I like this poster but at the same time I don’t like it. ‘The best of your ability’ I’m working hard so my ‘abilities’ don’t become any different than pre injury. I know some of you probably think ‘get real’ but I will forever work to better my present self.

LOL 😂 (but unfortunately my eyes can no longer cry tears only my heart ♥️ ) 😆

This is an amazing, a seriously accurate piece of writing. A description of brain injury, as well as being positive! Every cloud has a silver lining and all that! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Will Carter (@sideeffectsofabraininjury)

I have possibly shared this story previously (not mine) but I love it! It’s just so sweet and it shares a message I think we all need to read and take in. LIVE EVERY MOMENT OF EVERYDAY! This is not my story, I didn’t write this, but I truly enjoyed it, so here goes:Being a […]

repost @theaimzrecovery @daylightillustrations so true! You can do more than you think! 😘 #keepgoing #keeppushing #youllgetthere #tbi #tbisurvivors #braininjurysupport #positivevibes #happythoughts #youcandoit

Electrodes! If you’re sciencey (unlike me! I don’t really have a clue) you may be aware of ‘electrodes’, which are a type of therapy sometimes used in Neuro-related issues to help signals carry signals from the brain to parts of the body to assist them with movement. For me this would be my left side […]

KEEP GOING…you don’t get a fabulous view by going across flat lands, it’s from a climb up which can be f**king hard.

❤️ My dear friend Sophie (who is an ot and always gives me great advice!) gave me and James a congratulations card and gift for getting re-engaged again officially 💍🥰

Me pre injury…I know there is no point putting these pictures of the past up, but there is something that makes me want look and think about ‘how did you not think you were good enough?’…just to say to people the things you don’t like about yourself, they probably aren’t as bad as you think. […]

I spent my afternoon standing and painting! I was asked today why standing was such an important thing in brain injury recovery/rehab, I knew it was important but it made me look up the reason why…google said: ‘Engaging in an active standing and walking process sends messages back to the brain, until the movement is […]

I need to listen to myself! That’s what my mum was telling me this morning. Yes I try and be positive and encourage others but sometimes I’m the one that needs told to catch yourself on and sort yourself out! I just want to be ‘able’. Able to walk mainly and not need assistance with […]

Hopefully of many! I had finished my stretching with my dad, he had gone out and I went for a wee doze/sleep 💤 ! Woke up half an hour later and my dad was away and I heard my mum talking outside! But I wanted to move! I wanted to transfer to the chair and […]

Healing is not linear In fact… It was be quite a mixed up path, going forward can at times feel backward.

No matter what you can do at present, whether it has increased or decreased, your worth as a human being has never wavered.

James and I went to Newcastle Co.Down for our 10 year anniversary together. We took these serious photos on the promenade during our trip. 😂

In brain injury matters artwork today we worked with charcoal. This is a medium I had little experience with so was a bit apprehensive at the start but enjoyed it! Would try happily try it again in the future! We had been given an image of this cherub to try and copy and what my […]

For the BIM photography class this week, we were given a choice of subjects. We had to pick one and try and show through some kind of photos: I picked to display ‘Growth’ through photographing some flowers at different stages of life. This made me consider the growth period of all living things. The similar/different […]

I love this. I always like things @thestrokestoryteller puts up. He has a great account to follow for brain injury related things…why don’t ya have a look! Don’t worry if you are struggling with brain injury stuff, just don’t give up, it can be a painfully slow process. Just #keepgoing and #nevergiveup

https://www.hastingshotels.com/slieve-donard-resort-and-spa/ Yesterday James and I came to stay on a mini ‘staycation’ to the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle Co. Down! This was also for our ten year anniversary together! We had a beautiful first five years and my life was going great, then I had my car crash and it made me forget the […]

Mum and I had a chat this morning. I told her I feel quite sh*te about my situation at the moment. And she made a comment on how positive people tell her my blogs are and quite uplifting and it’s hard for her to hear how low I’m feeling. So I just thought I should […]

🙌🏻 lift yourself up, don’t wait to be lifted 🙌🏻

repost @lifewithtbi -you can handle whatever is coming next. 💪🏼 you have made it this far against the difficult obstacles, just keep going.

I’m listening to Ferne Cotten on the happy place talking to the artist Henry Fraser. It was very interesting and made me look at his website and this was on it… About ‘After my accident I thought so many doors had been shut. In fact it’s opened so many more. If it wasn’t for the […]

Today BIM artwork shop with Daniela was very interesting and we did tasks that involved the right side of your brain! First of all where asked to do a stretch of our shoe exactly how we saw it! This was how it was positioned and what I ended up drawing! Then we were tasked with […]

20th August 2016. My accident was 25th September 2016. Just over a month before my accident. Little did I know what was ahead. Oh how I would just love to be able to effortlessly stand and balance again like this picture 🤞🏻 maybe in the next few years that will happen but I’m trying not […]

Drinking from my @emilycoxhead mug today and it’s got a message I need to remember and helps me to #nevergiveup 🙃 some days are good, some days are shit, I don’t know the answer… just please don’t quit 🙃

‘Isn’t that kinda the point?’ ❤️ James and I have been watching the US Office the past few months. These words were said in the last episode by a character Pam. I think its a really evident point. If we look at the life around us, even reading this we would be on some kind […]

Whatever road you’re travelling on. No matter what you’re being demanded or presently tested remember to look back on what you have achieved 🙌🏻

I saw this and just loved it. It’s something I think we all need to bare in mind. We might not leave a particular impact on people but if we make others feel good/bad they will likely remember that.

This is my friend from brain injury matters Rene. I enjoyed listening to this honest and educational podcast, it is just hearing about some acquired brain injury issues. I think it makes you come down to the level where you can partly try to understand some of the challenges she faces. Rene is someone who […]

repost @emilycoxhead 🌈🌞 just so you know! 😁

Brain Injury Doesn’t Have To Destroy Your Life! Had a lovely evening! Out for drinks and dinner @thefourwinds with @james_01 💜 such a lovely spot to enjoy the evening sun! #wonkysmile Home

This is a ‘moment’ (tbi moment last a lifetime)

I was at a physiotherapy session and as usual I loved it but today was actually hard. It’s a different kind of challenge from my old gym days. I was tired after going to the gym previously but this is different kind of ‘tiredness’. It’s like your body gets tired but mainly your brain gets […]

James @james_01 and I went out and spent bank holiday in the wild outdoors! Well the wild outdoors = River Lagan path! Also I feel a better explain! I look like my belly is ultra fat in the first photo! I haven’t put on a stone overnight! I think it was something to do with […]

Listen out for me on radio ulster tomorrow! (I haven’t heard it so it may be cringe central 😬 🤪)

These positive quotes are for ANYONE who needs encouragement. When I need encouragement sometimes just reading something gives me a wee boost 💪🏼 I got a boost finding these today!

Brain Injury Mattersart workshop today! Taking inspo from a animals/birds and painting with expression! https://braininjurymatters.org.uk

I read this saying on @thestrokestoryteller Instagram today and it was reassuring. The ‘be brave’ category is still where I have to be.

This is exactly the positive vibes I need to see today. I had a great physio working on getting up myself. Not there yet but I know what I have to work on and trust myself! https://www.instagram.com/p/CPS8fPYs6BMJjuFbBqWds_U4x-yW01HPKORQ9g0/?utm_medium=copy_link

I just received an email from Brain Injury Matters with these details of the information of the radio Ulster interview myself and a few other service users took part in for details of when it will be aired! Here you go if anyone is interested in hearing my (quite monotone) voice! Sunday 30th May at […]

Belfast city hall is lit up for Brain Injury Week! So my mum, James and myself went down to get picture of it tonight for @braininjmatters 🧠 obviously as this was for abi awareness week it was important for me to go down and support that the local council etc thought it was important to […]

repost @a_battle_within 👌🏻

My mum is an ironing freak! She irons everything down to tea towels! So this morning I made porridge with cooked banana (my favorite!) and I put my apron on to eat it – because my hand used to be very shakey! It’s not so bad now but I still wear an apron to protect […]

Exercise this morning! I am so lucky that my dad (in his day! Too old and retired now!) was a physical education teacher and has a bit of knowledge on muscles, exercises and muscle groups and able to assist me with stretches and physio exercises everyday! 🙌🏻! Today we did a little of core balance […]

I don’t want you to think I’m saying ‘normal’ lockdown is easy compared to lockdown and ‘brain injury’ lockdown, it’s not, and I’m not trying to take away from lockdown in general. It’s horrendous. But I just feel like my life is lockdown now. (At least until I get some independence 🤞🏻) Everything has been […]

repost something my good friend from hospital put up on Facebook. ❤️. It’s okay to feel whatever you feel. You have had a big change. Take your time, don’t worry about others options. Just be yourself and try and find happiness!

Ready for the party! I struggled with this for quite a while when I got home from hospital, I still struggle but I think not as much. I felt like I wouldn’t be comfortable with myself, hated needing a wheelchair and help when doing any walking, and felt I couldn’tenjoy myself being out with friends. […]

Repost: @braininjuryurnotalone https://instagram.com/braininjuryurnotalone?igshid=1ot492d2d996y

📸 ‘As part of NI Mental Health Arts Festival Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery are showcasing Brain Injury Matters “Looking Through Our Eyes” exhibition (a photographic exhibition exploring the theme of portraits by a group of individuals who have an acquired brain injury. Each photograph creatively represents individually who they are now, their interests, passions and […]

I hear this wee snippet of Cristabelle Braden song and I felt like it expressed a lot ‘what if the strongest fighters are the ones who don’t feel strong?...’ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristabelle Braden (@cristabellebraden)

I think I may have put this up before but it’s a really strong message. Yes this brain injury messed up my ‘perfect’ life (well maybe not perfect but definitely great!) and now I have learnt a lot about life and appreciation I would not have been able to understand/comprehend before. Basically there are lessons […]

Today I used the balance ball – not for balancing, for my core. So I have decided leg raises lifting the balance ball is my new exercise for core!

Today with BIM (https://braininjurymatters.org.uk) myself and a few other service users were interviewed for BBC Radio Ulster (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_ulster) about our brain injuries and what BIM has done for us and how productive they have been over this pandemic. They have been super productive by having our groups, art classes, yoga classes, mindfulness and many more […]

The order @sameyouorg arrived today! Pleased with all my purchases! #sameyoucharity #charity #braininjury #support #tshirt #jumper #sameyou https://www.sameyou.org

Not very #appetizing looking but I stood in the #kitchen (lovely Linda stood beside me to ensure I was balanced!) and I #prepared and #cooked this cheese #omelette myself for #brunch . It might not have looked good but it tasted nice! 😁 #tbi #braininjurywarrior #stepintherightdirection

Still life today – a tulip 🌷(white/cream) Brain Injury Matters art workshop https://braininjurymatters.org.uk

Fake it til you make it and that!

I bought these two bracelets from Etsy (www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CrafttreasuresGifts) one for mum ❤️ and one for me 💪🏼. I thought they were lovely and included positive messages. My mums is totally true! She is my world! And this one for me! (At least I like to think I’m tough 😂) If you are looking for a […]

My @emilycoxhead mug says ‘Breathe’ in it. That’s just what I needed to see when I was drinking my tea this morning. I am in a bad place living with this brain injury. My issue as always is that I can’t independently walk and don’t have dependance and I really hate it. Everyone thinks ‘it […]

This is not my analogy but it is brilliant!

Before this brain injury I didn’t really get hung up on worrying about the future. But post brain injury I can’t help but worry about the future. Will I get back to ‘normal’? Will I always have challenges and never feel totally normal? Will my ‘dreams’ of life come true?

(Disclaimer: I think I did a very similar to this blog last year but I still feel the same.) Facebook flashed up a photo of @james_01 birthday trip in 2015! Looks so glorious and back then if you had of told me of the future and all the struggles of Tbi, I wouldn’t have been […]

It changes quite frequently. We like to be broom all the time, keeping on top of things…but we all can be the mess from time to time.

Just worry about being your natural self. Most people are ‘naturally’ cool in their own way. You just have to look for whose share the same idea as ‘cool’. Then you will find your ‘team’!

Exactly. Forward is forward, no matter how slow. Don’t panic.

As it’s spring we designed a floral wreath in the https://braininjurymatters.org.uk art workshop this week! We took up printing as the style. So as it was done when I was in my parents, I found some natural materials I could use to create the print! Here’s some pictures of the piece and me at work! […]

Feeling very ‘slumpy’ this evening. 🤞🏻hopefully it will pass

💜 this is for everyone facing challenges https://instagram.com/fearnecotton?igshid=pa2cphvv790u https://instagram.com/charliemackesy?igshid=7rvsigdccj49

I am discovering who I am now. I don’t feel like I’m overly different, but how can you be totally the same after injuring your brain? Your brain holds who you are.

Repost @anxiety_wellbeing #anxiety #panic #worry #anxietyproblems #takeadeepbreath I wasn’t really an anxious being before this injury. I was sometimes with university and then work but I did not have it all the time and I don’t think I really paid any attention to it as a constant intrusion but it’s just something I live with […]

Here is a picture this afternoon of me with no help lifting both my right and left leg! I got no help to do this and apart from my left foot being slightly turned in I think I didn’t make a bad effort at making them even! Apart from that they look quite even I […]

My @braininjmatters art workshop today was painting flowers! I decided to do a dandelion head! I thought I could print a nice effect! And it looks quite a floaty flower and that what I feel this brain injury has done to me sometimes, taken my definite plans away and left me to ‘float’ over this […]

There is still time

I know that sleep is very important for your brain/tbi recovery. I’m not very good at taking naps but today I did! I feel 100% after waking up! (Well maybe not 100% since I still can’t walk independently but 98% improved!)

After my short break from blogging (I took a extra day as I had broken the deal with myself by posting a blog!) I am back with nothing extra special to report. As I have calmed my right hand down I think I have just had more time to concentrate on my left hand. Still […]

This is seriously breaking my deal with the devil/myself to not blog until 7th April I’m still doing it but this is quite big news I think I should make note of it! This morning I had physio in the physio clinic myself and Victoria use for sessions and I STOOD BY MYSELF. Yes it […]

…No I am not talking about the magazine again! I mean I am ACTUALLY taking a break from blogging… My fantastic physio has told me I will have to dampen/calm down my right side to hopefully encourage my left side – mainly arm – to get into gear and start to be listening to my […]

Thank you @n.r.nutrition for sharing this 💜 that’s what I need to do just keep going 🤷🏻‍♀️. What other choice do I really have? I hate depending on others. #tbi #tbisupport #braininjury #braininjuryrehab #keepgoing #determination http://www.neurorehabnutrition.co.uk/#about Their Instagram is great for brain injury nutrition and recipes

Saw this today on Facebook @theconcussioncommunity and I thought it was a really good explanation. Yeah sometimes I can feel like I’m just going on circles for months but if I look at it from another direction I can see there was progress made!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emily Coxhead (@emilycoxhead) Just read these and feel better. You’re getting it right! In Emily’s words keep shining and being the wonderfully lovely you! 💗

I have none (no photos or memory) of my first 4 months in the royal Victoria hospital which was the end of 2016. But here are some pictures from 2017 when I was an inpatient in the brain injury unit, going on to 2018, 2019 to 2020, 2021 at home. I think you can see […]

I won a prize! It was a raffle for being a February birthday as the raffle took place in February! Received it today and it’s glorious! Anyone interested in trying bodyshop products should join Ruth’s Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1002537360172799/?ref=share Seriously recommended for you if you’re looking for a wee treat or just want to try something […]

Zoom physio today! Mum and me, the great team ❤️ Still have to remember sitting posture, sitting balance and calm right arm! Everything is doable on zoom which is brilliant!! Even physio and gym classes (like my yoga) 😁

My brain injury art today. Mine today was a picture of Akumal bay in Mexico. I do love @braininjmatters art workshop. Today’s inspo was holidays (we have to dream cause they don’t seem to be happening in the immediate future 🤷🏻‍♀️) https://braininjurymatters.org.uk

Recovery takes time. I am usually stuck on HOW LONG it is taking and worry that I’m missing out on so much. But this picture has made me think again, my attention needs to be removed from the clock. How long it takes should not be important in the whole picture. But when I was […]

This is a list of effects coming from traumatic brain injury. Everyone may not have every symptom but possibly some of them or a number of them!

Lindyloo ❤️ Happy Mother’s Day I’m so glad you’re mine. I wouldn’t want anyone else beside me on this awful brain injury rollercoaster. Thank you mum! Happy Mother’s Day!

My art today completed in the @braininjmatters #art #workshop . Today it was using plants as being the inspiration! I opted for a nice little window box my mum had as my inspo! Pleased with the result! https://braininjurymatters.org.uk

It might not feel positive right now. Doesn’t mean it will remain feeling negative forever. Keep believing it will improve. We have all heard that saying ‘mind over matter’. Believe it. The mind is probably one of the most powerful things on this planet.

I had never really paid much attention until the last year or two to international women’s day but it’s been all over the internet at the moment! And yes I think we should have an international women’s day to celebrate women from all over the globe! I really liked the word butterfly as that’s what […]

Had a video call with my wonderful friend Gemma tonight! https://gemmabromley.co.uk And just want to thank her for showing me life can get better after brain injury! ❤️ She is the best brain injury tour guide I could ask for! She is living proof it can get better (19 years since she got injured) if […]

Very relaxed with time this morning with timing as you can tell from the clock! Breakfast at lunchtime! Oh well it’s a chilled Sunday and I took my time getting ready! Mum called around this morning and I hadn’t yet had my breakfast and she agreed to help me walk around the kitchen and make […]

Last night was Saturday, and we just wanted a celebratory Saturday. James had not got the opportunity to throw a proper birthday celebration between one thing and another so he thought Saturday night was good as any! He got us dinner from Baker Street 🥘 and lovely cocktails from The Crafty Vinter 🍸 https://www.instagram.com/bakerstreetbelfast/?hl=en https://thecraftyvintner.co.uk […]

Read this and thought it had to be a mantra for my recovery AND recovery right through for anyone/anything. The (ONLY) best way out is always through. No matter how hard it gets just keep going.

https://braininjurymatters.org.uk

I think we are all the same. We all want to have free will to do what we want but due to this pandemic we cannot. This was obviously the best for the whole globe but with the vaccines being presently rolled out we can (thanks to all the clever minds that worked on it) […]

I feel I need to remember struggle is part of this growth process.

I loved this expression! ❤️ My godmother replied after seeing my last blog and she said: It takes a long time for an acorn to become an oak tree 🌳 ❤️ I thought that was a lovely way to look at it. Yes it may take me years to get to a stage in recovery […]

We all need to be gardeners. That good care of the garden of our mind. If we don’t feed and water it with positivity it won’t flourish. I feel the same with recovery, no matter how much physical work and regardless of the effort I put in if I don’t love my ‘minds garden’ it […]

You just need to stay focused.

This came up as a memory from 2020 on Facebook.

It hurt more than you thought in the first place.

We decided I definitely have a style for flowers. It’s not life like but it’s fun, bright and joyful! #braininjuryart I got paid a massive compliment today. Though it’s #braininjuryart because I’m forever brain injured someone told me today that’s not why they would buy it. They would just buy it cause it was nice!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Headway UK (@headway_uk) Yes my relationships have been put through a test by this brain injury. But so lucky for me that James has never made out there was ‘a test’ for him to remain his wonderful self, the only test was for me to accept […]

@kevins_warriors_ #repost I’m fighting so hard for myself, but though I’m sad I also don’t cry for what I’ve lost. What would that do to help me? 🤔 #nothingicando

My super great physio gave me this checklist of things I need to ensure I’m doing when sitting and standing. The onus is on me now to ensure I’m doing it. My physio has given the needed information but she can’t ensure I’m always doing it.

Thank you for reminding me that one day (hopefully soon!) I will look back on this journey!

Today I participated in https://braininjurymatters.org.uk art class as usual. Today was on a heart/valentines theme. This is my creation. We all need to remember… you are loved ❤️

I was talking about my breathing not being as good as it to be! So I thought about looking into a peak flow metre to see how it really was and perhaps track my breath to see if you can improve it a certain way. I thought about this and thought about a peak flow […]

Brain injury is all about…

(Trying this blog again as the video didn’t work the first time on the computer!) This video was taken from behind to show me the support I’m getting from behind. It made me feel confident, I really don’t think it looks like loads of support. Much less than I used to need. View this post […]

repost @karencrossleycounselling this is true and something I really need to remember. You can’t just wake up fixed from a brain injury. You need to put in (possibly years) of hard work. Just don’t give up. This is a lovely analogy that I must remember when the pace of this recovery is getting to me.

repost @treadmilllifellc 😆 I must remember I’m now a badass, I did 24 years as a wimp! #menomore 😆

That photo was Boxing Day 2019. I know so much has changed. But this just shows me how SLOW recovery is: I think I would have thought in 2019 I would be quite constantly on my feet by 2021! But now we are here, I’m disappointed but still forever trying. When will this get better? […]

The brain injury storm is so rough. You really learn who you are, facing the despair whilst trying to celebrate your successes.

I loved the art workshop this week. To try and challenge my core I decided to paint reaching my arm higher. Reaching up engages my core, that’s what I think QV as told me in the past so i thought maybe I could paint reaching up! I think it worked out well! So hopefully it […]

I was having an evening downer. I felt better when I saw this on Instagram.

I have got jeggings. I never really liked jeggings before I thought they weren’t great and preferred normal jeans but since I only have one hand working atm it’s basically impossible to button jeans! So I got some jeggings I could hopefully work at pulling on with one hand! It’s a kinda success! Very slow […]

In the BIM art workshop today we were asked to do abstract art using this haiku. This week Haiku title is: Life Life, a poising gameLike a wobbly drop of rainAtop a flat leaf Valsa George We were asked to use an abstract style to create our work! I came up with this piece, I […]

Silver linings round the dark grey 2020 clouds

‘You’re programmed to feel powerless BUT built to figure it out.’ 🙌🏻

repost @janine_shepherd i can’t run from brain injury. The fact it’s made me have resilience is my saving grace.

I got another new chair from hsl! https://www.hslchairs.com (really nice and versatile furniture for all needs/requirements.) It’s like the lovely grey one I have up at my mums with lots of wee electrics but I got a new one for my house and it goes with the room in black leather style! It’s got good […]

Today was my absolutely wonderful mum’s birthday! As we are in lockdown we ordered a meal from the lovely https://thehoosebistro.com which was lovely as usual and we are all trying to be good this January and not eat loads of sweets so we opted for no birthday cake or dessert but a cheeseboard instead. I […]

flashback to 2018. I’m grateful that James is still around, this brain injury messed his life up as much as much as it messed up mine. Differently but still majorly disruptive.

Brain injury life is heavy shit.

This brain injury is my becoming. Rebekah-Rebroken-Reborn

A group on Facebook for trauma survivors (a battle within) put up, I felt, An excellent and inspiring post. Here’s it is: “A good reminder that anything in life that is worthwhile takes hard work and commitment. Everyone has the rivers to cross, the mountains to climb and/or the demons to defeat. Keep at it […]

Just looking through before and after brain injury photos. I might have less function in my body but I feel I can see my mental growth and maturity more clearly.

Today I went to rabiu for some botox injections to hopefully help some of my movement. I feel privileged to have the chance to receive these. I also have my fingers crossed that my recovery is still going up and I have a good chance my recovery will continue to improve. I am only 28. […]

This is my kind of phrase.

Just ordered these mugs from @emilycoxhead #thehappynewspaper 💞 looking forward to them arriving! https://thehappynewspaper.com/shop/the-happy-news-keep-going-mug/ I feel the KEEP GOING first one is what I need for my mantra!

@a_battle_within 🤞🏻I’m hoping I get long term growth 💪🏻 (you wouldn’t choose this so hopefully I can gain some positive growth)

Consistently is what is needed for brain injury recovery to teach your brain new pathways to perform tasks. Consistency is key. #tbi #braininjuryrecovery #consistency #consistencyiskey🔑 #keytosuccess #success – you need consistency in everything to succeed #success

I’m pretty sure I’ve shared this before but when I read it, it really makes me consider… …I think it’s taught me a lot. Lessons of having patience, outlook on challenges, dealing with defeat, emphasis on always being yourself, the list could go on…

BIMs art class this week. We used this haiku to influence ideas for our art. ‘You speak to me with words, I hear feelings’. I painted this piece using those words as influence. The colours coming into the ear represent different emotions the individual hears. 🖤

Refusal to give up against this broken brain I’m just hoping if I keep going this nightmare will pass.

This was said at the start of the interview. I thought this statement may have been one that many can relate to. “…happiness only came through other people and not through my own doing” This podcast is deep (but still fun) Kris Hallenga was a young woman who was diagnosed with cancer at 23. Her […]

🙌🏻👏🏼 https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_SZ_9MLURP9r2j3Kz4XtxWac3IrClfLM2nZI0/?igshid=1faahtj3s6fyo

But this may be an ‘invisible injury’ but I still see it. Flashback of 2014/2015/2016 maybe I’m just not #aginggracefully 😆😓

…hold on to that feeling

Go visit @iamgemmabromley website to get one her one off T-shirts to support #headway brain injury charity https://gemmabromley.co.uk also if you’re interested look into purchasing her super great, truthful and meaningful autobiography – her book #halfahead is a great read.

(Surprise, surprise! This is quite positive, I’m feeling very confident about recovery this year!) Today I feel positive!2021 is My Year12 whole months to stay very positive and see my improvement.Head upHeart strongKeep fighting.

Made myself a beautiful smoothie today.

But myself and loved ones have already lost 3 years Where is the ‘end’? I know this never ‘ends’ but I’m just longing for a ‘better’, more independent place.

I was listening to Fearne Cottons podcast the Happy Place and in this podcast she talked with Stephen Fry and they talked about mental health. It was very informative and educational. Stephen Fry spoke and warned everyone to not take your mental health for granted. They also spoke how they had heard great words from […]

I know I’m sickening you all with my obsession but I got an unreal Christmas present from Sarah! The note that was to support my brain injury journey from Dermot Kennedy, Sarah kindly got the message printed on a T-shirt! I love it❤️. (This is my last post about him for at least a week….I […]

As you are likely aware my favourite artist of 2020 (and beyond) is Dermot Kennedy (https://www.dermotkennedy.com) He put this up on Facebook last night for the new year saying ‘celebrate your endurance’ It highlighted for me and made me appreciate my endurance. My endurance for this situation Endurance: noun 1. the ability to endure an […]

The end of year is usually the time to reflect on the year that just past. This year has been full of ups and downs (fair point it’s had more downs than ups for all humanity). But I spotted this picture and I feel it really connected to these words, specifically, predictably to this brain […]

If you get a copy of the headway magazine this month you’ll see James and I! https://www.headway.org.uk

Got this on Facebook. I know these things are probably cons but here’s hoping for positive changes 🤞🏻

“While a wheelchair or a cane may be life changing physical disability doesn’t necessarily mark the end of independent existence, an inability to communicate however just might” This exact from Abby Maslin book. It made me feel so lucky. I need to bare this in mind though I detest my lack of physical ability and […]

I wasn’t planning on doing a Christmas post. But hey, 🍷 glass of vino and there ya go, Bobs your uncle (or if I’m being literal, Bob is my dad 🤷🏻‍♀️) So basically happy Christmas! Have a wonderful day tomorrow, make Christmas 2020 memories that make up for this ‘challenging’ year! Hope you manage to […]

My dearest hospital friend Dympna @diffyc86 paid me a special trip for Christmas. This has become an Christmas tradition that I love! But this year is different again. Even with our not always reliable brain injured memories we won’t easily forget the COVID year we had to be sit outside!

Always try Trying is halfway to winning! 🙌🏻

Trapped in this broken brain with limited control over my physical body but mentally totally fine. https://www.instagram.com/p/CJBd54zstRJZqQMauLRbUXc94makRKrEvV7YOY0/?igshid=scduoz8nt6je

@braininjuryhope #repost this is so right. Have to remember this.

Im feeling very good Sarah took photos of me lying on the plinth earlier when I was resting. I think it’s noticeable the (may be small) amount of weight I’ve lost. Yes, when you get your brain injured your brain and body needs calories to heal but your mind and self (worth and confidence) need […]

If you feel like this don’t panic! You’re not alone! We are in this together…!

My auntie gave me this book at the start of my recovery journey. I’ve recently been reading it and really enjoyed it. I think it’s got some great messages that people (maybe me) need to pay attention too!

I uploaded this picture on Instagram and I loved @unspokenvoyage comment. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rebekah Nesbitt (@rebekahnesbitt) Hadn’t thought about this before but being alive is a victory I hold. Makes me feel strong 💪🏻

Totally! Every literal step I take is a serious victory! My left leg used to be totally vacant. It is slowly awakening.

I ordered some new dressy-ish boots and tried them on today with my jeans 🎼 🎶 These boots are made of walking… (and actually these boots help my walking I feel!) these are my new long boot to help hold my legs and fit it my wee splints at the same time! It feels like […]

Standing with the safety of Sarah behind me doing a standing yoga session designed specially for me by the great @yogawithdenis – he understands I need to stand as much as possible to get my legs strong for walking after 3 years of not wondering about! Hence the great session of standing yoga! https://www.yogawithdenis.com

I’ve blogged about this wonderful book by my lovely friend Gemma. I started to talk to her for guidance on this brain injury journey and she has given me great first hand support/knowledge and made me feel like I was not alone on my brain injury journey. She did an interview on Facebook with her […]

My Christmas tree painted for @braininjmatters today for them to have at their online Christmas party 🎈

Repost from @lifewithtbi•Wellness Wednesday! There are days that I just want to give up and stop fighting this battle. On said days, I know things will improve despite setbacks. Something good is going to come out of this TBI/PCS condition!

Thank you for sharing this and congratulations to anyone reading this you have made it today…on to tomorrow!

I love this analogy. Yeah sometimes I feel like my steps are too small but when a number of them are added up it should hopefully mean I’d have covered more are than if I took larger, wobbly, uncertain steps.

Never give up …not in my psyche

Repost from @theorangebutterfly_•Happy International Day of People with Disabilities 2020!! Celebrating the global achievements of every individual living with a disability 🧡⠀⠀Fitting to flash back to the moment in time where I wrote this in my journal after the week I’ve had 🧠🤯….⠀⠀I remember this feeling all too well, and unfortunately it’s a part of […]

Another friend I made through this brain injury rollercoaster is Charle (https://instagram.com/charlotteemmawarhurst?igshid=4rm8d34wnf0n) She kindly recommended trying this hand bag as it was good to carry over your shoulder and you really needed one working hand to use it correctly! I have only got it in the post today but fingers crossed it is handy here […]

At the moment I have to be very regimented with my routine and physio to get where I want to be but hopefully 🤞🏻 EVENTUALLY I’ll be able to relax a bit, maybe not fully relax but a bit more than I am currently regards exercise and stretching etc. But luckily for me I do […]