Lately, it has been hot, so I decided to do something that would make life a little easier. I cooked a bunch of different meals in the crock pot, put them into containers, and froze them. That way, when the weather is hot, I wouldn't have to do much cooking. Then a flyer came in from the local Mexican market. They had pineapples, plantains, mangoes, watermelon, cucumbers—fresh fruits and vegetables at really good prices. They also had beef shanks. So after the gym, I had my caretaker take me to the store. I already had plenty of food at home. I had meals in the freezer, food in the refrigerator, and everything I needed. I wasn't going to the store because I was running out of food. But when I got there, something happened. I felt happy. The store was colorful and full of fresh food. I could choose one of this, two of that, three of something else. I wasn't limited to whatever quantity happened to come in a package. I could actually look at what I wanted and decide what I wa...
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I suffered a stroke on August 3rd, 2020, during COVID. I woke up half-paralyzed, and the next thing I knew, I was rushed to the hospital, where they removed a blood clot from my brain. I was scared to death, not knowing if I would ever be able to walk again—but I did. I had to learn how to walk, talk, and eat again. Choking on my food was also an issue.
Before my stroke, like many others, I was sitting on the couch, eating potato chips and unhealthy foods, not really caring—until it nearly killed me. The stress, anxiety, fear, and worry, on top of not taking care of myself, all contributed to where I ended up.
After leaving the hospital, I was sent to rehab, where I was left in bed for three days. I knew I had to get out of there because my situation ran deeper. I wasn’t just physically broken from the stroke—I was spiritually broken too. And they didn’t have the resources I needed. I was ready to fight for my life! Being left in bed was killing me even more, so I checked myself out against the doctor’s orders and have been fighting for my life ever since.
I spent the first three years rebuilding myself physically—working on my stamina and my ability to stay on my feet for long periods because I would get physically and mentally exhausted. Now, I’ve spent the past year and a half working on my energy and spirit because that was broken, too. I’ve been diving into different methods and modalities to heal and clear my blocked energy, which has led me to coaching. I figure if I could do this for myself, I can guide others—especially those struggling with fear, which creates so many blocks. Living with uncertainty, not knowing how I was going to take care of myself, was one of the hardest things.
When I had my stroke, it was not just a physical event; it was a deeply traumatic experience that affected me on every level—emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. I realized that healing from a stroke wasn’t just about physical recovery; it was about addressing the trauma, disconnection, and unhealed emotions that lingered long after the medical treatments had ended. This understanding is why I decided to become a coach, focusing on healing—helping others reconnect to themselves, release emotional blocks, and regain their balance in life.
The Stroke as Trauma
A stroke is a sudden and life-altering event. It often feels like an assault on the body, stripping away physical function in an instant. But it’s not just the body that suffers. The emotional and psychological toll of a stroke is profound. The fear of death, the uncertainty about the future, and the overwhelming sense of losing control create an experience of trauma that’s hard to shake off.
For me, it wasn’t just the loss of physical function; it was the fear and anxiety about whether I would ever recover fully or if I would be left with permanent disability. The very environment of hospitals and medical procedures can also add to the traumatic experience. It’s easy to see how a stroke can leave emotional scars as much as physical ones.
Trauma and Disconnection
One of the most common effects of trauma is disconnection. For me, it wasn’t just the physical disconnection from my body. I also experienced emotional numbing, where I felt detached from my emotions, and dissociation, where I felt like I was watching my life unfold from outside my body. This is a common experience for many trauma survivors, as the mind tries to cope with overwhelming stress by distancing itself from the emotional impact.
For some, trauma leads to social withdrawal, where the survivor isolates themselves from others, not knowing how to relate to people or feel safe again. I felt that isolation deeply after my stroke, unsure of how to talk about my emotions or how others might see me. Trauma can create a wall between the survivor and the world, leaving them feeling cut off and disconnected.
Trauma and Unhealed Emotions
Along with disconnection, trauma also brings a backlog of unhealed emotions. When I experienced my stroke, I found myself carrying heavy emotional baggage: fear and anxiety about the future, grief over the loss of my physical abilities, and frustration with the challenges I faced in my recovery.
The anger I felt at the situation and the guilt I carried for not being able to "bounce back" faster were all emotions that I had trouble processing. Over time, these emotions became trapped in my mind and body, creating emotional blocks that slowed my healing process. For many stroke survivors, these unhealed emotions can lead to chronic tension, fatigue, and difficulty moving forward in life.
Trauma and Energy Blocks
Many healing practices recognize that trauma can block the flow of energy in the body, manifesting as physical pain, emotional imbalance, or even a spiritual disconnection. When energy flow is disrupted, it can result in a range of symptoms, from mood swings and irritability to chronic pain and fatigue.
For me, I noticed that my body wasn’t just healing physically; it was also holding onto that trauma. The emotional weight I carried didn’t just stay in my mind—it was felt in my body as tension and pain. Practices like Reiki, acupuncture, and other forms of energy healing emphasize the importance of clearing these energy blocks in order to restore balance and promote healing.
Your Journey:
Looking back, I realize my journey wasn’t just about recovering physically—it was about healing holistically: mind, body, and spirit. I had to work through the trauma, release the emotional blocks, and clear the energy that had become stagnant in my body.
Now, as a coach, I focus on helping others navigate this same process. I guide them through healing from trauma, disconnection, and the unhealed emotions that often hold them back from fully recovering. Just as I learned to rebuild myself from the inside out, I want to help others reconnect with themselves, heal their emotional wounds, and unlock their full potential for recovery.
Why I Became a Coach:
This journey of healing is why I became a coach. I don’t just help people recover physically—I help them reconnect with their bodies, their emotions, and their energy. I believe that true healing requires addressing the whole person, not just the physical symptoms. We all deserve to feel whole again, and my goal is to help you navigate your own journey of recovery.
Call to Action:
If you’re ready to heal, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually, I invite you to work with me. Together, we can release the trauma, clear the emotional blocks, and restore the energy you need to fully recover and thrive. Let’s begin your healing journey today. Reach out to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your health and your life. Artful Living Coaching
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