bjscloset.org
May '18
May 2018
I'm almost in shock when I look at the last update I made to my website. It's been almost 8 years! Now WHO lost track of time?!
When I was younger it seemed like time went so slow (mostly when I was bored), but the older I get, the faster time seems to fly.
Have I learned anything through the years since my BI? Hmm, now that might depend on who you ask. I do know as time goes by it seems that I focus less on the injury and focus more on how to function each day.
The body is aging (of course) but the mind still recalls certain things about my injury and the recovery I've had. The only problem is the damage that was done from the original injury is hurting me more when it comes to recall, memory and such.
Yes, when I was younger I hurt my body more than most by working on jobs that weren't really made for females. Not because I'm a feminist (hardly) but because the female structure isn't really made for some of the heavy lifting and things I did. The only thing I could say to those who believe they have no limits? Yeh, think again, 'cuz when you get older, those limits will kick you in the B-U-T-T......BIG TIME!
As you age, be sure that you keep up to date with your own body. Like hormones for instance. Women aren't the only ones that have hormonal problems, and as you age things automatically change, but add a brain injury on top of that, and you could be in your own kind of hell!
Be "NICE" to yourself! Make sure you have 'quiet time' for yourself, or better yet, a quiet room where you can go and recoup some of your daily losses. Find things that allow you what I call a "No Brainer." I've found that playing Spider Solitaire on my computer (using 2 decks) is my No Brainer game. It gives me something to do, but doesn't take a lot of thought to play it. I'm mentally active, but not focused so hard that I have to use all the energy I have left over for the day.
As I age, I find I need more quiet time than I did years ago. I also have physical injuries, so that just adds to the problem because it keeps me home more than it used to. So, if you have other physical limitations on top of the brain injury you already have.....allow for that.....plan for that.....maybe have a directive set up for yourself so you're not just faced with it suddenly and don't know what to do.
I've always had hobbies, so I'm never without something to do if I want to use my brain, or just relax and not have to just stare at the tv. But the physical limitations can be a real pain in the butt, so try to think outside of the box and focus on things that you can do even if you're physically limited.
It all boils down to YOU! Remember that YOU are still YOU! You may have lost of few of the things that you used to do, but you're still you INSIDE! You may have forgotten some of the things you used to say or do, but you can help yourself with some of that by continuing to try. Practice, Practice, Practice!
How? Try scrapbooking! Get pictures together and write about them in your album. They'll help you remember, and you can read about these things when you're having a bad day. Sometimes just looking at old pictures can help spark some memories too! Take advantage of those memories and write them down before you forget them.
Maybe you have other hobbies that help you. Use those hobbies, and don't give up on something if it's a little bit difficult. You can always learn, even with a brain injury, just have some faith in yourself!
So it's now May 2018, and I'm in shock that these past 20 plus years have gone by so fast! I do miss some of the things I used to do, but I do still have memories of many of them, and when I forget, I just look at my scrapbooks that remind me just how much FUN I had during my life!
Don't give up on yourself, and if you get in "THAT" mood....stop and shake yourself and go back in time and remember some of the FUN things you've done.....and don't forget to SMILE!
Have a great year!
~ barbara jean ~