Sharing My WOW
Life-altering events force us to look back on our lives. That was especially true for me during the first four months after my hemorrhagic stroke in 2013 at age 44. My stroke was caused by high blood pressure and was even preceded by a TIA in 2009. Now I can see that family history was a contributing factor. Many family members had strokes, but I was too afraid to ask and face a scary truth. I even went off my blood pressure medication!
As a dancer with a master of fine arts degree, I’d always pushed myself to be the best, out in front, in the spotlight. That’s what dancing is all about. Early on I was very insecure, but very determined. I worked my way into the spotlight. Eventually, I started a dance festival in San Francisco in 1999, and continue to run it from my home in New York. I no longer dance because the stroke left me permanently disabled on my left side. Now my goal is to bring dancers together to have a positive, non-competitive experience.
The biggest beauty and blessing for me is that my lifelong career has been the key to my recovery. Knowing my body signals, my muscle structure and how the body moves, as well as organizing dance events has literally saved my body and brain. I have been bringing dancers together for 15 years through the Vision Series Dance Festival. The more I do, the better I get, each and every day!
Despite the disability, I have never been more confident in myself than now. Why? Because I am who I am, exactly as you see me, not trying to be something I’m not. I can’t! Even though I am not center stage, I now “dance” backstage as the dancers shine in the spotlight! It’s very exciting to watch! I am proud and honored. My unfortunate situation is a blessing, I am alive and thriving and will never give up. Why should I?
My insecure past has led me to a very secure present. That’s the way life goes, everything does happen for a reason!
I’ve learned some valuable lessons that have become my words of wisdom, my “WOW”:
- Take action to live a healthier life before tragedy strikes. Learn your family history; don’t be afraid to ask questions of your doctors and your family.
- Slow down and stop trying to be more than you are. Accept yourself, the stress to ‘be more’ can push us all too far, and it may take a toll on the body.
- To overcome tragedy, keep living your dreams and doing what you enjoy. It makes a physical and emotional difference and it will also save your soul and your mind.
- Most importantly, be a survivor and love yourself NOW, before it’s too late and you are forced to look back and wish you had done things differently.
Day to day we all have many priorities. But, if even for brief moments, slow down, close your eyes, breathe and smile. Make your body and emotional well-being your top priority! Trust me, your loved ones will understand and thank you for it!
I am proud to be a survivor!
DONNETTE HEATH | Survivor Tarrytown, New York
