Learnings

How further reflection on the answer to a common question from various audiences shows my biggest challenge has evolved over time.

Well St. Francis, is it that being recovered that allows one to aid another, or does aiding someone else’s journey boost recovery?  

So what possible need does an internal voice which undermines and shames meet? And furthermore, as the internal dialogue serves to diminish quality of life; what should be done instead? Let’s look at both these questions individually…

Interestingly, while a baby’s tantrum (be it wailing or loud crying) typically draws attention to an unfilled need resulting from a lack of ability to communicate with language, an adults “spoon banging” usually is more of a type of venting or expressing exasperation.  

  Fear has kept me safe on many occasions. Whether it is waiting for the walk signal at a crosswalk or even resisting the urge to load more plates on the barbell, fear of physical harm and self-preservation have served me well. But what happens when fear precipitates self-destructive behavior, blocks the acceptance of grace, or simply tempers joy? And perhaps even more problematic: what if the fear is imagined or of harm to the ego?

The 2025 edition marked BIANH’s 41st gathering focused on “Brain injury and stroke support, prevention, education, and advocacy for survivors and caregivers.”