For many years I celebrated on a yearly basis. I think it is important that survivors celebrate how far they have come. Stroke often radically changes lives. It is important to acknowledge and to see the future as a positive.

It has been 19 years for me. At this point I acknowledge to myself and to my sister, who has been key to my recovery.

I have also found making a list of "Things I know longer do." helpful. My list includes stuff like snow shoveling and changing tires. Then there are other things like drive on expressways (let someone else do it), Then there's stuff like no longer commuting 45 minutes each way to work, stress, bad eating habits, etc. Have fun with the list!

Celebrate the new you, not the old.

Have a great day!