Falling In Love with My Brain

My go to morning beverage matcha tea and green smoothie <3 nbsp="" td="">

This morning I got on my exercise bike at 5:30 AM. While I was doing my exercise, I realized that for 2 1/2 years I have had the same morning routine, and gave myself a virtual pat on the back. I know that it is a good habit to master.


I Wake up at 5:30. I do 30 minutes on the bike, 30 minutes meditation, and 20 minutes breathing exercise. Then 30 minutes journaling. I started doing this after I read a book called 5 AM Club after suffering a stroke, a serious health crisis that resulted in certain limitations. This inspired me to work on my brain health, and I consequently decided to devote time, first to learn about the functioning of the brain, secondly to focus on adopting habits to enhance my brain’s performance, primarily by eating healthy whole foods, drinking lots of water, and incorporating a routine exercise program to get oxygen flowing in my blood. Adopting a wellness program for complete and deep sleep nightly. And, regular meditation.


I recognise that change is not easy. Our brain does not like change. It likes to keep doing what it always has done. I knew for it to work I had to adopt a new perspective. I was more determined to get my brain right. It was my overriding determination that helped me stay focused, that coupled with a naturally curious mind. The impact of a stroke on my brain fascinated me. I was intrigued. It made learning about the brain more stimulating. As I studied neurology, it became clearer that specific actions or environmental contaminants can negatively affect the brain. I accepted that I had no control over what had happened to cause the stroke in the first instance. I was healthy, except for the growth in my heart that had to be removed stat!


However, as I studied further, I began to fall in love with my brain. It really is a magnificent and a complex and powerful organ, which I actually have control over. I wanted to protect it and help it to reach its highest potential. With this thinking as the foundation to anchor my resolve to get healthier made getting up at 5 AM all the easier. The goal for me was to be able to mitigate the deficits that had been caused by the stroke. I believe I have made a pretty remarkable recovery. Although I still have some residual processing issues and the blindness in my right eye, unfortunately, is permanent. But by and large every day I'm getting to feel more like myself. My next checkup is in June. My next field (eye) exam is in April. I hope both doctors will confirm what I ready know, and I will be driving again.


At this time, my major concern is my weight. I have been monitoring my thyroid for the last 6 months. It is 2.09 which is close to stable, but not balanced enough. I am told it is difficult to lose weight if your thyroid is not balanced. In 6 to 8 weeks I will be tested again.


The progress to get healthy, especially your brain, takes dedication, commitment, and concerted effort. I have no problem doing the hard work. My weight on the other hand is problematic and not wholly within my control until my thyroid is in balance. That is my next health objective.

The lessons I have learned in 2 ½ years is that it is important to have people around you that are supportive and understand what you are going through. Thankfully, my husband and my son have been very helpful.

It is just as important to have a positive mindset. Be patient with yourself and others. Because I live in a different Province from most of my family, and I don't have close family to lean on for support. And being that I live in the country, it would have been absolutely fantastic if I had a family member come to help, but I understand that was impossible.


Fortunately, I am the type of person who has a positive mindset, and anyway, I am not one to ask for help.


 I am resilient and capable. However, I am aware not everyone will understand fully what I am experiencing because unless you have undergone a similar experience it will be difficult to comprehend some of the challenges I have faced.


That  said, outwardly I show up as confident and independent much the way I was before this all happened. I do not rely on anybody. I like knowing that I am capable, at the same time, I will graciously accept the tenderness of others’ assistance.