Rob Rawlings - Goals & Desires- Striving to get back to where I was
Stroke rehab is all getting back what you lost. Some are impacted far more severely than others so rehab will differ for each survivor. With that said, each survivor will determine what course they will follow to reach their goals.
For many the word “goal” is the final step in a long journey. When marathoners cross the finish line after 26.2 miles, the race is over, the goal reached. When mountain climbers reach the peak of Mt. Everest, the climb is over, the goal reached.
For me the word goal provides only temporary fulfillment because I have a DESIRE for more. Desire can be described as a conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment. When I do a new task or something becomes easier, I feel a sense of accomplishment and I’ll yell at my wife what I’ve done, something even as common as scratching the back of my head with my affected hand can be cause for cheers and high-fives!
I break down my goals into smaller successes throughout my rehab. I’ll use walking as an example and some goals I had set for myself:
Stand. Take a step. Walk ten feet. Walk twenty feet. Walk down the hallway. Walk to the mailbox. Walk to the neighbor. Around the block. Walk a mile.
And between each one of these goals was an even smaller goal that kept me desiring more, and I’m still not satisfied with where I am. I desire more!
As I see it, stroke rehab is a challenge given to me to see if I have what it takes to get back to the Rob everyone knows, which is what I desire. Find what you desire and celebrate each and every goal you smash!
Want to help spread the word about resources available for life after stroke? Be sure to check out everything on offer for World Stroke Day.
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