NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE JUST FOR YOU!!!
A New Year, A New Chapter: Fresh Starts, Fun Therapy & Finding Joy in 2025
As the clock ticks down to midnight on December 31st, we’re reminded that every ending is a chance for a new beginning. The New Year is a time for reflection, goal-setting, and, of course, celebration. For many stroke survivors and their loved ones, it’s also an opportunity to embrace the progress made and look forward to the journey ahead.
One of my favorite New Year traditions growing up was our family’s annual “midnight toast” with sparkling cider. But what made it truly unforgettable was my Uncle Joe’s infamous resolution speeches. Without fail, he’d begin with, “This is the year I’ll finally stop procrastinating... starting tomorrow!” It always got a laugh, especially since Uncle Joe was known for his half-finished projects and his eternal quest to declutter his garage — a task he swore would happen “next weekend” every single year. While he might not have always stuck to his resolutions, his humor and optimism set the tone for a hopeful and joyous New Year.
But perhaps Uncle Joe’s most legendary New Year tradition wasn’t his speeches — it was his cooking. Uncle Joe’s ribs and bacon treats were famous in our family, not just for their deliciousness but for their aftereffects. Without fail, every New Year’s Eve, he’d clog the toilet after indulging in his creations. “It’s not a party until the plunger comes out!” he’d say with a grin, turning what could have been a disaster into another laugh-worthy family memory.
This season, let’s take a page from Uncle Joe’s book: set goals, laugh at life’s quirks, and celebrate the small wins along the way. Whether it’s regaining mobility in your hand, finishing a puzzle you started, or simply enjoying a cozy game night with loved ones, every step forward is worth celebrating.
As the countdown to the new year begins, there’s a special kind of magic in the air. It’s a time for fresh starts, renewed goals, and a whole lot of reflection on how far we’ve come. For stroke survivors like me, each year—heck, each day—is a testament to perseverance, patience, and growth.
While the world talks about "New Year’s Resolutions," I like to think of it as setting New Year’s Intentions. Intentions feel more personal, more forgiving. Instead of "I must do this," it’s "I’d love to work toward this." For me, that’s been a game-changer. So, as we step into 2025, I’m sharing some ideas, themes, and a little inspiration to kick off the new year with joy, purpose, and playfulness.
1. Play More, Heal More
This past year, I’ve discovered that therapy doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be downright fun. One of my biggest personal wins has been exploring board games as therapy tools. Games like Jenga, Connect Four, and Operation aren’t just for family game night—they’re powerful tools for building hand strength, coordination, and patience.
If you’re looking for a playful way to work on motor skills in 2025, here’s a list of my favorites:
Jenga: Steady hands win the day.
Connect Four: A little strategy, a little precision, and a lot of fun.
Uno: Card holders can make it easier to grip those colorful cards.
Operation: Steady your hand, and try not to set off the buzzer (good luck!).
Chess & Checkers: These games are as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
Pro Tip for 2025: Don’t be afraid to modify the rules to suit your abilities. Oversized pieces, card holders, or "house rules" are all fair game. It’s your therapy, your progress, your fun!
2. Bring a Little Light (LED Style) into Your Space
I’ve always had a soft spot for the glow of LED lights. They’re calming, customizable, and (let’s be honest) just plain cool. This year, I’ve been adding LED light themes to just about everything—and it’s been a mood-lifter on the toughest days. There’s something magical about dimming the house lights, turning on a soft blue glow, and letting the world slow down for a moment.
For 2025, why not bring a little light into your life—literally? Here’s how:
Create a "calm corner": Add warm LED lights, soft blankets, and soothing sounds.
Theme your space: Set "focus mode" lights during therapy and "relax mode" afterward.
Get playful: Sync LED lights to music for a mini celebration after every therapy win!
If you’re looking for a sign to add a little glow to your life, this is it. Light up 2025 with colors that lift you up.
3. Find Joy in Simple Moments
Sometimes, joy isn’t found in the "big wins." It’s in the small victories, like gripping a mug with both hands or managing to write your name a little neater than the day before. It’s also in the little traditions that make life feel special, like sharing laughs over a good Yule Log (the fireplace kind... or maybe not).
This past holiday season, I’ve been thinking a lot about my grandpappy. He’d always crack jokes about "dropping a Yule Log" after Christmas dinner (yes, that kind of Yule Log), and it’s those goofy, lighthearted memories that stick with me. Laughter is therapy, too. So, if you’re planning for 2025, try to leave room for the moments that make you giggle—even if it’s just you laughing at your own inside joke.
Ideas to Spark Joy in 2025:
Start a "Gratitude Jar" and write down one win each week, big or small.
Watch a cozy fireplace video and imagine grandpappy’s commentary.
Share your "small wins" with friends or an online support group (yes, we’ll cheer for you!).
4. Embrace Support & Connection
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that support makes all the difference. I’ve started a new Facebook group for stroke survivors, caregivers, and anyone looking for a little extra encouragement. We’re also on the lookout for moderators—people who want to step up, share their experience, and help keep the community going strong.
Joining a community like this can give you:
Accountability: Sometimes it’s easier to stick with therapy when you’ve got people rooting for you.
Motivation: Seeing other people’s progress can inspire you to keep going.
Companionship: Recovery can feel lonely—but it doesn’t have to.
If you’d like to join us, here’s the link to the group: Join the Group. It’s free, friendly, and full of people who get it.
5. Set Intentions, Not Resolutions
I’m not about that "New Year, New Me" life. I’m more about New Year, Same Me... Just a Little Wiser. So, for 2025, I’m focusing on intentions over resolutions. Intentions aren’t rigid rules—they’re guiding lights. Here’s what’s on my list this year:
Move a little every day: Whether it’s a game of Jenga or a round of Connect Four, I’m counting it as movement.
Be kind to myself: Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.
Make time for joy: LED light shows, Yule Log jokes, and Scrabble "creative word submissions" are all on the list.
If you’re thinking about your own intentions for 2025, remember this: Progress doesn’t have to be flashy to be meaningful. If you’re moving forward—even by an inch—you’re doing it right.
Here’s to 2025: A Year of Play, Progress & Positivity
To my fellow stroke survivors, caregivers, friends, and supporters—thank you for being part of this journey. Every post you’ve read, every word of encouragement you’ve shared, and every moment of connection means more than I can say.
Let’s make 2025 a year of small wins, big laughs, and bright lights. Whether you’re stacking Jenga blocks, tapping into your inner Scrabble champion, or finding a few quiet moments in front of an LED glow, know that you’re doing something amazing.
The New Year is like a blank page, waiting to be filled with your story. As you step into 2025, remember to bring along your humor, your resilience, and your determination. And if you ever need inspiration or a community to cheer you on, know that we’re here for you. Happy New Year!
Please note that STROKENEWSLETTER.NET is operated by a stroke survivor and is not managed by a licensed medical professional. All stroke therapies and rehabilitation methods mentioned should only be performed under the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult with your doctor or a certified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy regimen.
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