Show Notes – Bill Monroe

The stroke helped him develop a focus on both his recovery but also what he wants to do with his life.   Changes can occur in people's personality and emotional affect due to physiological changes.  Some people struggle with these changes. 

We are all running out of time.  We don't know how much time is left but if we have stuff that we want to get done we've gotta get it done.

He had a lot of support from friends and family.  Also got a lot of support from friends via social media.  Also provided entertainment and information.  People shared their own stories about having strokes. 

Bill's stroke was most likely caused by extended high blood pressure. 

Increasing numbers of strokes among young people.

80% of strokes are preventable.

Major contributors to stroke – high blood pressures, diabetes, smoking, sleep apnoea. 

Preventatives – eat better; consume less salt, eat more fruits and vegetables, get exercise, stop smoking, drinking in moderation.  Live a healthy lifestyle, do things in moderation – the key to preventing most strokes.  Also important to learn how to manage stress.  Look at what you can control but let go what you can't control.

It is important to make sure that you have adequate insurance cover including loss of income insurance.  Also set up automatic bill payments so you don't have to worry about your finances.

Yet is Bill's favourite word in the language.  The connections in his body aren't there yet and he continues to rewire his brain.  He always says I can't do that … yet.  Because the word yet acknowledged the reality of today but make plans to make it different tomorrow.  If he tells him brain this is something he cannot do then the brain doesn't worry about getting it done.  Also relates to motorcycle training where they taught him not to look at the obstacle ahead of you or you will hit it.  Look at the path around it instead.  Your brain will draw you to the things that you are focused on.

Launched his Stroke podcast because he wanted to bring people resources as well as teach people how to peel a banana with one hand.  He wants to share stories and connect people.  Also an opportunity for people to share their stories; a chance to be heard and acknowledged. 

Signs of stroke – FAST.  Face – is their face starting to droop?  Arms – can they lift both their arms?  Speech – slurred speech or speaking nonsense.  Time – time is of the essence.  Call the ambulance immediately.  If you're not sure if it is a stroke or not call anyway and let the medical professionals make that decision.  In the first 6 – 24 hours there are medical and surgical interventions can help.  Time lost is brain lost.  Treatment often begins in the ambulance. 

Tool for resilience – focusing on goals and breaking them down into smaller steps so he can start acting on his goals today. Don't get best – get better.  There can only be one best in any particular thing.  Also somebody else has to be worse than you.  Instead focus on getting a little bit better every day.