There are a lot of amazing people in the stroke community, and I get to talk with a lot of them. #PodcastPrivilege.
A few weeks ago, I spoke with Debra Myerson about her book, Identity Theft. In that book, she wrote about a couple dozen other stroke survivors, including Julia Fox Garrison.
Julia joins us in this episode to talk about her journey, her book, Don’t Leave Me this Way, and her philosophy of Positive Outlook = Positive Outcome.
And, of course, the importance of humor in dealing with difficulty in our lives.
Bio
Julia is the author of Don’t Leave Me This Way (or when I get back on my feet you’ll be sorry), Harper Collins Publisher. A memoir that chronicles her struggle to regain control over her life and her body following a massive hemorrhage resulting in a paralyzing stroke. The success of the book and the message it conveys led to a new career path for Julia as a motivational speaker, evangelizing for humanity in health care, our work, and in our personal relationships. Her message is universal and transcends far beyond a survivor’s handbook. It is not only about facing adversity and overcoming, but to live life to the fullest regardless of circumstances. Julia presents at doctor, nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, case manager, social worker conferences, as well as to patient advocacy groups, women’s conferences, businesses, and communities, where she shares her story of personal triumph against overwhelming odds. Julia’s life lessons will transform how to overcome and empower when the intruder called adversity knocks at our door. She will provide strategies on how to answer through attitude, choice and purpose.
Julia has more than ten years of experience as an acclaimed national speaker. She is passionate about her message and relishes sharing it with receptive audiences. Most noteworthy about Julia’s success as a speaker is that all of her engagements are the result of word-of- mouth– someone hears her speak, believes in the message and, in turn, enthusiastically recommends her to some other organization. The distinguished list of client organizations continues to grow and broaden as Julia’s message touches more and more people.
Before her stroke, Julia had a successful career as a manager in software customer support. Rapid advancement through the ranks of her company was within her grasp when she suffered the debilitating injury, effectively ending her career in the corporate world. And thus began her journey of rediscovery and reinvention as author, health care advocate and motivational speaker.
Julia was raised in Andover, MA, in a loving if chaotic household with eight brothers, an upbringing that no doubt made her battle-ready for the literal fight for her life. Julia lives with her husband Jim, son Rory, and dog Shaggy in a suburb outside Boston, where she is working on writing projects as she continues to overcome the effects of stroke.
Julia’s Theme Song
Here is Christina Aguilera’s Fighter
‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
Heavenly Puss
It’s funny how things from your childhood stick with you.
When Julia mentioned choosing to climb the ladder between life and death — between Heaven and Earth — I flashed back to an old episode of Tom and Jerry where Tom has the chance to revisit his life choices.
Here’s a clip.
Links
| Julia’s website | |
| Julia on Facebook | |
| Julia on LinkedIn | |
| Julia’s eMail | julia@juliafoxgarrison.com |
| Christina Aguilera — Fighter | |
| Julia’s book on Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Julia-Fox-Garrison/e/B001IR1I0A%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share |
| Tom and Jerry Heavenly Puss | |
| Debra Myerson on Strokecast |
Where do we go from here?
- Check out Julia’s book, “Don’t Leave Me this Way” and connect with Julia. You can find all those links above.
- Share this episode with someone in your stroke support network, by giving them the link Strokecast.com/Julia
- Connect with me on Instagram by visiting http://Strokecast.com/Instagram
- Don’t get best…get better.
Strokecast is the stroke podcast where a Gen X stroke survivor explores rehab, recovery, the frontiers of neuroscience and one-handed banana peeling by helping stroke survivors, caregivers, medical providers and stroke industry affiliates connect and share their stories.
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