Was it a stroke of luck?“You’re lucky.” It’s a phrase I’ve heard often since my stroke—lucky to have my sight, lucky to have avoided more severe deficits, and lucky to be here.
I don’t feel lucky about what happened. But I do feel grounded in gratitude for the path of healing I’m on, for the people walking beside me, and for the ways this experience continues to shape how I see myself and the world. This blog is where I make sense of that journey in real time—through story, reflection, and the quiet work of rebuilding. |
Some people give me a funny look if I say, "Happy New Year!" this late in the month. But I’m firm in my belief that ifI haven’t seen you yet, I can wish you well anytime in January when our paths first cross. Our cards are just landing, and so far, no sassy replies (yet). I almost skipped sending cards this year because life got a little hectic, but I didn’t want to let the circumstances stop a 24-year tradition. If I ever decide not to send cards, it’ll be a conscious choice. Seriously though—we may be close, the kiddo will be 25 this year. Time flies!
The original title of this post was: "Where the frick have I been the last six months?!" I’ve been updating my website this weekend, and as I reluctantly dove into the blog section, I was surprised to realize it’s been over six months since I last posted. At first, I felt the need to explain myself, but then I remembered: who’s really reading this anyway? I’ve been busy, distracted, hibernating, working on great things, working on nothing, doing a whole lot of stuff, and a whole lot of nothing. Most importantly, I’ve been healing and living, and honestly, I owe no one an explanation. So, with all that said, I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2025! Chapter 2: Self Love
Day 11: What do you love most about yourself? What I love most about myself? Well, I do not know. I think I love my outlook and the perspective I have to view life through - it's the most unique thing about me. Edited 7/25/23 to add: From where I sit today I vote my authenticity. This article explains the components of authenticity that include "four interrelated but separable components: (1) awareness, (2) unbiased processing, (3) behavior, and (4) relational orientation". I am living authentically. I am from Swatch watch. From Jordache and the Electric Company. I am from the red corner house on a busy hill with cars bottoming out. (The smell of metal scraping blacktop carried across the porch on a summer breeze). I am from the maple tree blanketing our yard and suffering on a rocky beach sitting under tall trees with competing boom boxes and coolers full of meat and beer. I'm from sit down as a family dinners and a lack of communication. From Elsa and Luis. I'm from the protection of older brothers and the generosity of extended family. From my house, my rules and don't talk back. I'm from our father who arte in heaven every night and CCD every Sunday. I'm from New York by way of my family's journey out of Cuba. From cafe con leche, frijoles, and flan From the ischemic stroke that made me a survivor, a warrior on 8 August, 2020. I'm Later this month I will be trained as a mindfulness facilitator for the Love Your Brain foundation. This piece was written as part of the pre-work through a Skill in Action practice from Michelle Cassandra Johnson's book, Skill in Action. The template was based on George Ella Lyon’s poem "Where I'm From".
The Animation was created using Doodly |
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