After my stroke I felt embarrassed to turn my camera on in support groups because I wasn’t able to look at the screen. I felt silly wearing my dark red protective glasses in public indoor places because I didn’t want people to look at me. But after listening to other survivors I became proud to be a survivor. I’m more embarrassed that I cared that much about what other people thought of me.
Eventually I shifted from “what do I need out of this support group?” to “what can I give to my recovery fellowship?” Showing up, sharing my experience, or simply sending a text that says “I’m thinking of you” creates relief and resilience in me. By pouring myself into others, I discover my own ability to ricochet out of self-centered fear and into support and love.
Being of service is a great way to get out of self-pity, anxiety, depression, or addictive thinking. Small gestures lift others, which can shift their whole day, and that energy spreads outward. At the same time, it changes how I see myself as someone with value to add. That builds confidence and self-worth. People don’t realize how much they give me simply by letting me help them. Asking others for help can be a gift as well, allowing others the opportunity to feel good about themselves. Every time I choose giving over self-centeredness, it resets my rhythm, lightens my spirit, and keeps me connected to the heart of recovery – my fellowship.
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Visit my Etsy shop, and join my creative journey at Recovery Upcycling. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryUpcycling
To learn more about vestibular disorders visit https://vestibular.org
#RecoveryJourney #StrokeRecovery #SobrietyJourney #BeingOfService #MentalHealthRecovery #AnxietyRelief #FellowshipInRecovery #HealingThroughService #AddictionRecovery #ResilientLiving
