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Submitted by Sharad Kumar 2 on 11 July 2019
Profile pic of a man in a red tshirt smiling

Sharad Kumar Tekalkote, who lost his ability to speak after a severe stroke, had to undergo intense rehabilitation and speech therapy exercises, to resume normalcy. Today, he is a motivational speaker. Here, he shares ten tips on how to live a full life.

I was diagnosed with a haemorrhagic stroke. I was given a 5% chance of making it through an operating table.

While no one expects adversity or enjoys experiencing it, the fact is that challenges are a normal part of life. On 18 October, 2012, at about 1 pm I was speaking to my boss on the phone for 30 minutes, 2 minutes after that, I couldn’t say a single word, I had just lost my voice. No other complication whatsoever. I had no idea that internally my brain was bleeding profusely and that I was getting a stroke.

Must See: Sharad's Video Interview Here  

Stroke made me famous

For 44 years of my life before I got stroke, I slogged, worked hard, played, partied, did everything, like most people do... but only few people knew about me - my family, friends, and few in my professional network.

But within 6 years after getting stroke, I wrote a book, got covered in the media many times, became a motivational speaker and, today, I get to speak in front of you too.. I am Famous!

Not that I recommend anybody to become famous like I did (by getting stroke), but all I want to say is that if you have a positive attitude, everything looks good.

Realize that whatever situation you’re in is temporary and it will pass, no matter how bad it may seem. When you envision what’s possible, you quickly discover that adversity actually propels you to move to the next level. It’s a catalyst for change that allows you to re-invent yourself or your life. Adversity prepares you for something better.

Life changes within a blink of an eye. Cherish what you have, tell people close to you that you love them, realize what is truly important. Treat everyone with kindness because you do not know what battles they are fighting.

Let me ask you a question, who doesn’t face challenges in life? All of us have gone through these challenges:

As a 1 year old – learning to crawl

As a 2 year old –learning to stand and walk

As a 3 year old – learning to talk

…and it goes on till today.

.... you have, I have, we all have faced challenges since we were born. Some we naturally overcame, for some we had to fight it out.

10 simple tips to live your life according to me:

1.   Stay Positive

No matter what happens in your life, the more you stay positive, the easier it will be to not only bounce back from life’s struggles, but the more you’ll genuinely be happy. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all are searching for?

2.   Respect Yourself

You are never going to have a wonderful life unless you truly respect who you are as a person. Remind yourself of all the reasons you are a wonderful person and deserve your own respect.

3.   Be Grateful

It’s easy to get wrapped up in your life and see all of the things you don’t have, but the truth is, if you’re listening to my talk right now, that means you’ve got many privileges most of the world doesn’t.

4.   Forgive

The more we hold onto past grudges, the more we continue to hate, the more we suffer. We place a burden on ourselves more than anyone else and in the end, we only end up hurting ourselves. You are ready for a new, beautiful life. So forgive.

5.   Exercise

Exercise to boost energy. I knew, logically, that this worked, but how often have I told myself, “I’m just too tired to go to the gym”? Exercise is one of the most dependable mood-boosters. Even a 10-minute walk can brighten my outlook.

6.   Learn to give

Learn to give. Giving is a fundamental and essential ingredient for happiness. There is no doubt that the more you give the more you get in return. Giving to others can enhance your relationships, build trust, but most importantly, it can make a difference in the life of someone else, and this is the ultimate in happiness!

7.   Learn to count your blessing

Learn to count your blessings. What do you take for granted? As you grow and become more aware of the World around you, you will come to realize that you are extremely blessed. Perhaps you are blessed with good health, a good community or the freedom to live a life that you choose. The fact that you have the ability to connect to the internet right now in your leisure, read and learn is a blessing that many do not have.

8.   Connect with People You Care and Love

A happy and successful life is never complete if there is nobody there to celebrate with you. Never underestimate what a relationship can do or impact your life.

9.   Life is also about having “FUN.”

Don’t be so engaged with your work that you forget to have fun. A person who doesn’t enjoy his life is a big Failure. No matter, how much money he earns. Having fun will help you to uplift your mood. You know what? Sometimes hanging out with friends is the best medicine that one can get.

10.  Love

Whatever you do, wherever you go, you must remember to bring with you love from within. If you forget everything above and remember one thing, let it be to love.

 

www.strokeindia.org

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