Choosing Change - Jim Dana's Interview - Part Two

Today, we welcome guest, Jim Dana, who takes us on an honest exploration of how a stroke nearly three decades ago reshaped his sense of self. Guided by an inner voice that evolved over time, Jim shares how he learned to embrace honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection to become who he calls “Jim Dana version 2.” Join us as he shares his journey of navigating uninvited emotional outbursts, discovering unexpected gratitude, and choosing every day to grow into a better version of himself. 

Community Conversation Prompt:

• In what ways has your stroke journey led you to become a better version of yourself?

Guest's Suggested Resources:

PsuedoBulbar Affect

• American Stroke Association on PsuedoBulbar Affect.
• Mayo Clinic on PsuedoBulbar Affect.

Life Lessons

• David Brooks, “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen,” Random House, 2023.
  • A wonderful book about how to connect with others that is written for all imperfect people, not just stroke survivors.
• Parker Palmer, “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation,” Jossey-Bass, 1999.
  • Parker Palmer also wrote many other wonderful books including “The Courage to Teach.”
• “The Downside with Getting What You Want,” New York Times, April 18, 2025.

Rational Emotive Therapy Book Lists

Rational Emotive Therapy is not typically suggested as a treatment for PsuedoBulbar Affect.  Jim found it more useful for controlling his anger and frustration, and only slightly helpful for controlling his laughter and crying. Jim learned Rational Emotive Therapy mainly in therapy and not through reading books.

• Albert Ellis Institute.

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Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope. 

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org. 

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