Welcome to Oprah.com   |   Sign up for our Newsletters!   |   Terms of Use   |   Privacy Policy
  Subscribe to O, The Oprah Magazine
Follow Us  
Filter By:

40 Things Jill Bolte Taylor Needed Most After Her Stroke

Posted: Thu 08/09/2012 09:00 AM
She was a scientist, a workaholic and an expert in the human mind. Then, one morning, Jill Bolte Taylor's own brain turned against her. She suffered a severe stroke, which left her unable to talk and walk. Taking small steps, she worked to relearn the world in an entirely different way. This Sunday, tune in as Jill sits down with Oprah to discuss her journey.

In this excerpt from her book, My Stroke of Insight, Jill recounts 40 things people should understand when in the company of a stroke victim. They may not only help you nurse a loved one back to health—they may change your entire perspective on life.

Read the excerpt, then watch Oprah's interview with Jill at 11 a.m. ET/PT this Sunday on OWN, Oprah.com, Facebook.com/OWNTV and Facebook.com/SuperSoulSunday.


1. I am not stupid, I am wounded. Please respect me.

2. Come close, speak slowly, and enunciate clearly.

3. Repeat yourself—assume I know nothing and start from the beginning, over and over.

4. Be as patient with me the 20th time you teach me something, as you were the first.

5. Approach me with an open heart and slow your energy down. Take your time.

6. Be aware of what your body language and facial expressions are communicating to me.

7. Make eye contact with me. I am in here—come find me. Encourage me.

8. Please don't raise your voice—I'm not deaf, I'm wounded.

9. Touch me appropriately and connect with me.

10. Honor the healing power of sleep.

Get the rest of Jill's recommendations

What You Can Learn from Jill Bolte Taylor's Stroke of Insight

Posted: Tue 08/07/2012 08:00 AM

When Harvard brain scientist Jill Bolte Taylor suffered a stroke in 1996, she lost her language, memories and ability to think about the future. What she gained was an entirely new perspective on life. Watch this clip from Oprah's Lifeclass where she shares a lesson that changed Oprah's life.

Then, watch Oprah's interview with Jill at 11 a.m. ET/PT this Sunday on OWN, Oprah.com, Facebook.com/OWNTV and Facebook.com/SuperSoulSunday. It's a conversation you won't want to miss.

Coming Up Sunday: Oprah and Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

Posted: Mon 08/06/2012 08:00 AM

When brain scientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor suffered from a massive stroke, she couldn't walk, talk or remember her own name. This Sunday, she tells Oprah about how she turned this life-changing experience into an awakening.

Oprah's Soul Series Featuring Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

Posted: Sun 01/15/2012 10:00 AM

This week, brain scientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor gave Oprah a rare look what it's like to experience a massive stroke. Not only does she describe her life-changing journey, she also explains how she grew from it, and, essentially, started a new life.

What Viewers Are Saying About Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor and Emmanuel's Gift

Posted: Wed 01/11/2012 09:36 AM

Get ready for the encore presentation of Oprah's Soul Series conversation with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor and the documentary Emmanuel's Gift! See what viewers had to say about this moving episode:

mygirlstoo said:
I am forever changed after watching this Super Soul Sunday. I was so touched by Dr. Bolte Taylor's life experience that I went and bought the book. So much of what she said made sense to me. My auntie had a stroke and was not able to talk for two weeks. I knew she could hear me when others thought she couldn't. I always prayed that I would be there the day that she passed away because she had given so much to me in my life; she was always there for me during the good and the bad times. She was the rock in our family. I still remember the day of my auntie's decision to leave this world. I woke up and felt I needed to rush to the hospital to be with her. I was blessed with the opportunity to tell her how much my I loved her and how thankful I was for all she had done for me. When the nurse told me it was a matter of minutes. I called my two daughters and told them auntie was going to a place of peace. I put the phone my auntie's ear and both my daughters (7 and 12 at the time) told her how much they loved her. I am not sure at that moment what happened but she said " I love you too" to my daughters. After I hung up the phone she looked at me quietly passed away. I felt such calmness and peace overcome me. I felt such honor at that moment that my request was heard.

Emmanuel's life experience was very motivational as well. He and those with disabilities are the real heroes in life and they deserve our respect. Not only do they have to deal with all of the challenges of everyday life, they also have overcome physical obstacles. His strength and tenacity are to be applauded. I was in awe of his kindheartedness. He realized life wasn't about him, it was about all those in need. He never complained, he only thought about the good he could do for others. Talk about unconditional love. Great lesson learned. This was the best "Super Soul Sunday." Thanks Oprah and staff!
Page:
1
2
3
Blog Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement