Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke – Details, episodes & analysis

Today we meet Denise Lowell.  Denise shares her journey from confusion, depression, and isolation after her stroke to discovering purpose and creating community. After losing her ability to read, write, and speak clearly due to aphasia, Denise transformed her struggle into action—creating a thriving aphasia support community in Rhode Island that has grown from a single conference to an organization serving people worldwide. Now, as she embarks on graduate school and explores what it means to care for herself after years of advocating for others, Denise reflects on the question: "What do I want to be when I grow up?"

Community Conversation Prompt:

What inspiring moment in your life nudged you to make a difference in the lives of others?

Mentioned Resources:

Just ASK (Aphasia Stroke Knowledge)
Aphasia Center Intensive Treatment Programs
Bridge Project
Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
National Aphasia Synergy
Trish Hambridge's Story and Interview

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Denise Lowell.  Denise shares her journey from confusion, depression, and isolation after her stroke to discovering purpose and creating community. After losing her ability to read, write, and speak clearly due to aphasia, Denise transformed her struggle into action—creating a thriving aphasia support community in Rhode Island that has grown from a single conference to an organization serving people worldwide. Now, as she embarks on graduate school and explores what it means to care for herself after years of advocating for others, Denise reflects on the question: "What do I want to be when I grow up?"

Community Conversation Prompt:

What inspiring moment in your life nudged you to make a difference in the lives of others?

Mentioned Resources:

Just ASK (Aphasia Stroke Knowledge)
Aphasia Center Intensive Treatment Programs
Bridge Project
Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
National Aphasia Synergy
Trish Hambridge's Story and Interview

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Welcome to Voices of Resilience: A Beyond Stillness Program where our storytellers speak directly to those beginning their recovery journey. What follows is a message from one stroke survivor to another, born from experience, compassion, and hope.

After her stroke left her paralyzed on her right side and unable to talk, sing, or walk, Angel James found strength in her daily prayer—"God, make me over again"—and in her husband's unwavering commitment to care for her no matter what. She offers fellow survivors a message of hope: find your value within yourself, conquer your fears one by one, and keep pressing forward toward your goals, because this is your new normal and God's not finished with you yet.

For more about Angel, listen to Reclaiming My Voice - Angel James’ Story and Interview

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we share a Caregiver Compilation.  We’ve gathered caregiving insights from John Humphrey, Victoria Moran, Valerie Hollaender, Dr. Ivy Randle, and Nikki Juvan, all have shared their stories on this show. In today’s episode, they reflect on how their perspectives on caregiving and life have evolved over the years. Tune in to discover powerful revelations and deep connections between caregiving and personal transformation.  Thank you for joining us for part one of our Caregiver Compilation.

Caregiver Resources:

Renew and Connect: A Transformative Caregiver Retreat Series
- Tuesdays Sept 24th - Oct 29th (3-5pm PST) via Zoom
Beyond Stillness Monthly Caregiver Gatherings
- Third Wednesday each month 3-4pm PST via Zoom

Community Conversation Prompts:

1.) How has your perspective as a caregiver, partner, or person evolved over time? 

2.) What boundaries do you set to prioritize your health and well-being?   How do you maintain them?

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we share a Caregiver Compilation.  We’ve gathered caregiving insights from John Humphrey, Victoria Moran, Valerie Hollaender, Dr. Ivy Randle, and Nikki Juvan, all have shared their stories on this show. In today’s episode, they reflect on how their perspectives on caregiving and life have evolved over the years. Tune in to discover powerful revelations and deep connections between caregiving and personal transformation.  Thank you for joining us for part one of our Caregiver Compilation.

Caregiver Resources:

Renew and Connect: A Transformative Caregiver Retreat Series
- Tuesdays Sept 24th - Oct 29th (3-5pm PST) via Zoom
Beyond Stillness Monthly Caregiver Gatherings
- Third Wednesday each month 3-4pm PST via Zoom

Community Conversation Prompts: 

1.) How has your perspective as a caregiver, partner, or person evolved over time? 

2.) What boundaries do you set to prioritize your health and well-being?   How do you maintain them?

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Join our six-week virtual retreat series designed to transform your care partnering journey. Rediscover your core values, trust your inner voice, and establish healthy boundaries. Enhance your communication skills and deepen connections with fellow care partners/caregivers. Reflect on your growth and celebrate achievements within a supportive community. Empower yourself and elevate your care partnering experience—sign up today! 

For more information and the sign up, click here.

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

In this episode of Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we hear from Barry North, an academic and seasoned professional with a PhD in Chemistry from Brandeis University and a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University. Barry’s career in Corporate Health and Safety led him to two decades in Denver before transitioning to Seattle, where he embraced a new calling as a personal and professional coach.  He is passionate about sailing, photography, health, and wellness.

On November 13, 2020, Barry experienced a life-altering stroke that challenged him in unimaginable ways. In his story, Barry opens up about his battle with depression and the transformative strategies that help him not only recover but thrive. He shares how he rediscovered his passions and cultivated resilience in the face of adversity.

Join us for an inspiring episode on overcoming obstacles, embracing change, and finding opportunities for growth even in the darkest times.

Barry's Suggested Resources:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• American Stroke Association Support Group Finder
• Footloose Sailing Association 
• How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Toni Bernhard
• Seattle Kaiser Stroke Rehabilitation
• Seattle Providence-Swedish Stroke Services
• Support Seattle YASS
• Vivian Folsom - Therapist

Community Conversation Prompts:

1.) What strategies help you lift yourself out of dark moments?

2.) How do you stay focused on what's essential and confidently say "no" to things that are not?

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

In this episode of Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we hear from Barry North, an academic and seasoned professional with a PhD in Chemistry from Brandeis University and a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University. Barry’s career in Corporate Health and Safety led him to two decades in Denver before transitioning to Seattle, where he embraced a new calling as a personal and professional coach.  He is passionate about sailing, photography, health, and wellness.

On November 13, 2020, Barry experienced a life-altering stroke that challenged him in unimaginable ways. In his story, Barry opens up about his battle with depression and the transformative strategies that help him not only recover but thrive. He shares how he rediscovered his passions and cultivated resilience in the face of adversity.

Join us for an inspiring episode on overcoming obstacles, embracing change, and finding opportunities for growth even in the darkest times.

Barry's Suggested Resources:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• American Stroke Association Support Group Finder
• Footloose Sailing Association 
• How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Toni Bernhard
• Seattle Kaiser Stroke Rehabilitation
• Seattle Providence-Swedish Stroke Services
• Support Seattle YASS
• Vivian Folsom - Therapist

Community Conversation Prompts:

1.) What strategies help you lift yourself out of dark moments? 

2.) How do you stay focused on what's essential and confidently say "no" to things that are not?

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we feature Beatriz Fritschler, a renowned social impact strategist and wellness entrepreneur. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and currently residing in Washington Heights, New York, Beatriz shares her incredible story of surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2018. In this episode, she discusses how this life-altering event led to significant personal growth and a deeper connection with her body. Don’t miss this inspiring episode on healing, personal transformation, and finding purpose after a stroke.

Beatriz' Suggested Resources:

• Beatriz Fritschler's Embody Joy: A Woman’s Journey of Reconnection with Her Body
• Beatriz Fritschler’s Executive Losers Website
• Beatriz Fritschler’s Instagram @beatriz_healthjourney
• Brain Bar 
• Daphne Leahy-Matteo - Somatic Therapist
• Greg Graham’s Instagram @AVMSuperhero
• Somatic Experiencing International

Community Conversation Prompts:

1.) What recent moments have sparked joy and gratitude in your life, and how did you acknowledge and appreciate them?

2.) Identify a habit you want to cultivate for a healthier relationship with your body.  How can you take one step towards that habit this week?

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we feature Beatriz Fritschler, a renowned social impact strategist and wellness entrepreneur. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and currently residing in Washington Heights, New York, Beatriz shares her incredible story of surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2018. In this episode, she discusses how this life-altering event led to significant personal growth and a deeper connection with her body. Don’t miss this inspiring episode on healing, personal transformation, and finding purpose after a stroke.

Beatriz' Suggested Resources:

• Beatriz Fritschler's Embody Joy: A Woman’s Journey of Reconnection with Her Body
• Beatriz Fritschler’s Executive Losers Website
• Beatriz Fritschler’s Instagram @beatriz_healthjourney
• Brain Bar 
• Daphne Leahy-Matteo - Somatic Therapist
• Greg Graham’s Instagram @AVMSuperhero
• Somatic Experiencing International

Community Conversation Prompts:

1.) What recent moments have sparked joy and gratitude in your life, and how did you acknowledge and appreciate them?

2.) Identify a habit you want to cultivate for a healthier relationship with your body.  How can you take one step towards that habit this week?

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth