In our self-talk we interpret life according to the stories we tell ourselves. For example, when we read about statistics about our ailments, we tend to include ourselves among those who won’t survive. Dr. Christine Page is saddened by this.

The shaman’s advice would be for us to think of ourselves as among the few that will be healed, no matter how slim the chances are, unless of course the dire medical pronouncement was made specifically for you. Find a detail in the prognosis that will make you an exception. Recreate your condition with a new vocabulary. Empower yourself towards health by telling a different story. Read about inspiring people like Louis Hay. Visit Facebook accounts of countless brave people battling health challenges and winning them.

This is the process I used to recover after a mild stroke. In the hospital during my therapy, I was warned about a specific window during which I would be able to walk again. Once I let slip the opportunity, I wouldn’t be able to walk again. Naturally I got scared. A former student of mine, now a medical practitioner banished my fears about the deadline. I told myself a different story.

A year after I can walk, albeit with a cane because my doctor doesn’t want me to risk bone damage in case I fall. With continued exercise I believe I can soon say goodbye to my cane.