Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we welcome guest Michelle Humphrey or StrokeMom as she is known on social media. Michelle invites us into a deeply personal journey—one that challenges the definition of a “real” life and a “real” job. Our guest reflects on the day everything changed: a bi-lateral pons stroke during pregnancy at age 43, a confrontation with death, and the unrelenting challenge of rebuilding a life that no longer fit society’s expectations.

From a hospital bed to a daily practice of gratitude, from the loss of loved ones to becoming an energy-giving presence, this story uncovers the lessons that death teaches us about living. It’s about grieving, growing, and redefining what it means to show up authentically, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Through humor, heartbreak, and honesty, we’ll hear how the best parts of life emerge from the worst—and how embracing a “Pollyanna mindset” can be a powerful, liberating act. Let’s dive in and uncover what it means to live your REAL life, no matter the circumstances.

Michelle's Suggested Resources:

• • Death Taught Us How To Live w AVM Superhero
  • Jess Karp on YouTube
  • Journey Care Hospice
  • Mather Institute - Ruth Geary's Classes
  • Michelle's Instagram and Facebook
  • Pollyanna by Eleanor H Porter
  • Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
  • University of Wisconsin - Madison

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How has your understanding of time shifted since your stroke?
• What does living in the present moment mean to you now?
• In what ways has grief helped you grow?

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we welcome guest Michelle Humphrey or StrokeMom as she is known on social media. Michelle invites us into a deeply personal journey—one that challenges the definition of a “real” life and a “real” job. Our guest reflects on the day everything changed: a bi-lateral pons stroke during pregnancy at age 43, a confrontation with death, and the unrelenting challenge of rebuilding a life that no longer fit society’s expectations.

From a hospital bed to a daily practice of gratitude, from the loss of loved ones to becoming an energy-giving presence, this story uncovers the lessons that death teaches us about living. It’s about grieving, growing, and redefining what it means to show up authentically, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Through humor, heartbreak, and honesty, we’ll hear how the best parts of life emerge from the worst—and how embracing a “Pollyanna mindset” can be a powerful, liberating act. Let’s dive in and uncover what it means to live your REAL life, no matter the circumstances.

Michelle's Suggested Resources:

• • Death Taught Us How To Live w AVM Superhero
  • Jess Karp on YouTube
  • Journey Care Hospice
  • Mather Institute - Ruth Geary's Classes
  • Michelle's Instagram and Facebook
  • Pollyanna by Eleanor H Porter
  • Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
  • University of Wisconsin - Madison

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How has your understanding of time shifted since your stroke?
• What does living in the present moment mean to you now?
• In what ways has grief helped you grow?

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke - We spotlight Anna Kerry from Nottingham, England. She suffered a stroke at age 35. Since that time, Anna has devoted her life to serving other stroke survivors. She is Founder The Stroke Wellbeing Space, an online resource and gathering platform for stroke survivors. Throughout her story, Anna describes specific practices that helped her trust and love her own body again. Her story is entitled, "Finding Safety Within My Body."

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is made possible by our guests and tax-deductible donations from friends and listeners like you.

Join us in empowering stroke survivors with stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope at www.beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is made possible by our guests and tax-deductible donations from friends and listeners like you. Join us in empowering stroke survivors with stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope at www.beyondstillness.org

Another way to support is to like, share, or subscribe to our weekly show.

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke - We spotlight Anna Kerry from Nottingham, England. She suffered a stroke at age 35. Since that time, Anna has devoted her life to serving other stroke survivors. She is Founder The Stroke Wellbeing Space, an online resource and gathering platform for stroke survivors. Throughout her story, Anna describes specific practices that helped her trust and love her own body again.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is made possible by our guests and tax-deductible donations from friends and listeners like you.

Join us in empowering stroke survivors with stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope at www.beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is made possible by our guests and tax-deductible donations from friends and listeners like you. Join us in empowering stroke survivors with stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope at www.beyondstillness.org

Another way to support is to like, share, or subscribe to our weekly show.

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA. Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens. In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators. He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal. Chris has dedicated much of his professional life to non-profit organizations and was the Executive Director of the Valley Health Foundation in Silicon Valley when he suffered a stroke in 2021. He now applies his life-lessons to stroke recovery. Throughout his story, Chris discusses the importance of facing difficulties, connecting with supportive friends, and dedicating time to a purpose. His story is entitled, “Part of Something Greater.”
Chris' Suggested Resources:
Stroke Awareness Foundation
Valley Medical Foundation
Valley Medical Center
Legally Blue
San Jose State University Occupational Therapy Program
Golf 4 Life: Balancing Life After Stroke
Headspace Meditation App