Headway Swansea

[chelseamike]

hi I am Mike Williams, I had a stroke in 2010 got up one Friday to go to work collapsed in toilet, blue lights, ct scans next day, lots of questions when am I going back to work, when am I going to be normal again, why me, basically things got worse, however a new life eventually arrives, different, it brings out strength, some days are great some days are shit just like before the stroke, some people are nice some arent just like before 2010, work is generally there to provide money to do things you like just like before 2010, people in work are generally not too happy like before 2010, I will stop that before 2010 now you get the way I think.

I havent got all the answers I used to be quite sure I did, I am lucky I have always loved travel, now I travel I dont need justification or validation, I am so lucky to be old, when I was young I thought growing old would be pointless and horrible but it really isnt, its so much easier I avoid drama, avoid negative people except in work because I need money so I try to bite my lip, I love Wales but hate rain, I love India Goa but need to work until I get my pension, I worship my grown up family like everyone, I worship my ex wife, like most divorced men, however I would rather be friends with her than drama so thats the way it is.

I unfortunately seem to wear a black tie more now, naievely I believed people who work hardest get the financial rewards, I dont believe that now, but I do believe they find happiness, and maybe inner peace is more important than money, maybe. I lived in London for 4 years and I remember a conversation health is most important than money, I believe that. I lived in Holland for 4 years recently on holiday a lady told me you dont see many female cocaine addicts, which I believe, insecurities are not masked for long by any drug.

What a wonderful world I want that played at my funeral as did my dad, I have always had heroes, footballers, musicians mostly, dont like farcebook social media comparing your life to other people is not good for anyone It sounds wierd, I just try to to not judge and try to be positive although my default position is negative if im honest, try to learn to smile sort of inside, however sometimes my face cant hide the smile.

funny old world it is,

[cat3]

Great post Mike. Hope your best life is still to come ! 🙂😏

Stay positive....

Cat x

[Hermother]

You have got it so right Mike!

My daughter was in a major car crash last year. We led a charmed life before the accident but it took the accident to make us see. Having a negative outlook means things usually turn out better then you think they will so it’s your personal insurance policy. But it is a very depressing way to live day to day.

I too now find I go round with a smile on my face; not on purpose but I see it when I catch my reflection in a shop window. People smile back at me these days and everyone around is more pleasant in general. I try to make time to talk to people now and find that almost everyone has had trauma in their lives at some point. Also, people like to talk and often have very interesting things to say so it’s worth doing.

[Teazymaid]

love your analogy with the before 2010. As you are so right .. we do get lost In the before and after times .. I to have tried to be pro active and of late with new problems in pain from leg weakness have realised I’ve just hidden everything from those around me and tried to hid from myself .. I recently have crashed , I’m guessing the PIP not seeing what life is actually like was my end straw . Reality has hit me like a tsunami …

But your post has made me smile and understand this new road that we find ourselves on is very much a up and down as life is .. I’m on the down bit again and I will find the way back up .. Sue 😊