Embracing Health and Wellness:

A Journey of Recovery and Resilience

Many find it surprising that I walk everywhere, regardless of the weather. It’s not a quick decision, but a personal commitment to my health and wellness that’s been years in the making. It wasn’t always easy, especially when I first started. Before my stroke, I was active, but it wasn’t consistent. I ate what I pleased, and physical activity was sporadic.

My stroke, caused by an undiagnosed birth defect rather than my eating habits, was life-changing. It was a major stroke that left me hospitalized for 29 days, reliant on a walker and oxygen, and needing to relearn basic tasks—everything from walking and talking to using a camera. Even four years later, I still experience challenges, but the improvements keep coming.

Taking Responsibility for My Recovery

A big part of my recovery came from taking responsibility for my health. When I first got home from the hospital, I couldn’t even walk to my bedroom without needing to stop for a break. I struggled with basic tasks like reading and writing, but I committed to learning how to get better. On the first day in the hospital, I made the choice not to accept this as my reality forever. I would recover and regain my life, no matter the struggle.

I wasn’t sure if I would even survive to go home, but my wife was a huge support. With her knowledge of massage and rehabilitation, she helped me by moving my limbs, encouraging me, and guiding my recovery even when she could only see me for a few minutes a day. We had to take matters into our own hands since my rehabilitation in the hospital wasn’t adequate—compounded by quarantine and the lack of proper stroke recovery treatments.

During those months, I spent hours practicing writing and slowly regaining cognitive abilities. At first, I couldn’t remember my wife’s name, though I knew who she was. Eventually, after much effort, I was able to write my name and those of my loved ones without copying them.

Taking Steps Toward Independence

The first time I was able to walk across the apartment without a walker, I was elated. That short walk grew into trips to the hallway, then the front door. With the help of my wife, I began walking my dogs to the end of the building and eventually to the street. It was a joyful milestone when I could do it independently.

It wasn’t easy, though. I was tethered to oxygen for nine months before I could finally walk without it. I slowly worked my way up from walking to the corner to walking around the block, and eventually, I didn’t need a walker at all. But it took months of dedicated effort. There were many difficult days when pain and frustration almost made me give up. But I didn’t.

Improving My Health Through Nutrition

As I grew stronger, I realized that physical activity alone wasn’t enough—I needed to take my diet seriously. I began eating more healthfully, but financial challenges made it difficult to maintain the right foods. Before my stroke, I had been growing carrots, beans, peas, and herbs in my apartment, but many of them died when I was in the hospital.

As I learned more about the connection between nutrition and health, I began focusing on herbs and specialty plants. I consulted my doctor, who recommended dandelion tea, but when I saw the cost, I decided to grow my own. I researched various plants and their health benefits, and now I grow over 17 different plants that help with my nutrition and wellness all with hydroponics in my kitchen.

The Power of Daily Activity

Today, I walk more than 5 kilometres every day, sometimes in challenging weather or on unkempt sidewalks. Yesterday, for example, I took about 3 hours to walk just over 6 kilometres. The path wasn’t easy, but I chose to walk rather than take a ride to pick up supplies for the Not Just A Food Program. I believe that by continuing my daily activity—no matter the weather—I’m building resilience.

This choice, to keep walking regardless of obstacles, has been empowering. It’s not always easy, but the physical and mental benefits are undeniable. Walking through rain, snow, or wind has become a way for me to celebrate the variety that life brings. I embrace it all, knowing it strengthens me.

A Choice for Health and Wellness

Choosing to live an active lifestyle, regardless of the challenges, is a choice. It’s not right for everyone, and we all have our own paths to follow. But by sharing my experience, I hope to encourage others to embrace what’s possible, even in the face of adversity. Whether you’re recovering from an illness or simply looking to improve your health, there is power in consistency, in pushing through the hard days, and in choosing to be active.

Remember, progress doesn’t happen overnight, but every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory. And if I can do it, so can you.

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