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...
The Healing Power of Dance: Movement for the Brain, Body, and Soul Dance is more than just an art form—it's a powerful tool for healing, self-expression, and brain health. Whether it's a joyful movement to music or a structured practice, dance engages the brain in ways that promote neuroplasticity, coordination, and emotional well-being. For stroke survivors like myself, dance offers an incredible way to reconnect with the body, rebuild strength, and restore confidence. Why Dance is Good for the Brain Movement is medicine, and dance is a particularly potent prescription. Here’s how dance benefits the brain: ✅ Boosts Neuroplasticity – Dance encourages the brain to form new neural connections, which is essential for stroke recovery. The combination of rhythm, movement, and coordination strengthens cognitive function. ✅ Improves Balance and Mobility – Stroke often affects coordination and stability, but dance can help retrain the body to move with more ease and control. ✅ Reduce...