Today I was able to give back to the community which has been so instrumental in my recovery. I’m not quite four years out and I still cope and manage my life post-TBI. When Joanne Cohen first asked me to speak about COVID-19 and how I was coping with the pandemic, I wasn’t sure that I would have anything to offer. After speaking today and receiving some feedback from the private chat during the session, it appears that what I contributed did help.
For me, the TBI and recovery really prepared me for a life of limited activities, social activities, avoiding large gatherings, avoiding stores and other areas with a lot of stimulation, limited travel, and even not eating at restaurants much. So when the pandemic and the restrictions hit, I was already accustomed to these limitations like so many of us with brain injuries.
The other interesting anomaly for me is I have been working remotely for 19 years! While most of the world has had to learn how to adapt to this phenomenon, it’s rote for me.
These are the main reasons I wasn’t sure I would have anything to add. Those of you who know me personally, know that I love to give and my purpose in life is to help others. This is a litmus test for me when I make decisions. So, I happily accepted the invitation.
Positive attitude and mindfulness. Be in the present moment. Take one step at a time. The pandemic is a journey like our TBIs. Every day begins and ends. Something happens slowly over time. We will get through this pandemic just as we get through our injuries–slowly.
Copyright 2020 Jennifer L. Taylor
We addressed 13 questions which I loved since 13 is my favorite number and today is Friday, the 13th.
Some topics we addressed included:
- What are our biggest challenges during pandemic?
- What activities we do for mental, emotional, and physical health?
- What hobbies are we turning to for creative outlet?
- What “self care” activities have we been doing?
- How have we connected with others?
- What successful tips do we employ to foster our relationships?
- Creative ways to celebrate or entertain during the pandemic
- Best strategy to stay “sane” during the pandemic–Mine is in the quote below
- Online learning ideas and tools to share
- Favorite books, podcasts, or websites/blogs
The four of us speakers had different situations and all brought unique nuances and ideas to the above topics. As with these Survivor Panel sessions, we all learn by sharing and listening to each other’s experiences. Even though each brain and brain injury is unique, we are all in this together. We are one community. One world.
As brain injury survivors, many of us were already accustomed to restrictions and limitations and we were better prepared or even equipped to handle life during this pandemic. For me, I hope that those who have healthy brains can feel a little bit of what it’s like for the rest of us in this brain injury community. When the pandemic is over and people resume activities, eating out without restrictions, and other “carefree” activities people did without batting an eye, I hope people with healthy brains remember what it felt like because when the pandemic ends, the rest of us with brain injuries will still have our limitations and restrictions that are part of our “new normal”.
Be well. Practice loving kindness.
