“The Storms Before The Calm” Coming soon: July 2022

Excerpt

“Now, you’re going to have to dig deep, relive some of your most painful memories”, the psychiatrist said as she handed me a sheet of paper. She had given some ‘homework’ throughout my compulsory psychology sessions. 

Her hands sat lightly in her lap, everything about her pose denoted grace (fitting, given her name – Grace). She had a calm and unaffected position as reflected by her gentle eyes as she looked at me. “This is a safe space, Camille,” she said. “Ok, I’ll do it”, I said. That was months ago, and now as I sit on my laptop to do my ‘homework’ that has now evolved into this book. I hope you can learn something along my journey. Whether it’s for yourself, or a loved one, know that you too are not alone…

Who’s talking?

Hi, my name’s Camille. I’m now 30 and last year I had a bilateral pontine stroke when I was 27 (a few months before I turned 28) and another few at 30 (last month actually). Yep, you read that right. People of all ages can get a stroke. It just happened to me at this age. I am the definition of a young stroke survivor. But that’s not the only thing ‘interesting’ about my story you’ll soon find out.

Purpose

When I was younger, I like to think that I would’ve loved to have a book like this. When you grow up with a chronic illness (a rare autoimmune disease to be a little specific) called Polyarteritis Nodosa, can make you feel very lonely, and misunderstood – and you have puberty to worry about on top of that. This is my memoir and I hope it will inspire you to live your best life now. There are a lot of stories and tips packed-in here and if you are a patient or a carer, some may say ‘learn from my lessons (I won’t say mistakes, as every decision I made helped me to learn something new).

Will you be a reader?

Personally, I find the best stories are the ones that make you think; question who you are; change you for the better; and, encourage you to improve on the experience of others before you. So that’s my highly ambitious expectation of the book that I hope that you will get to hold in your hands and even better, take into your heart…

Join my FB group here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/StormyReaders/

Young Stroke Survivor Recovery Playlist

Are you a young stroke survivor? Beat depression and feeling the blues with these catchy tunes.

The Requirements

  • A catchy beat
  • A strong, positive message

Examples

These songs I feel are great for the young stroke survivor, I listen to them while working out and doing rehab exercises:

– “What are you afraid of?” by Kerrie Roberts
– “Overcomer” by Mandisa
– “Fight song” by Rachel Platten
– “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
– “Alive” by Sia
– “Never give up” by Sia
– “I am” by Mickey Shiloh
– “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
– “There’s nothing holding me back” by Shawn Mendes
– “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
– “Confident” by Demi Lovato
– “Monsters” by Katie Sky
– “Who you are” by Jessie J
– “Champion” by Chris Brown
– “Invincible” by Kelly Clarkson
– “Try” by Mandy Harvey
– “The Greatest” by Sia
– “Reaper” by Sia
– “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
– “Roar” by Katy Perry
– “I Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot
– “I believe I can fly” by R. Kelly
– “Hero” by Mariah Carey
– “Give it a go” by Timbaland
– ” Am I wrong” by Nico & Vinz
– “I’m still standing” by Elton John
– “Dear Life” by Delta Goodrem
– “Rise Up” by Andra Day
– “Not alone” by McFly
– “Move (If You Wanna) by MiMS

What inspiring songs can you add? > https://open.spotify.com/user/22eobkhq7cn5rtnonokancegi/playlist/0ot0xQNA24287NwXOMim3y