As I watched yesterday’s telecast on Super Soul Sunday, I was in awe of the articulate woman who sat across from Oprah.

Harvard trained brain scientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a stroke triumphant!            

At age 37, a blood vessel exploded in the left side of her brain, leaving her unable to walk, speak or recall anything from her past. She was essentially an infant in a woman’s body.

But the story does not end there.

With the help of her mother, Dr. Taylor reinvented herself, embracing the  remaining right hemisphere that allowed her to think and function differently. I was most impressed by her attitude toward “new baggage.” While recovering, if she didn’t like the way something made her feel, she simply chose not to run the circuitry in her brain.  In particular, she focused on anger—that rush of feelings that last only about 90 seconds.

Pay attention to what you’re thinking → You are not your thoughts → Wait and it will pass.

While in the hospital, she could easily perceive who was there to help and who didn’t really care. She responded positively to anyone who…

Gave her time to hunt for the answer.

Didn’t finish all her sentences.

Handled her as gently as they would a newborn.

Excellent advice for all of us to consider when visiting friends or family members suffering from a stroke or other disability.

A movie version of her book, A Stroke of Insight, is being directed by Ron Howard. Jodie Foster will play Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.

Quotable Quotes…

Please be responsible for the energy you bring into this room.

Peace is only a thought away.

Pay attention to what you’re thinking and if your thoughts aren’t creating the life you want, change your thoughts.

Being grateful is paramount.