Have you ever been plugging along in life, doing what you thought you were “supposed to do” when all of a sudden, life throws you a major curveball? The kind that knocks you off your feet and changes all of your plans? I’m sure everyone has had a time in their life when plans get upended in one way or another. This happened to me about this time last year. In fact, I am quickly approaching the one year anniversary of my traumatic brain injury or TBI.
Wait, huh? A TBI?
Yes, you heard that correctly. A TBI. Want to know more about what exactly is a TBI? Click here. Let’s rewind to that moment and I’ll share with you the way my life completely changed….
In late July of last year, 2019, I was working my dream job as a counselor at my favorite summer camp. One afternoon, while driving jet-skis, I and two riders were in an accident. We all were thrown from the watercraft and one of the riders fell directly on my head and neck.
Fast forward two months. After being diagnosed with a concussion and told to “rest” for a few days, I continued to not feel well at all. Headaches, nausea, vertigo and trouble sleeping were becoming normal. The summer ended and I returned to school as a sophomore/junior. However, shortly into my time back at college, I experienced major health issues. I couldn’t read, couldn’t’ focus in classes, wasn’t sleeping well, and had debilitating headaches daily.
Unfortunately, in late September of 2019, I withdrew from college and came home to Ohio. It was simply impractical for me to try to exist normally when I could hardly function physically.
October through February were months filled with doctors. Diagnosed with Post Concussive Syndrome and trauma to my neck, I began various treatments to help heal my brain. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate the course of my life being altered by a brain injury. I didn’t even know concussions could be so destructive.
What about now? TBI & Concussion Recovery
Now, almost a year after the accident, I am finally starting to feel “normal” again. Of course, there are still residual symptoms and I am still participating in various treatments. But I am starting to see the “light” at the end of the recovery tunnel. Concussion recovery isn’t easy and there isn’t really a time table to follow. The best I can do is take my TBI recovery day by day.
Enter: Blog
For years leading up to this point, I’ve wanted to start a blog. I had no idea what I would possibly write about, but I wanted to blog nonetheless. Now though, I feel like I have a better grasp on what I want to accomplish with this new endeavor.
One of the things I crave is advice. Advice from younger people, older people, people close to me and even complete strangers. I am a sucker for information and if I think something can help me, I want in. One thing I wish I had more of though, is someone giving me advice or their perspective on simple, every day things. Like college, relationships, healthy living, time and management, living with chronic health issues and faith.
Am I an expert? Of course not. I’m just someone who desires to share her experiences and knowledge with others. That is exactly why I started this blog.
For me, it took a brain injury to realize that life happens unexpectedly and can’t be taken for granted. It’s the “kick in the pants” I needed to see my life from a different perspective. If I don’t share things I’ve learned, what is the point of learning at all? My hope is that on this blog, just one person will find something helpful. If that’s all I accomplish, then my goal is complete.
Please, don’t wait!
Don’t wait for something as severe as a brain injury to start living well. Listen to others, learn from your experiences, and embark on a journey to living with more intention.
Thank you for reading and engaging. I hope you find inspiration, advice, and overall care on this blog. If you’d like to know more about me, click here. I look forward to more and I hope you do as well. Hugs.
This is awesome! I am so excited to hear what you are going to share on this beautiful blog. You are a gem 🙂
Hey Julia! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so glad you’re looking forward to the blog. Hugs!
So proud of you, Tiffany, for sharing your story. Its a great story with lots of exciting things to come! LOVE YOU! Mom
Thanks Mom! Your encouragement and support truly means so much. Love you!