter how tough it feels. Whether it’s going to therapy, practicing a breathing exercise, or taking a few steps outside, those small actions build up over time.
For me, running started as a bit of an experiment—I didn’t set out to lose weight or hit a milestone. Honestly, I just wanted to see if I could do it. As a stroke survivor with MS, I thought it would be funny to take on running. But over time, it became something more. It’s helped me not only physically, but mentally. Running is my way of saying, "I’m still here, and I’m still moving."
Tip:
Start small with one specific goal each day, even if it’s just walking a short distance or stretching for 10 minutes. Over time, these small steps become your foundation for bigger progress.
2. Embrace Consistency Over Intensity
Discipline is the bedrock of recovery. But it doesn’t have to be about intensity. What I’ve found is that consistency—showing up day after day, even when I don’t want to—is more powerful than trying to go all-out every time.
When I first started running, I wasn’t aiming for perfection. It was about whether I could keep going, even when it was hard. That same discipline has carried over to my breathing exercises and therapy. The key isn’t in pushing myself to the point of exhaustion, but in doing a little bit every day. That’s what keeps me moving forward.
Tip:
Create a routine that feels sustainable. Stick to your exercises, your therapies, or whatever else is helping your recovery. Even if it feels like you’re not making huge strides, consistency will eventually pay off.
3. Channel Obsession in a Healthy Way
I tend to get obsessed with a lot of things, and in my recovery, it’s been running and breathing that have really paid off. At first, I wasn’t sure if these obsessions were helpful, but they’ve turned out to be key parts of my progress. Running has motivated me in unexpected ways, and breathing techniques have improved my physical performance and calmed my anxiety.
The trick is keeping those obsessions healthy. I’ve found that just doing a little bit each day helps keep them in check. It’s about balance. I allow myself to dive deep when needed, but I also know when to pull back so I don’t burn out.
Tip:
If you find yourself becoming obsessed with a certain aspect of your recovery, make sure to channel it in a way that serves you. Obsess over the things that help you grow, but keep it balanced by setting boundaries around how much energy you put into it each day.
4. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Curiosity has been a huge part of my recovery. There were times when I felt like I wasn’t getting enough help, even when I was working with doctors and therapists. It wasn’t that their advice was wrong, but I knew there had to be more for me—something that worked better for my unique situation.
So I dug deeper. I became curious about everything, from different types of therapy to the latest research on MS and stroke recovery. Sometimes, I go deep into a subject; other times, I just skim the surface. But that curiosity has driven me to find new tools and strategies that have made a real difference in my recovery.
Tip:
Dedicate time each week to explore something new that could help your recovery. Ask questions, read articles, or listen to podcasts that challenge you to think differently about your progress. Curiosity keeps you engaged and opens doors to breakthroughs.
5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
In recovery, perfection is an illusion. You’re not going to have perfect days every time, and that’s okay. I’ve had my fair share of setbacks—bad days, bad weeks, and even plateaus that felt like I wasn’t making any progress at all. But what I’ve come to realize is that recovery isn’t about perfection; it’s about continuously moving forward, no matter how slow.
When I have a bad day (or week), I remind myself that those moments don’t define the entire journey. One or two bad days don’t mean I’ve had a bad month. Progress adds up over time, and setbacks are just part of the process.
Tip:
At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on your progress. Even if the gains seem small, celebrate them. Focus on what you’ve improved, rather than where you think you should be.
6. Build Habits to Overcome Setbacks
What keeps me going, even when motivation is gone, are the daily habits I’ve built. These habits keep me on track, especially on the hard days. Whether it’s my morning stretches, my runs, or my breathing exercises, these routines provide structure when everything else feels uncertain.
Recovery can be overwhelming, but having habits that you can fall back on makes it easier to bounce back from tough days. It’s those little daily habits that create the foundation for long-term success.
Tip:
Identify one habit that makes a difference in your recovery, and commit to doing it every day. It doesn’t have to be big—just something small that keeps you grounded, like a morning stretch or a breathing exercise.
7. Take Ownership of Your Health
Ultimately, no one is going to care more about your recovery than you. Doctors and therapists can guide you, but it’s up to you to take ownership of your health. For me, that meant digging deeper, asking more questions, and pushing for the care and resources I needed.
I knew there was more out there for me, and I wasn’t satisfied until I found it. Whether you’re navigating recovery from a stroke, dealing with an MS diagnosis, or just trying to live a healthier life, you have to be your own advocate. Take responsibility, do the research, and stay engaged in your care.
Tip:
At your next appointment, go in with a list of questions. Stay curious and don’t be afraid to push for answers or solutions that work for your unique situation. Taking charge of your health puts you in control of your recovery.
Final Thoughts: Resilience Through Discipline and Curiosity
Recovery is hard. It takes discipline, obsession, and a deep curiosity to keep pushing forward. Every small step you take, even on the days when you don’t want to, builds your mental toughness and strengthens your path to recovery.
Remember, it’s not about having perfect days or never facing setbacks. It’s about consistently showing up, staying curious, and committing to your own growth. In the end, those small wins add up to big results.
