Episode 018 -- Comfort Level

This week is largely musing about the nature of stretch goals, identity, and striving for recovery.

This week, let's talk about comfort zone. It can be nice and cozy, and I really like things that are nice and cozy. The only problem with it is that there is no growth in the comfort zone.

To grow and improve and recover and get those limbs back, we need to push ourselves. We need to try new things. We can't let our brains forget about that limb and give up on it.

We have to be willing to fail at a task in order to succeed in the long term. Growth and healing happens at the edges. stretching beyond those edges gets us closer to where we want to be. If we never fail in a task during our recovery, we're probably not trying hard enough.

Hack of the Week

This week I began using my girlfriend's Kindle (affiliate link) to read library books.

My reading pace took a major hit after the stroke for a few reasons. one of the big ones though, is that it's more difficult to physically manage a book with one hand. Holding it open, turning a page, not dropping it, and keeping my place is tough. It can be done, but it's a lot more work.

I've always been a fan of paper-based books instead of eBooks because I liked the sensory experience. I have more than 1000 on my shelves downstairs. That also meant I didn't want to jump to the eReader because of this existing bass that makes me happy to look at.

Of course, stroke changes things so I started playing with the Kindle.

This week, I renewed my library card with the Seattle library and began using its Kindle system. I can go onto the website, login, browse the collections and check out a ton of Kindle books that download to the Kindle. After a few weeks, I can "return" them and they disappear from the Kindle so someone else can download them.

If you like to read, and especially if you like eBooks, check out your local library's web services. You may be able to go to the library without having to go to the library.

Where do we go from here?

• How do you stretch beyond your comfort zone? Let us know in the comments here.
• Do you have a story of your experience as a stroke survivor, caregiver, or professional that you'd like to share on a future episode? I'd love to hear about it. Email Bill@strokecast.com
• Share this episode with someone you think would benefit from it.
• Don't get best...get better.

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