#57 Beth Bonness, Aphasia Survivor, Poet, Author

This episode explores the creative journey of a stroke survivor, Beth Bonness, and provides takeaways to help others gain closure. Beth shares with us her insights when she was experiencing her strokes and how she found writing and journaling to help her cope and process her change in identity as she dealt with aphasia challenges as she returned to work.

Beth covers five key techniques, such as writing down thoughts and reading them out loud, that can help improve mental health and creativity.

Beth leads a monthly writing group for persons with aphasia. Learn more at her website, BethBonness.com.

Additionally, there are helpful insights into Aphasia, a communication disorder that affects stroke survivors, and how to advocate for yourself to meet your needs.

1. Stroke Survivor Beth: Exploring Life After a Stroke and Finding Joy Again (00:00 - 05:43)
2. A Stroke of Misfortune: Managing Stress at Work to Avoid Health Complications (05:44 - 11:00)
3. Facing Aphasia: My Journey From Fear to Recovery (11:01 - 16:34)
4. Transition Thunderstorms: A Journey from Stroke to Resilience (16:34 - 22:25)
5. Rules For Quieting the Editor and Harnessing Writing To Uncover Insight (22:26 - 28:27)
6. Exploring Writing and Improvisation as a Path to Listening to Yourself (28:27 - 33:54)
7. Exploring The Impact Of Jazz Improvisation On The Brain (33:55 - 39:38)
8. Living with Aphasia: A Journey to Brain Cognition Recovery (39:38 - 44:39)
9. The Impact of Aphasia: Experiencing Words with Care (44:39 - 49:51)
10. Advocating for Yourself: The Art and Science of Self Preservation (49:51 - 52:58)