In today's episode, I explore how to be gentle with ourselves in stroke recovery. I talk about the common struggle of feeling like we're not doing enough around the house, even when our loved ones reassure us that we are.
I start by recognizing self-imposed expectations. During recovery, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we're not doing enough because we're comparing our current capabilities to what we used to be able to do. I'll share my personal experiences of feeling like I should be doing more, even when I'm not feeling well.
The reality is that these expectations aren't coming from our loved ones—they're coming from ourselves. I discuss how my inner critic blocks me from practicing self-compassion, insisting that I need to be constantly productive to feel worthy. However, this isn't sustainable, especially when symptoms flare up.
I share some strategies I've found helpful in being gentler with myself. Tune in for practical advice, personal reflections, and a reminder that you are doing enough, just as you are.