Trigger Warning: This story mentions serious illness, stroke, and depression. Please read with care.
Rojandree’s life took a sudden turn when she was diagnosed with neuropsychiatric lupus in August 2025, followed by a stroke in September. At that time, she could not walk or get out of bed. She could talk, but her words were slurred, and everything around her felt like too much to handle. Her parents tried to comfort her by pointing out that things were not so bad because at least she could speak, reminding her that some people could not. Others told her to look at people who were doing worse. Still, overwhelmed by the sudden trauma to her body, she found herself sinking into depression, finding it incredibly hard to pull herself out of that sadness. It wasn’t until her sister offered different advice, telling her she did not need to be overly happy. She suggested just finding the small things that were good and bringing a little more happiness into her day.
“When I started being grateful for the small things, it took me a long way.”
~ Rojandree
That simple shift in perspective made a meaningful difference. Doctors told her smoking may have contributed to the stroke, so she had to quit, and her sister encouraged her to focus on that as something to be happy about. She also started focusing on the simple fact that her parents came to visit her at the hospital every single day. Focusing on those small moments gradually changed how she experienced each day. Today, she has regained much of her independence and can eat, clean, and bathe by herself. She realized that gratitude does not have to be limited to things. It can be for people too. Now, even if her mom gets upset with her, she feels grateful that they both woke up today and that her mom is still there. Practicing this kind of gratitude has helped her approach each day with a little more kindness and hope.
“When I’m grateful for stuff, it lifts my mood and changes my view to optimistic rather than pessimistic.”
~ Rojandree
To keep up this mindset, she writes down one thing she is grateful for every night just before sleep. At first, she tried writing three to five things, but that got too tough to think of, so she switched to just one. Because the stroke affected her right side, writing in a journal actually helped improve her handwriting. She also does morning affirmations every day. She has three personal affirmations that she repeats, and she uses the Gratitude app to find quotes and prompts that make her feel stronger and calmer. When she looks at things now, she does not just let them pass by. She stops to ask herself what she is actually grateful for. Her daily affirmations help her approach each day with a willingness to try, whether it is a new exercise or applying for a job. It helps her begin each day with a little more confidence. Because her body was not functioning well for a long time, her mind was constantly rushing. To manage this, she uses breathing exercises on her smartwatch, breathing in for a count of five and slowly breathing out to calm her thoughts.
“Everybody needs to celebrate their progress. Whether it’s a small thing or a big thing, it should be celebrated.”
~ Rojandree
She is taking her recovery slowly. She wants to improve her balance and become completely mobile. Her breathing and gratitude practices supported her as she prepared for her exams. It was incredibly hard to get her focus back. At that time, she could not even walk properly or carry a cup of tea. Her hands used to shake so much that her dad joked she was like Hansel and Gretel, but instead of leaving breadcrumbs, she left a trail of tea stains.
Despite these physical challenges, Rojandree studied, took her exams, and passed. Completing her degree after everything she had been through is an achievement that continues to bring her happiness. She no longer places heavy expectations on the people around her and instead truly values what they share with her. Just as her sister told her in the beginning, she does not have to force herself to be overly happy. Finding just a little bit of happiness in the small moments of each day is enough to help her keep moving forward.
This is Rojandree’s story, told beautifully by her and curated in its truest form. I would love to hear your story. Write to me at preeti@gratefulness.me 💌Â
Every story is a reminder to notice the good that already exists.
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