About
Craig-Ames
I never expected my life to be divided into a before and an after, but becoming a stroke survivor reshaped everything, my health, my perspective, and my sense of identity. Like many people, I was busy living, working, and planning for the future, never imagining how suddenly things could change. In the days and weeks that followed my stroke, recovery felt overwhelming and uncertain, not just physically but cognitively and emotionally as well. Progress wasn’t linear, and some days felt heavier than others. One of the hardest parts was figuring out where to begin when everything felt scattered, which is why I started writing things down. At first, it was simple notes about how I felt, what I struggled with, and the small victories I experienced, but over time journaling and eventually creating the Survivor Warrior Journal and the Survivor Warrior Planner became a meaningful part of my healing. These tools gave me structure when everything else felt uncertain, helped me recognize progress I might have otherwise overlooked, and allowed me to process emotions honestly while communicating more effectively with my healthcare providers about what was truly working and what wasn’t.
I’m not someone who naturally shares everything I’m feeling, but writing gave me a safe, judgment-free space to be real with myself about fear, frustration, hope, and resilience. Looking back on those entries showed me that healing was happening even when it didn’t feel obvious in the moment, and it taught me that progress doesn’t always look dramatic; sometimes it’s simply showing up and taking the next step. Creating the Survivor Warrior Journal and Survivor Warrior Planner grew from that experience and from my desire to help others navigate recovery with a little more clarity, intention, and encouragement. I share my story not for attention, but because I know how isolating recovery can feel, and because I believe that having structure, reflection, and support can make the journey feel more manageable. This space is for survivors, caregivers, families, and anyone navigating life after a stroke, and my hope is that by sharing what helped me, you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and reminded of your own strength as you move forward.