by Linda W. Arms
As we begin the new year, many of us think about our lives, the year ahead and make resolutions to improve. I think many of us with TBI have another “new beginning” each year that causes us to contemplate our lives. That time of year is different for each of us, and it is the date of our accidents that caused our TBI. It’s probably a date that brings us sadness and a little more grieving for the person we used to be, but it’s also a date to consider the progress we have made in getting better and other things in our lives that are positive.
The door on who I was closed seven years ago on January 15. Although a lot of “me” came back, I’m also very different. That difference has brought several positive traits that I am grateful for. I’m more patient and not driven to perfection. I’m much more grateful for my family and friends who stayed in touch even when I couldn’t. I’m much more forgiving of imperfections in people around me. I have much more compassion for others. I appreciate the simple things in life, I’ve learned to stop and smell the flowers because my brain doesn’t want to be filled with all those details it was capable of handling before. I’m happy……. and sometimes frustrated. Sometimes I get frustrated when I can’t do things like I used to but those times are becoming less each year.
I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made in the last seven years and know that I’ll see more improvement this year, even if they are small things. I’d like to share this posting from Facebook with you as you start the new year. I received this by accident from someone I don’t know but I related to it because of my seasons of life associated with TBI. I do not know who the creator of this is so I can not give credit but thank you to whoever you are. Click here to view Seasons of Life – THEN CLICK ON THE ARROW IN THE LOWER LEFT OF THE PICTURE TO START THE VIDEO. Note that there are multiple pictures in the video, it moves through the pictures slowly so some of us with brain injuries can read it.
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Hi Mina, Thank you for writing, as you do, from your heart…My TBI also has it’s roots in January…three years ago…I had my third brain surgery…which was when my TBI became fully apparent…And so, January also holds similar significance for me. To New Beginnings!
XO-Trina
This is beautiful…thank you Mina for helping to make my battles a little easier each day.