Kate Adamson
www.KateAdamson.com
1-800-641-KATE
(310) 546-8142 Fax
kate@kateadamson.com
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June 28, 2005
Having a great journey! Wish you were here. Of course you are on your own journey – and for some it is a slow, plodding seeming endless journey.
But I assure you, it is worth it. June is a special month. It is the 10th anniversary of the stroke that locked me in my body. Early in the morning, on June 29, 1995, in a blink of an eye, my life completely changed. As I remember that morning and remember vividly the nightmare I lived for months after that, the greatest gift I received was the ability to just blink my eyes. I focused on what I could do – not on what I couldn’t – fear slowly turned into faith and each small baby step lead to other things I could do, then more and more…Truthfully, many factors went into my recovery but I had to contribute the willingness to do the work.
I am often asked how I stay in shape. My answer? The same way anyone else does. Work and sweat. This past weekend I tried "spinning" at the gym. I met a friend who graciously strapped my tennis shoes on the bike and I joined in with the class riding for an hour – at a pace that was comfortable for me. What an experience – not to mention a sore butt! However, a trip to the local cycle shop and a gel-padded bike seat cushion will solve that. Ten years ago, I never dreamed I could actually accomplish this.
I try to get some form of exercise daily even just walking "Sara," my dog, around the block. Doing something – anything – is valid exercise. For those of us dealing with paralysis, anything we do is exercise. Getting a drink of water on your own, picking up a phone, typing on the computer… When you do any of these things you feel like a marathon athlete.
And like any good athlete, we must pace ourselves – and plan ahead. I know I can consume more water as long as I am not too far from a bathroom! If I’m out, you won’t see me drinking much water. I don’t like impromptu exercise that much!
Diet is an important part of any athlete’s regime. I’m grateful for parents who instilled in me good eating habits. I much prefer fresh vegetables and fruits, chicken and fish to sodas and donuts. If you have the willpower to overcome paralysis, you have the willpower to eat right – and that might help you overcome your paralysis in other ways.
When people suggest that my journey through the dark tunnel of total paralysis must have been a really tough challenge – I agree, but I also wonder where they have been paralyzed and maybe didn't even know it.
As I moved through my journey of overcoming paralysis I had skilled medical professionals, dear friends and a fiercely loyal and supportive husband to help me get “un-paralyzed.” Now I want to “give back” by supporting you as you deal with the paralysis that keeps you from moving to your next level of accomplishment.
What is stopping you from moving forward right now? Do you feel bewildered? Overwhelmed? Does it seem that what you need to do is so simple that even a child could do it – but for some reason you just aren’t getting it done?
That is real paralysis, and it is as frustrating, debilitating and disabling as any physical handicap…
…but the good news is, it can be overcome…
Congratulations to anyone celebrating an anniversary from stroke, whether it’s one, two or ten years, these are milestones in reclaiming your lives.
Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of Kate’s Journey; Triumph over Adversity and read about my journey. It recounts my experience from complete dependence on life support to my miraculous recovery. Dr. Jefferey Saver has commentaries through out the book that help the reader understand the significance of each step of my journey.
June 26 was the Stroke Association of California’s 5K/10K Run/Walk and Health Fair
Yep, my arteries looked great...and it was fun being a part of the health event along with 1,500 people. For more information, call the stroke Association (310) 575-1699 – or visit them online www.strokesocal.org.
June 28, Westside Women’s Network
will be honoring myself and two other women, Yolanda King (daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King) and Ferroll Robins. Join me for an intimate evening of roundtable discussions. For more details on this event visit www.westsidewomensnetwork.org.July 8-13, I’ll be in Atlanta at the National Speakers Association Convention.
This year, I’ll be taking my 13-year-old daughter, Stephanie. This will be her first youth conference and a chance to bond with mom!
Book Signing:
Thanks to those of you who attended the El Segundo book festival last weekend. It was fun to see you all and sign books!
Are you looking for a dynamic, inspirational speaker?
Call me. Tell me about your conference. What is the theme? What do you want your people to take home with them? Would you like me to inspire your corporation to a higher level of productivity and profit by overcoming the paralysis that keeps it where it is? Believe me, I will prove that anyone can move to the next level of productivity and profit by focusing on what they want (not on what they don’t) and what they can do (not on what they can't).
I may be the perfect presenter for your next conference. Certainly your company will never be the same again. Let's talk about it! Call me: 800-641-KATE
