I am so excited! The wedding is FINALLY here! 5 years later than planned and physically not as capable as when James first asked me to marry him, but I’ve developed a much stronger attitude. James knew that this tbi was not a easy road wasn’t going to be easy for me or anyone with […]

Mrs Anderson coming up this day next week ❤️ 5 years pre brain injury, 6 years post brain injury! He’s proven more times than enough he will be there in sickness and in health. (I know an injury is not a sickness but hopefully you get me…)

Just as this say. Fall down Stand up Try again

‘No Matter What Happens You Will Be Ok’ 🫶🏻🙌🏻

Had a wonderful wedding celebrations day organized by my mums friend (and also my friend) Isobel. It was a lovely day which included my granny, my mum, a group of my mums friends (who are such lovely ladies) and me! Thank you Isobel! 💜 Absolutely delightful day with ladies I have known my whole life […]

2 weeks to go! Throwback 2011/2012! 14 days until I marry the love of my life ❤️ brain injury might take you back a few steps but it doesn’t have to stop life and all happiness! #dreamscancometrue

Saw this on @dermotkennedy Instagram reel today and felt like it was really strong words. Pain of discipline or pain of regret. Ive had to go through some emotional pain and darkness to discipline myself and not have the pain of regret in recovery. I am in my brain injury recovery. There is going to […]

https://youtu.be/scXQfFbEJes ❤️

It is such a long, tough road brain injury recovery. This picture illustrates it quite well – it may feel like you haven’t progressed very far but when you think about the big picture you probably have. I think that too even looking at this, ‘but I still can’t walk independently’ but then I have […]

Great session with @theden.yoga today! I am very privileged that Denis is welcome to the idea of coming to my parents (where I do my daily exercise) and carry out in person yoga with me. Today we had some physical issues so Denis kindly did some lying down stretching and facial massage! Really chilled out […]

This is how I feel, and why I have a daily routine to follow…you can’t improve by sitting still all the time I would like to get to a stage I’m not so regimented in my recovery routine but I can’t say at this moment if it will ever get there. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏻

Dodgy eye, don’t cry, wear your SameYou top and fly (like the Khaleesi you are!) @sameyouorg 🦇 @gameofthrones Get yours here > https://sameyou.teemill.com

I was putting something together for https://www.manchesterneurotherapy.co.uk and I came across these photos! It was great to get physio sessions twice daily and I would love to go back, it’s just unfortunate here in Northern Ireland we don’t have a private facility like this and have to travel across the sea to receive treatment like […]

I am resilient https://sameyou.teemill.com

It is important that you make people ‘feel like somebody’ ❤️

🥰😍 #hubs2be #purebuzzing #6weeks FINALLY 7 years after the original proposal and 5 years after the initial plans to get married it’s eventually happening! 6 weeks until Mrs A! I put a mix of photos pre brain injury and post because our love has not changed through all these traumatic events and turmoil.

This is for EVERYONE. ‘every moment is a chance for improvement’

repost @eli_leo_art I liked this message. It took me a long time to learn to start enjoying travelling in the sense of ‘where I am’ and ‘where I am going’ but I have learnt to enjoy it and have started to grow from it!

flashback #2019 !! Looking at this makes me consider how much I have progressed in the recent years. That photo was 2019. My posture has improved a lot and even just how I sit and hold myself has improved. This brain injury train is so slow moving but at least it hasn’t stopped. Sophie (friend […]

*cluck cluck* Yesterday was my hen day/night! Was fabulous! Spent the day in my own house, beautifully decorated by Sophie, who you may be aware by now is my fabulous friend who is my bridesmaid and bringing it back to brain injury is the ot who works with stroke and is always willing to try […]

repost @toyoufromsteph This was definitely not always the case. For a long time (definitely for the first year or so maybe even up to 3 or 4) Yes I was focused on myself but letting other people journeys/speed of success effect how I felt (discouraged about my own speed/accomplishments) but it has taken me 5 […]

You have got to trust the timings in your life. You may need the horrendous horrors to teach you certain lessons or put you on a particular path. 🙏🏼 That’s how I’m choosing to see this brain injury situation. Maybe it happened for a reason that is not clear yet?

Breathe and let go of living in angst. The best is yet to come 👌🏻⭐️

The ‘rainy’ situations are not always pleasant, they may make you feel weighed down and damp like your clothes are uncomfortable, wet and heavy. I try and remember living things need rain to grow which is how I decide to see my traumatic brain injury, this brain injury ‘storm’ with all its rain may be […]

Finally! (Walk, hobble, crawl!) yayyyy ❤️ ⏰ 5 years in the waiting! Thanks brain injury! (11 years together)BEST FRIEND = main word

Keeping fighting. Traumatic Brain Injury is such a struggle, it’s so challenging. It’s the hardest thing I will ever face and it will continue for the rest of my days in someway or another. If you are experiencing this with me, keep going. We can’t give in. 🙏🏼❤️

So pleased I could use one of my pieces I put together last year with @braininjmatters for my wedding invitations! I feel it makes it that tiny bit more personal and individual to other invitations! Thank you so much Helen @stride__design ❤️ https://www.stridedesign.co.uk https://braininjurymatters.org.uk

I mean this by ‘working’ on recovery everyday! I understand I have not been conventionally working in recent years… 🤷🏻‍♀️ ‘it’s all gonna work out for you!’ 🤞🏻

This is a really good description of dealing with sadness. Dealing with this life changing brain injury situation makes me sad. But owning it and accepting it and what it brings is helping me slowly release and let the sadness go and try and move forward with life being as good as I can make […]

Saturday night I was a friends 30th was absolutely brilliant night and everyone is so class! They have not changed how they are with me, i don’t feel like I’m ‘different’ or ‘weird’ because of my brain injury! They are just a super bunch of friends to have. ❤️

A random blog about my day! Today i went to the mater hospital today to get prism on my new glasses. Mater Hospital To make it better I saw the same ophthalmologist who I loved before but I thought she had retired! It turns out she has retired but does the odd clinic at the […]

throwback #2017 (I think 🤔 maybe #2018…bad memory 🙄) anyway…just out of hospital and I was so glad to be in my mums dining room in a hospital bed! 😆! Fast forward to #2022 and feeling defeated, even though I am in such a better position. Brain injury is such a uphill struggle, it feels […]

Learn to be happy right now.

repost @toyoufromsteph ❤️ just loved this one and I have grown a lot in life since my brain injury and I will definitely not ‘shrink myself to fit in’ again. I will be true to me and my hopes and my desires. Life is too short to not follow your heart/head.

🤷🏻‍♀️ bigger can we go either way! Good bigger 🤞🏻😆

❤️😘A thanks to all those who have stayed by my side during my ongoing and forever #braininjury while I am trying to find myself again❤️

❤️ repost @shaneknotshaun Thank you for post today Shane. Really appreciated the reminder!

It was James’s 32nd birthday 🥳! We started at https://errigle.com as it was a dry day we sat outside and as I am trying to limit my intake of alcohol but didn’t want to not want to not join in the party so I opted for one gin followed by one lemonade! But after 2 […]

Exactly what @shaneknotshaun says ‘it’s shown me the true meaning of life and that’s love.’ #tramaticbraininjury

repost @edenbridalbelfast mum and I went and collected my wedding dress from @edenbridalbelfast today! Had the best experience and Kimberley is SO good and such a kind person. Will do anything to help/assist me especially in my current brain injury state (unable to walk, no balance, left arm not working to name the main issues) […]

Out for a family celebration last night ❤️ was extremely enjoyable. Though I can walk with help, for practicality and ‘comfort’ I took the wheelchair last night. Though I hate it, it’s got some good points! The first bar was so busy but as I brought my wheelchair it makes most nice people more aware […]

I’m very excited, delighted and looking forward to future. At the same time I am so heartbroken at my current situation. I woke myself up at 3/4am crying because I was feeling so sad that I can not walk and live an independent life. Point of this I didn’t sleep well last night and woke […]

To all the mums. Every mum is very special, but this is the day you know yours is number 1. Be sure to tell them if you are fortunate enough to have yours. Heres me and mine! These pictures let me look back at times with my mum. I am privileged my mum was with […]

“Success is not measured on the days when the sun shines. Success is measured on the dark, stormy, cloudy days.” I took a lot of this motivation when I read this today. It feels like I live (not just as I live in rainy Belfast) in stormy/grey brain injury weather and even though it’s challenging […]

My lovely new T-shirt from: https://mentalhealthvalue.com/ it is such an important message, I had never really thought about my mental health before my brain injury now I realize how important it to make sure your mental health is in a good place. I got this T-shirt cos I am 100% behind making sure everyone knows […]

As you may be aware sleep is the number 1 tool to fight against a traumatic brain injury. At least for me there is no medication/surgery to fix mine. I was told the number 1 tool to use for fighting a traumaticbrain injury is sleep! I have (from a young age) never been a good […]

I needed to see this today. Told my cousin I was feeling feeling really low and and she sent me this ❤️ it’s good when people understand how you feel, not necessarily understand exactly your feelings, but understand you just need reassurance and knowledge that you will never be abandoned.

You may know that I was 30 in February! As I was going to https://www.manchesterneurotherapy.co.uk I did not want to risk having any sort of party with friends because of Covid risk and that would possibly have put me back again in recovery so I held off having a birthday bash! As it was my […]

Bim gave me my art back from the exhibition at cityside of art pieces brain injury matters completed over zoom during lockdown! To present it they had it framed so now I think it looks quite professional! 🥰! @braininjmatters

This morning I went back for the first time in 3 weeks to Odessi for some Intermittent Vacuum Therapy! This is the treatment for cellulite and blood flow! There’s is no evidence or research that it would help my movement after brain injury but we looked into it and we found no harm and we […]

youtube.com/watch Found this amazing version of my recovery theme tune. I think his voice sounds amazing in this version of him performing it. It felt extra empowering since spending 2 weeks in mnc and experiencing what could be possible.  Just wait for Better Days 

😢 Plane home from Manchester today after 2 fabulous weeks. Lots of homework to do. I’m sad that the experience is over but it has given me a lot of to work on and belief it can improve. Thank you MNC. 🙏🏼 https://www.manchesterneurotherapy.co.uk

Some people are just so kind! ❤️ I was at outdoor market at the Lowry centre, Manchester and mum and I were looking at some stalls. We stopped at one particularly with nice wee trinkets that were beautiful! We got speaking to the lady there and explained about my accident and being in Manchester for […]

First week down with MNC and it’s been great. Still can’t walk independently but they have worked with my body which has allowed me to see how tight and stiff my (working muscles nevermind unworking) are. The physiotherapists there clearly really know their stuff and quite quickly my body and to top it all off […]

Tomorrow excitement is coming! I am checking in as a patient in MNC! https://www.manchesterneurotherapy.co.uk I don’t know what to expect! Just REALLY excited 😆!

James spoilt me! A night in the Merchant Hotel Belfast, probably the top hotel in Belfast! https://www.themerchanthotel.com Dinner at Belfast lovely restaurant https://www.sixbynico.co.uk Feel so lucky getting treated like royalty! Here are some photos of the trip, and if you get a chance to stay at the merchant, beautiful decor, great facilities (especially if you […]

Today is my 30th! I’m so lucky to reach this mark of life. I’m DELIGHTED I’m 30 and getting older. My mum and I were talking yesterday and she was saying how happy she is I’ve reached this mile stone! Starting a new decade of life! When I first had my accident (which was the […]

Got my lovely reminder today💝 6 months!🐝 #buzzing 🥰 ❤️

I uploaded this last year but it is so important to remember when battling a tbi or some kind of brain injury. Flowers do not bud fully grown, they take time to grow and flourish. This is the way brain injury recovery is. Slow. Steady. Growth/Recovery.

repost @mrs_izzyjudd I hope this brain injury storm is nearly out of rain ☔️

I didn’t dislike the old Rebekah at all but I feel like this awful experience has really helped me ‘cleanse’ my mind of the insignificant worries and flaws society had planted in my daily thoughts. This situation is a definite example of ‘life is what you make it’. I am currently not as able bodied […]

FACT

Just purchased this lovely T-shirt at https://mentalhealthvalue.comThey have a superb variety of products! At the checkout receive 25% off AND free shipping worldwide by entering code MENTAL25Go on and TREAT YOUR SELF or buy someone a gift WHILE supporting mental health! What a great idea! #mentalhealthmatters

I loved the way the @bowerybelfast had their toliets labeled. ‘Accessible’ is such a better description than ‘Disabled’. I hate that I have a traumatic brain injury which effected the left side of my body meaning presently I cannot walk by myself or use my left arm/hand. I hate that I require to use ‘disabled’ […]

Some reassurance that is nice to read and remember that you will always be enough…

I feel so much more mentally stronger now than previously. All these points I feel I can reach now. It took me two or three years from I got discharged from hospital to feel like this, but now I can safely say I feel all these points!

This statement is very true. Trying to get the level of recovery I am aiming for is very challenging. But I will not give up, I will not give in, I will keep going.

I saw this today and it gave me really good feels. So I thought I would share to let others see and try again spread the good feels.

Myself and my lovely bridesmaid Sophie @sophieamck went to the wedding fair at @millbrooklodge yesterday! It was so lovely and I am in love with the venue, so pleased that this is where I am going to be married! 7 month to go! ❤️👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏻 https://www.millbrooklodge.co.uk This blog is about battling tbi/brain injury so basically the […]

Just wanted to share this let people know they are magical in their own special way. 💗

While working towards what you want…❤️

I love these words. It’s weird how you need to break muscles down in the gym to build strength and make them physically stronger. This is kind of how I see me and my brain. It got damaged. Harmed so that it lost some function. But I feel like a mentally stronger person after this […]

Exactly what it says. Hard and impossible are very different things. Some people think hard and impossible are the same thing. I think would have used that expression very loosely of things being impossible, but now I feel like I have more understanding that a lot is possible if you put your mind to it.

I have just bought myself these no laces Nike trainers! I think they are ingenious and will be a massive help to me, at the moment my left hand doesn’t function, which I have discussed before here! Here is a video by Nike explaining and showing how the trainers work! Hopefully these trainers will allow […]

This is just to share for anyone with brain injury/memory problems or simply the winter blues! I may have a helpful solution and it tastes pretty good too! Here is some benefits: I think I may have said this before as my fantastic uncle found this out and kindly made me turmeric tea from scratch […]

Maybe you had to take this hard and upsetting path to lead you to the peaceful and beautiful one your supposed to end up on. 💖

Last New Year’s Eve as Rebekah Nesbitt! About 11.10pm.., Waiting on 12am nye to have a drink originally but cracked the champagne open early (you can tell from my face in 2 and 3)😆 going into 22 with my always love ❤️ HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL 🥳

I found an outstandingly real tale on Instagram. It made such an impacted on me I wanted others to see it. This is the profile I found this beautiful message on: https://instagram.com/amyweatherly?utm_medium=copy_link It’s made me think, and from first hand experience of an unexpected brain injury from car accident you never know what is on […]

Always. You have to choose the best decision for you.  http://www.instagram.com/p/CYB6zorrMUR/ You have to choose yourself always. You are the one you have to face everyday so make sure you choose yourself and live the way makes you happy. Others are replaceable but not yourself. #harshbuttrue . .

Yesterday myself and my dad watched Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In on Amazon prime. It was a really inspiring, heart warming documentary on his life and career. I personally wanted to watch it as he has suffered a brain injury in his later years. But you see from the program he did not let […]

Saw this and I thought it was a good realisation for myself and others. Brain injury recovery is so hard and so slow but congratulate yourself on how much you have recovered so far, don’t always bring yourself down thinking about how far you have to go.

… for whoever needs to see this Remember to give yourself the credit you deserve

That’s what I have been trying to remember but it especially evident at Christmas. There is a lot I don’t have and there is a lot I wish for in recovery but I can’t guarantee this. Just need to remember HOW MUCH I have and have been privileged to have growing up and in my […]

Just follow these instructions: Do your best, always

My friend sent me this yesterday and i just loved it. ❤️ such beautiful words. I am constantly in a battle these days, I can’t really remember what it’s like not to be in a brain injury battle. It’s been 5 years but it will continue forever. Hopefully there will be improvements but the fight […]

repost @mytakeonlifeblog I saw this and it made me feel confident and made me believe I can get through anything!💪🏼

Dermot Kennedy shared this point on Instagram I thought it was a good point. We need to build our confidence from within to make sure it doesn’t shatter from others outside words. That’s one thing I have said before I’m grateful for out of this horrendous brain injury situation. I am a much more confident, […]

This is for another one for anyone struggling with ANY situation that is out of their control. Keep on going.

Such an accurate illustration of brain injury recovery.

Sending you love right now… …you may need it

…IS COMING TO TOWN…next year next year nevermind Santa! 🎅🏽

Two Christmas trees both in the living and family room! Im just writing this blog because I love them! (They only get to be noticed and the main attraction for 3/4 weeks of the year!)

repost @ourbeautifulbrains

What Will has written is so accurate and descriptive – True success is carving your own path.

…Remember you have progressed Photo from start of September. I think it shows this invisible injury (I look quite normal minus my left eye) and it lets me think personally about recovery (I couldn’t lift my left leg as easily as I can now). I must remember brain injury recovery is like climbing up a […]

Brain injury matters held online art classes throughout the pandemic when we couldn’t go in to the face to face group. I have blogged about them before but today we held an exhibition in Arts for All – Cityside Retail park! It was lovely after all this time going down for the exhibition launch at […]

This Brain Injury may have made me feel broken and incomplete. I may have went through days feeling like there was parts of me that I were missing but the entire time I was whole. I have always been whole.

Couldn’t say a truer thing. Everyday is different on this road, different challenges and low and high points. Couldn’t say a truer thing

I loved this so felt like I had to #repost @trapped_with_in I read this and it made me think everybody has struggles, but also, everyone has blessings. Just think about your blessings and it may help put you in a better mood to fight your struggles…even just for a few minutes 💪🏼

🌲 I forgot to blog my winter weather evergreen tree I completed in the art workshop held by brain injury matters https://www.braininjurymatters.org this week! I was really pleased with how it came out, and to make me even more pleased with it my grandmother thought it was so worth while she got a copy printed […]

This is just a blog to make it clear I was an idiot. I meant to call my last blog the concussion community but my idiotic brain got mixed up and called it conCLUSION community. I just thought I should let you all know I realized I was wrong and silly and have changed it! […]

I am a member of the concussion community on Facebook. The admin put this up and I thought I would share as I really connected with it and I felt brain injury in general may find connections in it. Thank you for putting this up ❤️ ‘During the first 2 years, I could only see […]

Last night enjoying green tea out of my the best and fav mug! ❤️ Alfie, Lola, Rebekah and Sonny! Personal opinion: I really feel like since I have eradicated coffee completely from my diet and replaced it with green tea it has helped my journey on this recovery road smoother and helped it reach goals […]

I can’t and won’t give up on my recovery. No one can guarantee where you’ll reach but if you give up you’ll never know.

I read this phrase today and I thought it was a lovely expression we should all try and do!

repost @sideeffectsofabraininjury I believe this brain injury has ‘hardened’ me a little (made me slightly tougher) but at the same time made me ‘softer’ and made me more aware of peoples situations and emotions. https://www.instagram.com/p/CW6Vj9yvifT/?utm_medium=copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW6KgbhM9FV/?utm_medium=copy_link

http://www.instagram.com/tv/CW3Xu00J8NO/ Emilias charity @sameyou is supporting brain injury recovery. Helping people get their own person back from before their trauma.As Emilia says ‘people want to return to the same as before’ and from first hand experience that couldn’t be more correct.

Reminded me to embrace myself and my path. There is only 1 Rebroken Rebekah, I have to make a path she is happy and content with. https://www.instagram.com/p/CWyfE2us4cG/?utm_medium=copy_link

This day last year my mum ordered me a special note to encourage my recovery! I’m sorry I have been on repeat for the last few days. But it really encouraged me! Encouragement does wonders in recovery! #keeponfightstrong https://youtu.be/3NZQvnruFEU https://www.dermotkennedy.com

I may not be all these things 100% of the time but I have to try and be as much as possible. I read this and found I could relate to each point 💗 #repost @iamgemmabromley So basically some positives grow from this sh*t show

This is a good point. I try not to but we all can’t help to compare ourselves to others ‘highlight reel’ https://www.instagram.com/p/CWv580zLRNq/?utm_medium=copy_link

Today’s printing of leaves in @braininjmatters art workshop with @danielabalmaverdeart ☺️ i put these two pages of the leaf prints together –I think they are very colorful and expressionistic of nature and it’s different moods! https://danielabalmaverde.com https://www.braininjurymatters.org

This questions my blog title to some extent but I like my title because it’s related to my actual name. I know I no longer feel totally broken though, found this picture interesting.

(This blog is called Long time coming as it has been a while since I’ve done I’ve blogged about Dermot Kennedy 🙄 a few days 😆) Dermot Kennedy…I’m still a huge fan! Today I introduced a friend to ‘Better Days’ – this made me listen to it and think how it has been my brain […]

This relevant to a number of situations in life. 💗 #justkeepswimming

This was a piece of art done by musician and artist who was in Rabiu (regional acquired brain injury unit) the same time as me. I saw this piece put up on Facebook by himself (Glenn Hanna) and I thought it was powerful and it made sense. It’s not how hard you get hit, the […]

repost @toyoufromsteph I have to thank Steph for the illustrations. They say what I need to hear at times.

I fear this. I know I have been told that brain recovery goes on but I still fear.

I can relate to what Krystal from @brain.mind.nutrition says here. Letting go ‘past person’ and letting yourself discover ‘new person’.

This day 6 years ago we got engaged 💗 I didn’t want a long engagement but somethings don’t go your way! 😥😆

I read this today and they were things I hadn’t really thought about but there are all things we need to ‘accept’ YOU ARE ALREADY ENOUGH Read this. I think it’s great words of wisdom and true. I particularly liked ‘regret will haunt you more than failure’Regret to me is worse than failure. If you […]

repost @connecting_survivors I don’t blame anyone for not understanding, heck I definitely did not/ would not have understood if I haven’t been put in this unpleasant situation. I would probably be thinking ‘just make your body do it!’ I think thats still what I think but now I have a little understanding about how much […]

I bought this jumper in @petticoatlanebridal 💗 #loveit…@petticoatlanebridal was the place I ordered my first bridal dress. It was beautiful and the shop was lovely, but after my accident that left me with my traumatic brain injury I wanted a totally new start. But browsing for bridesmaid dresses we past @petticoatlanebridal and I spotted this […]

Lovely phrase we all should bare in mind. Your steps may feel small on their own but when they are put together, they are actually positively big!…

Read this today on Instagram put up by @tinab_john and just felt it. Yes I am grateful for how lucky I am in my recovery situation but am not happy to ‘settle’. I will keep trying to achieve more.

I liked the words in this video… View this post on Instagram A post shared by cara altieri ║ Fitness Trainer (@conditionedbycara) Obviously I’m not physically capable of doing the actions in this video at the moment but I took a lot from the audio… Rituals and habits I have been doing every day to […]

Today was a great success! Myself, my mum and the great Sophie went looking for bridesmaid dresses! Sophie has been the greatest since my accident, she came to the hospital every Friday to see me faithfully, has been a great un-judgmental friend through all this brain injury malarkey, she is a knowledgeable occupational therapist so […]

I got left an absolutely great comment on Instagram a few days ago. It’s advice that’s good for everyone, if you’re feeling down, have your time feeling down and ‘sorry for yourself’ but always get back up.

I have to keep clinging. I seem to be finding more and more ‘good’ in the days now.Break down of some of my emotions past few years1 Shock. 2 Disbelief/Denial. 3 Misunderstanding. 4 Education. 5 Learning and understanding. That’s kind of how I feel the stages of this brain injury journey have been going.I involuntarily […]

This is a very predictable post on my favourite artist Dermot Kennedy… But his lyrics here are so true, if only we could see ourselves in others eyes about how well we are doing and how we ‘shine’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dermot Kennedy (@dermotkennedy) If you’re feeling down remember […]

http://www.instagram.com/p/CVw0eZWo08O/ For a long time I felt like ‘WHY ME?’ What did I do to deserve this brain injury? But now I relate to this Instagram post put up by Tom Parker. His situation is so different to mine with brain cancer but I related to this ‘try me’. Brain injury tried to destroy my […]

Positive Picture I read this morning. Have confidence. It’s something I feel I am lacking at the moment. Didn’t have a good mindset.

Had such a lovely experience and chose my dress!💗thank you so much Kimberley @edenbridalbelfast I had a marvellous day trying on wedding dresses! I found the one 🙌🏻 🥳 🎉 but keeping it under wraps 🤫 10 months until it’s unveiled 😆 http://www.edenbridal.co.uk

As you may know I was a big fan of Halloween before my accident So I decided to grab the bull by the horns and make my own SIMPLE but seriously EFFECTIVE outfit today! I opted for the iPhone heart eyes ghost! (Above) and below is photos of me creating and displaying/wearing the result! ❤️❤️❤️

I saw this this evening and made me think about this brain injury journey. I think it possibly made me become more resilient but more importantly it’s made me not long for the superficial, trivial things. I am actually quite grateful for this part of the realisation.

This is an impression of me basically everyday in recovery. It weighs me down in life everyday. But everyone has to see the funny side of this image! It weighs me down a bit like this cute, squishy dog 🐶 😆

Better Days tour top ❤️ @dermotkennedy I got this on the 2nd night he played Belfast! #betterdaysarecomingforyou#mythemesong … https://www.dermotkennedy.com View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dermot Kennedy (@dermotkennedy) Really good message about Better Days. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dermot Kennedy (@dermotkennedy) ‘We never miss the flowers until […]

I saw this on Instagram by @selfcare_coop and I thought it was very interesting to consider. My 3 are Yoga, Amazon and YouTube! Consider yours!

I read this on Instagram. Maybe this brain injury was to clear a path…

Last night I met up with some old friends and went to the smashing Bengal Brassiere for dinner! https://www.bengalbelfast.co.uk Food was beautiful and company was top class! I only managed to get photos of myself and my friend Felicity but she explains it quite well…

This picture just explains exactly how I feel about my traumatic brain injury experience. I would not wish it on anyone, but at the same time I would not feel like myself (who I really appreciate now) without it. I love my ‘new’ self.

Biffy Clyro have been one of those bands that have been in my life for years. I have been to see them both before my brain injury and after. James took me to see them when I was still an inpatient in Brain Injury Unit! So they have been with me the whole time of […]

This morning I went back to swimming! Swimming is so good for your body whether it’s in recovery for brain injury or some kind of muscle rehab and just fitness! Basically it’s just good for you (the mind) and the body. COVID-19 has really put a halt on me swimming for like 9 months ish […]

This blog is a major repeat! But I don’t really care ❤️I just love this song!… I heard the acoustic version of Better Days by @dermotkennedy It’s so good to be hearing be such encouraging lyrics, encouraging for everyone whatever their situation but for me personally on my brain injury journey: ‘you’re on the other […]

(Sorry if you’re offended by this I just thought it was funny!) 😆 Well adulting is not all bullshit really, I meant it in humour! And if I break down my adult life it’s been 50% bullshit! 18-24 👍🏼 all good! Great fun! 24 crashed – tbi 💥 24-29 trying to learn Rebekah: struggling! F**king […]

Good insight from the body coach! The body coach has more insight than just fitness!https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUsfd1uJHzl/?utm_medium=copy_link https://www.thebodycoach.com/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUsfd1uJHzl/?utm_medium=copy_link It’s ok you if you don’t bloom all year round.

I took comfort in reading some of these that @mindfullyevie had put up! Remember you are doing well against whatever you’re facing. Believe in yourself!

This storm will pass just hold on

Repost: @treadmilllifellcIt was great to read this tonight 💗… #imasuvivor

You should always be your own #1!

James and I were talking last night. I was expressing how sad I was and I was sorry I put him in this position. James just said something like you can’t think like that, we need to be grateful for what we do have. He is so right, it could be so much worse for […]

Watched the c4 documentary Tom Parker: Inside my head. It really opened my eyes to brain cancer. Yes I have a brain injury but the hope is over time it will improve and mine may make my life ‘uncomfortable’ (on a personal level) luckily mine is totally treatable and at worse mine will not improve […]

Today is #worldmentalhealthday and I thought I would like to touch on it. My mental health was never bad, then brain injury stuck it’s oar in and made my mental health very unbalanced. I just feel so unstable, unworthy, dependant and sad. Then I remember all the I people I have around me and that […]

Yesterday was an exciting day! Linda ❤️ took myself and my dear bridesmaid Sophie 💗 shopping to look at different wedding dresses! Firstly we went to https://www.pronuptiabelfast.com to have a look around! It was nice and I got an idea of what would suit me but I didn’t find THE ONE so the search continues! […]

Great explanation

This was put up on Instagram by @dermotkennedy It is an important message for everyone. No matter what you’re battling, for me it’s brain injury but not for everyone. Could be something medical, personal, mental, a dream you are really wishing for, an achievement you want to reach, ANYTHING Just like the message says never […]

This is something I find I do all the time on the internet regarding recovery. No recovery is the same, others may look like they are doing better and quicker but remember the only person you are supposed to improve against is previous you! Its hard, for me it’s 5 years later I still can’t […]

This picture is explanatory for recovery from/living with a brain injury I think. Yeah I can work hard but ultimately unlike the picture says a brain injury won’t ever pass but you can wait for some form of ‘sunshine’ to come into your recovery! It could be a person, a place or even a hobby! […]

Standing yoga with the greatest @theden.yoga on zoom. He is such a fab instructor allowing me to work and stretching with yoga movements in different sorts of standing movements, stretching, work on the plinth in lying, side stretching, the list will probably go on to support my recovery…he is fabulous, willing to work with my […]

**** **** ****

But I’m not. So whatever situation you find yourself in keep going. Hold on. Believe in yourself. Today is my life anniversary of 5 years. I didn’t even realise, I got reminded today. I think I didn’t realise as it’s no longer important that I count how far away my previously ‘perfect’ life was. I’m […]

Last night was a brilliant end to our superb holiday at home! (When I say at home I don’t literally mean ‘at home’! It was in Portstewart, about hour and half/two hour drive from Belfast!) James and myself and our friends Stuart and Ashlee went for a really lovely meal in Amici restaurant in Portstewart! […]

My parents, my granny, James and I have gone on a lovely break up to the north coast (Portstewart) we have only been here one day so far and I can say in all honesty it’s so lovely! Only 1 hour and a half drive to beautiful beach, sea and countryside! The dogs got a […]

I just thought about this great experience when I was an inpatient in the brain injury unit. My horse riding instructor took the time to bring up my favourite Jack! It was such a lovely experience and a highlight within the 11.5 months I was in hospital! It will be an experience I will look […]

No matter how grey the sky is the sun is always there My painting I did for brain injury matters @braininjmatters I feel it’s really evident to people when they get a brain injury and they may feel hopeless and that the world has turned dark with the brain injury cloud cover but you need […]

Description: 1. Photo 1 is my rock and my world looking top class, out for dinner @horatiotodds before @gerrycinnamon ❤️ ⭐️ – I put this photo up here because this is one of my major supports in recovery and also this is the hero who is 100% behind my recovery, however far I get #handsomeashell […]

repost @toyoufromsteph 🙏🏼 thanks I needed this today. So I encourage everyone to hold for their brighter days ☀️

@sideeffectsofabraininjury.This picture couldn’t speak truer words. ‘Some days you feel broken, and on other days you will feel renewed’

I designed these postcards for @braininjmatters 🙂 ( https://braininjurymatters.org.uk ) to sell and also saying messages about BIM. Rose postcard called – Maturity. Brain Injury Matters is a really good place to meet others who can relate to similar struggles. Brain Injury Matters can introduce their users to new hobbies and interests which you can […]

I totally relate to this video but it’s a very good point that that is made. @sideeffectsofabraininjury We are not meant to live life on our own! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Side Effects Of A Brain Injury (@sideeffectsofabraininjury)

I saw this today 😆 It just cracked me up! I do agree with Matt Haig! Stop seeking approval or ‘to be liked’ by everyone! We are all different – Some you approve of, some you do not! We are all our own people and no two exactly the same. That’s what makes things not […]

I hope this post makes you believe in yourself… 🙏🏼

Repost @rudyfrancisco ..Everyone should probably show this much mercy. #whatifitwasyou

Some days it difficult to bare but I believe I’ve got to give it everything!

I know this is the way it should be but it’s hard not to compare.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Side Effects Of A Brain Injury (@sideeffectsofabraininjury) This Sunday (3pm est/ 8pm United Kingdom/bst) I am doing an Instagram Live interview with brain injury survivor, writer and professor @sideeffectsofabraininjury – Will Carter it should be interesting! If you want to see Rebekah/Rebroken feeling the panic 😬 […]

Keep on going, don’t give up, give back when you can, believe in yourself!

On Friday evening James and myself were invited to our friends Chloe and Lawrence house for a homemade Mexican feast which was absolutely beautiful! Thank you Chloe for the beautiful food! (Really raging I didn’t even get a photo with the wonderful chef (Chloe) in view!)!Oh well it just means we will have to do […]

I read this and it gave me confidence, I don’t like claiming I have bravery and grace but if I could sell wee bottles of determination I would be a millionaire! I’m not saying I could sell successful determination but determination and focus none the less! 🙂

I found myself in denial of healing for quite a long time in the first year or so after this injury. I didn’t realize how you don’t just magically ‘heal’ or recover from a brain injury, I thought years for recovery was unrealistic, I genuinely thought I would be recovered in no more than a […]

Always have been and going to try my damn hardest now

Remember to pause. You may have had hard times, but consider all the happiness, joy, love, magic and positivity you have been lucky to experience!

…I’m gonna make it Outside RABIU (the brain injury unit) to get my new afo splints fitted so wore my new funky wide legged trousers so the splints could be easily fitted and some funky sunglasses 😎 putting together a real 70s vibe 😁

I thought this post was really evident. Yes just because this journey has had its ups and downs and its causing me to feel some hurt and sadness – doesn’t mean there will be no beauty and happiness.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rebekah Nesbitt (@rebekahnesbitt) We attended the wonderful wedding of our friends Gareth and Roni! It was a beautiful event at https://www.hastingshotels.com/slieve-donard-resort-and-spa/ with the most lovely bunch of people from all around the globe! 🌎 Here are a few photos of friends I had the pleasure of […]

I’m heading to a friends wedding today and I just thought I would share these photos cause I love my dress! It looks very nice and it hides my ugly splints 👏🏼 🙌🏻 so it means when I’m sitting in an ordinary chair you wouldn’t know I have any mobility issues! #winning 🥳 The wedding […]

No matter how hard it gets. -DO NOT QUIT I thought I would share this on #nevergiveup day! I cannot let myself quit. I have felt quite low for a few days and like I cannot see any light at the end of this very long/never ending tunnel. But just need to remember DO NOT […]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gareth Wilson (@thestrokestoryteller) @thestrokestoryteller put up a great encouraging post reminding us to #nevergiveup and remember how far you have come, especially on #nevergiveupday ☺️

…of what I could do. And hopefully will do in the future 🤞🏼

This weekend was the wedding of Jenny (James’s sister) and her – now husband – Andy! It was in the Peak District in England, we stayed in a beautiful venue: https://www.the-cattle-shed.co.uk for the weekend and they got married in the glorious village of Bakewell (in the Peak District). It was glorious. I thought I would […]

In physiotherapy today – I love physio and these photos showed me my effect left side (which used to not really move) has caught up well and now it looks fairly even with the right side! #winning 😆 .

I know I have said this already (more than you want to hear!) But I am so in love with Dermot Kennedy’s new song ‘Better Days’ it’s definitely my new recovery anthem! But I found out something else about it that makes it more special! ————————————- ‘Better Days’ also features a Gaelic backing choir, who […]

I thought this was a lovely way to express this and it’s probably quite true (I’m not excluding myself, just incase you think I am!) A young couple moved into a new house.The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the washing outside.“That laundry is not very clean; […]

I’m not thankful for what happened to me BUT I am thankful for what it’s teaching me…

I wrote about this before but in Brain Injury Matters (https://braininjurymatters.org.uk) held a workshop were we wrote a short radio drama. They have all been read and put up on YouTube. ‘ This is quite embarrassing and silly but I really enjoy doing it so I thought I may as well share!In Brain Injury Matters […]

@sideeffectsofabraininjury put up this post on Instagram. I really connected with it. There was a long period of time I was stuck dwelling on the past. During this time recovery was much slower. Since I have accepted that I am in a important recovery period I seem to have noticed much more improvement. It happens […]

Physio James at work today. ❤️ ‘Stretching session with physio anderson and now neutral spine snooze with Alfie’ 🥰

Art class today, was working on the different stages of movement in drawing! I’m very happy with my result as I always struggled with drawing at school and now I don’t think this is a bad job! https://braininjurymatters.org.uk https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.danielabalmaverde.com%2F&e=AT3Ay5CuaAtfmN7OPnju8kRGGKklSWBRINYTyqbM6VpK5cJTy6xd_xbbF6d83QUJOqNkeHB6ffhEUUeNJTt3VIgy_7p6IV1X9awfU2Z9kx3qSltttT033KVsnb0

Better days are coming for you! youtube.com/watch Here’s Dermot Kennedy’s new song. Yes hopefully better days are coming for me after this neuro nightmare! I especially like this line, ‘You’re on the other side of the storm now, you should be so proud’ And ‘Your story’s gonna change, just wait for better days‘ The whole […]

But you can’t empathise with an injury. I was thinking about this this morning. Yes people can empathise with how an injury makes others feel but unless they have experienced it they CAN’T empathise with the injury. What this injury and many other injuries do to people mentally and what they take away. ————————————— My […]

Dermot Kennedy just described exactly what I need to have to get through my brain injury situation…

repost @concussion.network I totally think this is right. This is the hardest thing so far and it’s the hardest thing I’ll ever do.

Focus on your goal always repost @theorangebutterfly_ #tbi #abi #braininjury #braininjurysupport #brainplasticity #braininjurylife #brain #support #supporteachother #yourpeople #understanding #believeyoucanachieve #believeinyourself #keepgoing #keepmovingforward #headdowneyesforward #focus #youwillgetthere This is a screenshot @theorangebutterfly_ put up today. I really felt it and took a lot of positive energy reading it. So I thought it may help someone else.

Granny and myself today! Loved seeing her, we have all had our vaccinations so it’s as safe as we can be. I really feel blessed that that wonderful woman is my grandmother. She really had been a big guide through my whole life. But going back to the main point of this blog – my […]

If you look at this photo closely you can see I am balancing on my own! 😁! Mum is just standing in front of me for safety. Managed seven seconds, really not very long but something to work on. I am pleased considering it’s been almost 4 years since I’ve been able to stand myself! […]

This picture is not me talking about a broken heart which some may think. It’s talking me discussing my broken brain. ‘A beautiful thing happens when you give your heart (head) time to heal itself. You become you again.’ The ONLY way is up!

James and I spoke this morning and I said I was worried about relaying on the new scooter too much and not challenging myself to walk anymore. So thought of a brilliant rule. Rehab is like my school. You’re not allowed to use your phone in school as it as it may distract you from […]

This was something I really struggled to get my head round, the acceptance of a power chair/scooter. I felt like me ‘giving in’ when I was trying to learn walking and seeming like I had given up trying to learn to walk. Im definitely not giving up on walking but James and me spoke, I […]