Category: Self-Improvement

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Learning from the Past: Beyond Proximate Causes

A well-known adage has been echoing since I wrapped up my listening session of Gibbon’s “The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.” It says, “Those who don’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” My introduction to this phrase was through my father, who emphasized the significance of historical knowledge. While there’s undeniable wisdom in these words, they might unintentionally make some believe that merely by acquainting themselves with history, they are shielded from the blunders of bygone eras.

 

As a novice trying to grasp the vast expanse of history, I understand that it arms learners with tools to sidestep pitfalls that earlier generations faced. And it holds the potential to offer such insights. Yet, the challenge lies in the intricate web of choices that constitute most historical missteps. The popular way of teaching and interpreting history tends to spotlight the immediate causes, indirectly suggesting that dodging this final misstep ensures the prevention of the whole catastrophe. However, this is a simplification that might only sometimes hold true.

 

I’m led to believe that many errors take root in several phases before their tangible aftermath. This time gap between the origin and the outcome often makes it challenging to link the cause with its effect, rendering lessons from the past elusive.

 

When I introspect about my misjudgments, I endeavor to trace back to the very origin of the error. Merely stopping at the immediate cause feels like a superficial analysis. Taking the Roman Empire as an instance, it wasn’t an overnight phenomenon. Its foundations required centuries of planning, strategy, and decisions. Conversely, its decline wasn’t the outcome of a singular, catastrophic choice. Just as countless determinations paved the way for its establishment, a multitude of decisions, spanning across centuries, nudged it towards its eventual fall.

 

Understanding the sequence of events and the complex interplay of decisions is crucial to genuinely learning from history. The final misstep is just the tip of the iceberg; the actual bulk lies beneath the surface. By focusing only on the immediate causes, we might become complacent, thinking we’ve learned enough to avert historical repetitions.

 

In essence, the purpose of studying history is to avoid old pitfalls. But to do so effectively, it’s paramount to delve deep into the intricate tapestry of choices leading up to significant events. Remembering the past is the first step. Deciphering its multifaceted lessons is the journey. Let’s not just scratch the surface; let’s mine deep, for in the depths lie the natural treasures of wisdom.

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Rediscovering The Wheel of Time and My Journey with Audiobooks

Growing up, I was deeply fascinated by the universe of science fiction and fantasy. One of the series that profoundly resonated with me during my high school years was Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time.” I recall the anticipation, the longing, and the frustration of waiting for each new installment to hit the shelves. As the rigors of University and graduate school consumed me, the lengthy intervals between releasing these books meant I gradually lost touch with the series.

 

Fast forward a decade, and a press release caught my eye – the series was completed by another author, Brandon Sanderson. Having lost track of where I’d left off, I embarked on a nostalgic journey, starting from the first book, devouring the series within weeks. This was my introduction to Sanderson, and his rendition of the series left an indelible mark on me, making his name hard to forget.

 

Then came Amazon’s announcement of adapting the ‘Wheel of Time’ into a show. An urge to revisit the books struck, but several relocations had scattered my collection. Instead, I turned to audiobooks and, to my surprise, found them to be an even more immersive experience. I was hooked. The entire series played countless times in the backdrop of my daily life, even subtly accompanying me as I pen down thoughts like this one. There’s a particular fondness I hold for the books penned by Sanderson. Whether it’s his distinctive writing style or the crescendo, the storyline was approaching. The 12th book always beckons me with unmatched enthusiasm.

 

Coincidentally, years later, Sanderson’s name resurfaced in an unexpected arena – a ‘Magic The Gathering’ video. Intrigued, I delved deeper into his bibliography. I ventured into the “Mistborn” series, followed by the “Stormlight Archives.” Both series were enchanting, and as I journeyed with the characters through their challenges, I drew several life lessons.

 

Among these lessons, one stood out – the significance of persisting, of taking the next step. No matter the distance traversed, the journey is over once it truly is. And the decision to move forward, to tread the next mile, plays a pivotal role in defining us.

 

In essence, my journey with the “Wheel of Time” series and audiobooks has been more than just a literary adventure. It’s been a lesson in rediscovery, persistence, and the simple joy of stories that leave a lasting impact.

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The Seamless Intersection of Learning and Play

In my years mentoring fresh university entrants, I consistently emphasize a crucial point: the world is rife with learning opportunities if only we recognize and embrace them. Strikingly, many individuals develop a somewhat adversarial relationship with the concept of learning. Such a stance can act as a bottleneck to the vast reservoir of knowledge awaiting them.

 

Case in point, my wife holds a perspective that’s worth pondering. In her eyes, any learning endeavor should be riddled with challenges and moments of unease. Consequently, when she indulges in activities that bring joy or relaxation, she labels them as sheer entertainment, pushing aside any educational merits they might hold. Her viewpoint is not isolated; many people fall into the trap of demarcating entertainment and learning into separate realms. In doing so, they overlook the profound intersections where learning can be fun and enlightening.

 

From my vantage point, games serve as a stellar example of tools that straddle the line between fun and education, thereby proving that learning isn’t exclusively reserved for rigorous, structured environments. Games, by their very nature, are playgrounds of application. A good part of our learning trajectory revolves around applying the knowledge we gather. This application is most effective when it’s done purposefully, following an initial exposure to the concerned topic.

 

Take card games, for instance. At first glance, they might seem like mere instruments of leisure. But delve a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a rich tapestry of lessons on probability. Now, it’s essential to note that merely engaging in countless rounds of card games won’t magically equip you with the prowess to solve intricate probability conundrums. However, couple your card-playing experience with a conscious effort to explore the realm of probability, and you might find yourself armed with pertinent questions, real-world examples, and a heightened curiosity. The secret sauce here is introspection. Reflecting upon the game, understanding its underlying mechanics, and drawing parallels to broader concepts can transform a simple card game into a fertile ground for learning.

 

This transformative power isn’t exclusive to card games; it applies to a myriad of experiences. Consider the act of watching a movie. It’s easy to view it as passive entertainment, a means to escape reality momentarily. But, shift gears and engage your cognitive faculties, and suddenly, that movie can metamorphose into a lecture hall, offering insights into storytelling, character development, cultural nuances, and even historical contexts.

 

In essence, every experience – be it playing a game, watching a film, or even taking a leisurely walk – holds the potential to be educational. It’s all about perspective and intent. The onus is on us to shake off predefined notions, look beyond the obvious, and weave learning into the very fabric of our daily lives. When we do, we not only enrich our understanding but also discover the joy of seeing the world as a boundless classroom.

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Adapting to Life’s Unexpected Twists: Postponing a Friend’s Visit Due to COVID-19

Today was supposed to mark the beginning of my friend’s long-awaited visit, a day we had all been eagerly anticipating. However, life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and this time, it came in the form of my wife contracting COVID-19. It’s a situation that none of us could have foreseen, but we’re doing our best to adapt to the circumstances.

 

Thankfully, we discovered my wife’s infection before my friend embarked on his journey to visit us. It was a close call, and it left us with a difficult decision to make. After careful consideration and a heartfelt conversation with my friend, we came to the difficult but necessary conclusion that it would be best to postpone his visit for the time being. It wasn’t an easy choice, as we were all looking forward to spending time together, but safety had to come first.

 

In these trying times, flexibility has become a paramount virtue. The world we live in today is vastly different from what we once knew, and the unpredictability of the ongoing pandemic has taught us that we must be prepared to adapt our plans at a moment’s notice. It’s a lesson in resilience and the understanding that external factors beyond our control can swiftly intervene, altering the course of our lives.

 

While it’s disheartening to cancel my friend’s visit, I find solace that we still have much to be grateful for. My wife’s early diagnosis and isolation are crucial steps in her recovery, and we hope for her well-being. We are also thankful that we notified my friend before he began his journey, sparing him from potential exposure.

 

Moreover, there’s a silver lining even in these challenging circumstances. The prospect of my friend’s visit motivated us to embark on a thorough cleaning spree throughout our home. Neglected corners and dusty shelves received much-needed attention, resulting in a cleaner, more organized living space. It’s a reminder that even when plans don’t unfold as expected, there are still ways to find value and productivity.

 

As we navigate this new normal, we must focus on the positives and the opportunities that arise amidst adversity. My friend and I may not share the same physical space today. However, we can still connect through technology until a safer time for a visit presents itself. Maintaining our connections with loved ones has become more critical in a world that often feels uncertain.

 

In conclusion, today’s turn of events has reminded me of the importance of flexibility and adaptability in our lives. We must be prepared to pivot when necessary, and our ability to do so is a testament to our resilience. While we may be disappointed by the cancellation of my friend’s visit, we remain hopeful for my wife’s recovery and thankful for our precautions. In the end, the bonds we share and the moments we cherish genuinely matter, and those are worth waiting for, no matter the circumstances. So, for now, we’ll savor our tiramisu and look forward to a future when we can all be together once more.

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Navigating My New Normal: Embracing Post-Stroke Clumsiness

Hello Dear Readers,

Life has a curious way of teaching us empathy and understanding. It’s often through our own experiences that we gain a deeper insight into others. After experiencing a stroke, one of the challenges I faced was an unexpected decrease in my dexterity, especially in my left hand. This unexpected turn of events forced me to grapple with a new clumsiness, unlike anything I had known before.

 

Before the stroke, I prided myself on my excellent balance and coordination. My hands were always sure and steady, effortlessly performing tasks. However, my left side became noticeably weaker post-stroke, with its response time not as quick as it used to be. This change surprised me, resulting in moments where I’d bump into objects or drop items. One incident that stands out vividly is an ordinary lunch at the hospital cafeteria. While attempting to take a sip from my drink, my left hand faltered, causing the drink to spill. It was a moment that was as puzzling as it was embarrassing.

 

These instances made me confront an unfamiliar reality. There was a pronounced disparity between what I anticipated I could do and what I was actually capable of. The once-taken-for-granted coordination became a daily challenge, requiring me to adjust and relearn. Thankfully, with persistence and rehabilitation, I started to bridge this gap over time. The gap between my anticipated abilities and my post-stroke realities gradually diminished.

 

Before this, I confess that my understanding and patience for those who might have been labeled as “clumsy” or “accident-prone” was limited. It’s not that I lacked compassion, but I lacked the lived experience. Now, with my own experiences of dropping things without apparent reason or unintentionally bumping into objects, I possess a newfound empathy for those facing coordination challenges.

 

In retrospect, it’s apparent that we often base our perceptions and judgments on our personal experiences. It takes a significant event or shift in our lives to broaden our understanding and allow us to see through another’s lens. For me, the aftermath of the stroke, with its challenges and revelations, became a significant event. It taught me the importance of patience, both with myself and others and highlighted the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

 

In embracing my new reality, I’ve learned to navigate through physical challenges and deepened my compassion and understanding for others. We all have our battles, seen or unseen, and it’s crucial to approach every individual with kindness and patience.

 

In closing, my message to all reading this is simple: Let us not wait for a transformative event to teach us empathy. Let’s embrace understanding and compassion as core tenets of our daily lives, making our world a little kinder, one interaction at a time.

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Relearning to Type After My Stroke

Hello Dear Readers,

Relearning a skill after a life-changing event is physically challenging and emotionally taxing. This has been my reality since experiencing a stroke, which severely affected my ability to type efficiently.

I fondly recall the days when my fingers would effortlessly dance on the keyboard at speeds of up to 200 words per minute. However, I struggle to achieve even a quarter of that pace post-stroke. The reason? My stroke took a toll on my muscle memory and compromised the strength and sensitivity of my left side. These physical limitations and my vivid memories of faster typing days have made the whole experience particularly disheartening.

It’s not merely the slowness but the inaccuracy that accompanies it. Each typo stands as a reminder of the capability I once had and the distance I have yet to cover to regain it. This sense of loss and nostalgia has often tempted me to shy away from the dedicated effort required to reacquire my typing proficiency. Despite these feelings, deep down, I remain hopeful. I believe I can rebuild this skill from scratch with perseverance and consistent effort.

Creating this blog has been a blessing in disguise for my recovery journey. It’s become more than just a platform for me to share my thoughts; it’s my daily typing exercise. I’m determined to challenge myself further by typing with both hands, even if it’s initially slower than just one. The silver lining? While my fingers might have forgotten their dance steps momentarily, my mind hasn’t. I can mentally map the keyboard layout, even if getting my fingers to follow requires deliberate thinking.

 

Day by day, as I write, I can feel the incremental improvements. The small victories, like fewer typos or slightly faster typing speeds, motivate me to persist. Given the time and intention to continue sharing my journey through this blog, I remain optimistic about reclaiming my former typing prowess.

 

I hope my story offers hope for anyone reading this and facing their set of challenges, whether related to a stroke or not. Recovery and relearning might be slow, but with patience and determination, progress is inevitable.

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Navigating Life’s Roadblocks: When Driving Takes a Backseat

Hello Dear Readers,

 

Life is full of twists, turns, and unexpected roadblocks. For me, one of those detours was a stroke that meant I had to relinquish my driving privileges. Let’s be clear – driving with double vision wasn’t an option. Safety First is a motto I stand by. Putting myself and others in danger on the road was simply unthinkable.

 

Coincidentally, my grandfather found himself in a similar situation around my stroke. A man with an unyielding passion for driving, he had reached a point where his ability to navigate the roads had become questionable. Despite the apparent risks, he clung to his independence, holding on to his keys longer than most felt was wise. The family debates over his driving, particularly between him and my mother, were common, filled with arguments and exasperation.

 

Drawing from these familial experiences, when the time came for me to evaluate my driving capabilities post-stroke, I didn’t resist. Admittedly, I didn’t share my grandfather’s fervent attachment to driving, which made my transition easier. For him, driving was more than just a mode of transportation; it was a cherished activity. While I enjoyed the freedom that came with driving, I could let it go without feeling a significant void in my life.

 

Fast forward to today, and I can handle an automatic car safely. There’s a snag, though. My wife and I own just one vehicle, and it’s equipped with a standard transmission. While I’ve come to terms with not being behind the wheel, I can’t help but sometimes feel a pang of guilt. My wife now bears the sole responsibility for our driving needs. She’s the designated driver each time we venture out, whether for grocery shopping, social visits, or appointments. It’s a load I wish I could help carry, even if just occasionally.

 

However, I’m optimistic about the future. The world is on the brink of a transportation revolution. We’re inching closer and closer to the era of fully autonomous cars. Imagine that – vehicles that don’t need human intervention, capable of taking us from point A to B safely and efficiently. Once these vehicles become commercially available, they’ll be game-changers for people like me. Not only will they alleviate the driving responsibility from my wife’s shoulders, but they’ll also restore a measure of the independence I’ve lost. Running errands, visiting friends, or just going for a drive will be unrestricted by my current constraints.

 

To sum it up, life sometimes throws curveballs that unexpectedly alter our paths. While the inability to drive has been a temporary setback, the horizon looks promising. With technological advancements, our roads are set to become more inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey, regardless of personal challenges.

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The Paradox of “Luck” in Adversity

Hello, dear readers,

The notion of “luck” has always intrigued me, mainly when presented in the face of challenging circumstances. During my time in rehabilitation following the aftermath of a stroke, I was frequently greeted with comments on how “fortunate” I was to have emerged from the ordeal in the condition that I had. Hearing such statements always provoked mixed feelings within me. While I was grateful for my progress, branding my experience as mere luck seemed a bit off.

 

Think of it this way: surviving a lightning strike might seem fortunate, given the odds. However, the fact that one got struck by lightning in the first place arguably outweighs any perceived “luck” in surviving. In my eyes, I would have considered myself truly lucky if I hadn’t experienced the stroke at all.

 

The interpretation of luck extends beyond just my experiences. My wife, a dedicated professional, often receives comments about how “lucky” she is to have the knowledge and skills she does. Such remarks overlook the countless hours she’s invested in honing her expertise. Dismissing her achievements as mere luck undermines the dedication and hard work she has poured into her craft.

 

I don’t deny that there’s a specific element of fortune in my situation. Yes, things could have been much worse, and I’m grateful for the level of recovery I’ve achieved. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this recovery hasn’t been a mere twist of fate. My journey back to health has resulted from relentless effort, countless decisions, and the unwavering support of medical professionals and loved ones.

 

In conclusion, while luck may play a role in our lives, it’s essential to recognize and respect the hard work and decisions behind the scenes that often make the most significant difference.

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Understanding Kidney Function and Body Temperature After a Stroke

Hello Dear Readers,

The kidneys, those bean-shaped organs sitting pretty in our lower back, wear multiple hats when it comes to our body’s overall health. One of their most critical roles is regulating our body temperature. And, if, like me, you’ve faced the aftermath of a stroke, this role becomes even more evident. Post-stroke, I observed a peculiar change: I began to feel colder more easily. The culprit? A compromised kidney function.

The changing of seasons is a beautiful phenomenon to witness. Leaves changing colors, the transition from warm sunshine to chilly breezes, and the metamorphosis of our environment. However, these changes come with unique challenges for someone like me. As the calendar pages turn and the weather adopts a colder temperament, I’m jolted into the realization that my internal thermostat isn’t as reliable as it once was. Now, nature has its way, and human adaptability is a force to reckon with. 

 

My first line of defense against this new-found chill was to invest in a cozy bathrobe, ensuring I stayed warm indoors. And truth be told, it did its job wonderfully. But sometimes, when the cold was particularly nippy, even within the confines of my home, I had to call for backup. Enter the space heater, my trusted ally in my quest for warmth.

 

Yet, during the previous winter, I stumbled upon a revelation. It appeared that simple, short bursts of exercise could amp up my body’s heat production. Who would’ve thought? Not only did this approach provide warmth, but it also complemented my recovery goals. So, every couple of hours, I adopted a routine. A brief interlude of planking became my secret weapon against the cold. Just a minute or so was all it took to get my blood pumping and generate that much-needed warmth.

 

Though no one wishes to be caught in the uncomfortable grasp of cold, there’s a silver lining here. It brought forth an unexpected motivator, propelling me to be more active. While the cold sensation was a byproduct of my compromised kidney function post-stroke, it inadvertently pushed me to incorporate exercise into my routine, yielding multiple benefits.

 

In summary, as daunting as they may appear, life’s challenges often present us with hidden opportunities. Understanding my body post-stroke and adapting to its new needs has been a journey for me. But as with every journey, it’s the lessons learned and the growth experienced that truly matter. Stay warm and stay motivated, dear readers.

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The Unexpected Void: No Near-Death Experience After My Stroke

Hello Dear Readers,

 

As I slowly regained consciousness after a stroke, an unsettling realization hit me: the absence of a transformative near-death experience. Hollywood and literature often depict the brink of death as a pivotal, life-changing moment, pushing individuals toward profound revelations. Regrettably, my own experience did not align with this narrative.

In all honesty, I felt robbed. I anticipated awakening to profound memories or some ethereal journey, only to find none. My reality was akin to a deep sleep – a void, an unremarkable period of nothingness. The cynic in me couldn’t help but think, “Was this it?” This void left me grappling with an unsettling blend of disappointment and uncertainty.

The weight of what I had lost and the unknown ahead weighed heavily on me. But then, an epiphany occurred. It wasn’t through some ethereal journey but a quiet determination bubbling from within. I resolved not to wallow in the absence of a mystical experience but to focus on physical and emotional healing.

The path to recovery was by no means easy. Basic functions like walking became lessons to relearn. These tasks, albeit challenging, became a welcome distraction from the void I felt. They allowed me to refocus my energy from what didn’t happen to what I could make happen.

If my life was to be transformed post-stroke, it wouldn’t be by an elusive near-death experience but by the sheer will and determination emanating from within me. My transformation would be built on perseverance, resilience, and self-belief, not cinematic fantasies.