You will do it~ Gain Independence

[Frankie]

There are many things I learned from my hospital stay most of which lead into a commitment on gaining my independence.
First of all, never give up! Never... ever...give up! Always push yourself. The nurses were not there to say "come on Frank you can do one more".  I needed to tell myself and believe that I could always do one more. Support from others is helpful but there is nothing more fulfilling then doing it on your own. 
As a patient, you have to find that little voice inside your head and your heart to push yourself further each moment. 

I always wanted to make those close to me proud. I decided there was no better way than to show them I could walk again. The first step was the hardest and each one after that got much easier.  After I was released from the hospital I started my rehab at home with my parents. 
My walker was placed at the bottom of the staircase each day.  In order to get to it I had to get myself down the stairs.
I would start each day looking at my walker knowing I could do this.  I never doubted myself which I believe helped keep me not only independent but also motivated.  I always told myself, "you will do this today" and each day I did.  I never gave up. 

After I got to the bottom of the staircase the walking began.  I would walk and add 10 additional steps each day, at first using my walker and eventually I walked with no assistance.   I always told myself, "you will do this today"!  I never thought of using words like can't, won't, try or impossible. Fortunately, for me my mind only used positive words.  These little words helped me eventually gain independence from my wheelchair, walker and cane.   By the end of 3 months I was able to walk a half a mile on my own. 

My advice to anyone who struggles with a physical disability is to always be positive. Start off strong and always BELIEVE!

[Mickey]

I agree completely with Frankie!!  You have to keep telling yourself, "I can do this", "I will do this", whatever the task or skill is.  "Can't", "won't", and "don't" must be removed from your vocabulary.  No matter how much help you get from a therapist, you are the one that has to do the real work.  The saying may be, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again", it not really for stroke survivors because no matter how small the first step, the first word, the first grasp with you hand is, it is a success.  There is NO not succeeding.  The saying should be changed to, "When you first succeed, try, try again." 

[Frankie]

Here is an update to getting motivated to Just Do It . After leaving the hospital tonight.
I felt like I was not doing enough. That is the problem. I caught myself criticising ME. I Laughed
"Look where I am", "Look what I can do". Who am I? I can walk better,  with a hint of a jog (unexpected),
I can speak better, and I can always be better. I am part of the Stroke family. We can do better. Small steps
building slowly. Recording progress. Today I went to the club and I have not been there since March 13. Well I  
Got on the treadmil and new I was going to do a mile. Regardless of pace. But starting 4.5 for start out 9 min
then 4.2 for 11 min. I was stoked. That was good enough. Because I was there. I tried. You can do the same.
Maybe you can go faster or slower than me. No big deal. The fact is... Your trying. But here is the kick in the shorts.
I went out to the climbing wall at Lifetime Fitness. It has been 2 yrs 4 months since I have been near a wall. Today
I wanted the challenge to do better. I told the staff member of my medical history. At this moment I had the strongist
feelings of self that I have ever had. I said I would probably only go 5'. Well he said dont let obsticles stop me.
Well I went up 18' and it was such a great high. Please try it..Go forth...