It has been 24 years since my near-death experience where I sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and lay in a deep coma for two weeks. I also sustained numerous life-threatening internal injuries which led my neurosurgeon as well as the other doctors to tell my parents that there was no hope for my survival.
Sustaining a TBI has taught me so many things about myself that I never would have learned were it not for the TBI. A Brain Injury Survivor will have to work extremely hard to accept what has happened to them while they adapt to the new realities in their life.
Accepting and adapting to the challenges in one’s life means trying your best to focus on the now and search for strategies that might improve your life, now, rather than dwelling on the past. As Alexander Graham Bell stated, “Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late one that is open.”
I urge all Survivors to take a good look at all that you have gone through and have survived. It is absolutely a miracle that you are here today and you are able to read this. If you had a friend who had experienced all that you have, wouldn’t you be blown away. I know that I would.
It is important that we Survivors realize the unbelievable strength and power that lies inside of ourselves. It is with this strength and power that you will be able to face any future challenges that come your way. Look at all that you have already survived.
A TBI Survivor has been been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a big change in not only their own life, but also in the lives of others. Your strength and power will enable you to provide support, hope, motivation and inspiration to many others.
It is with this strength and power that you will be able to focus on the now and be a pioneer of your future.
Remember this: “The world can only see us as we see ourselves.” ~ Dr. David Hawkins, “Power vs. Force”
Written By: Anthony Aquan-Assee
