Does the following sound familiar to you? “They are like that/always do that”. These blanketing statements, although factual in some cases, are overwhelmingly inaccurate for me, as they’re far too all encompassing! Static judgements are inaccurate for a survivor who’s actively & continually working to better themselves, particularly.
We as humans, are largely reliant on patterns. Wether it’s certain days of the week for family dinners, movies or songs that we adore and therefore know by heart, weekly spiritual gatherings (church, temple, synagogue)…Patterns make us feel in control = we can foresee what to expect. Past experiences/observances, are indicators of what’s on the forefront. We as humans, rely largely on these indicators. They help us to feel prepared & in control.
In my case, however, my skills better constantly (not quickly, but constantly:).Therefore, my abilities can’t always be anticipated. The friends & family I saw repeatedly in Seattle, prided me on regenerating skills, my Mom, who lives near me, in Santa Rosa does and my dad & friends I speak with over the phone do repeatedly. Currently, particularly, they all routinely praise my memory’s consistent bettering (when appropriate), as that’s my mot progressing skill presently.
Now that I’m living in Peteluma, none of my close friends are here to offer me feedback in person! That’s OK, as I’ve learned to embrace the exercise of self-praise 🤩 amidst living in numerous places, in which, initially, I knew no one. I have made a couple friends here, but they haven’t seen any other stage of my recovery, except now! Therefore, I don’t have the same amount of consistent feedback from multiple sources w/ access to longitudinal data, as I did in Seattle.
My symptoms gradually dissipate, so many of my symptoms have vanished to non existence presently. Now, I’ve officially finished my first stage of recovery, as is estimated by doctors (the first 10 years). My 11th year began on July 1 and again, my psychiatrist attests, as she always has, that I’m flying through this recovery process.
Recovery from a Severe TBI is, as I’ve stated, is lifelong. The changes from here on out, however, tend to be much more subtle. My injury has become invisible to most, aside from my scars, which I’ve learned to wear proudly. I’m a survivor and therefor have been through, hell & high water: more than most people can fathom. One again, the lifelong potential for mental healing is in-fact synonymous with human’s potential for lifelong mental growth (again, if we consistently use our brain).
1st down, more to come 😊
Prepare to continually be surprised!