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Adventures of a BEST Superhero: Masks!

Posted on by Posted in BEST Updates, Community News, Education, Self-Care & Mindfulness, Support Groups Leave a comment

Adventures of a BEST Superhero: A mask is a superpower! Read about it below (and check out the superhero rule).

For more info on COVID-19 and keeping yourself and our community safe, click here. 

 

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On Strength

Posted on by Posted in Motivation & Inspiration Quotes, Our BEST Stories Leave a comment

Sometimes, when somebody tells me they think I’m making a remarkable recovery from my stroke, I answer in this way:  Well, it didn’t kill me, so it must have made me stronger.

I think most people have probably heard a version of that quote: what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. I always thought I knew what the author of that quote meant by it, but not being a famous philosopher, maybe I don’t really get his actual meaning. 

Yet, here’s what it means to me:

I don’t feel angry or bitter or sorry for myself.

When I experience a setback, I get back up and keep on fighting; the battle isn’t over until I win it.

I accept my condition as inescapable and constantly find ways to work around it or through it. 

I consider myself a survivor and not a victim. 

I hold my head up high, no matter what the challenge is. 

I don’t wallow in self-pity and don’t accept pity from others. 

I hold myself to a high standard and do everything within my current limitations to meet that standard; when I’m complimented on something I’ve done, I say this: I don’t expect anything less of myself. 

I focus on my strengths and don’t dwell on my weaknesses. 

I believe in myself, no matter what. I have total faith in myself. 

I don’t allow my brain injury to  rule my life or define who or what I am. 

I show my strength in trying to do all that (and more) every day. My main superhero power is hanging in there and hanging on, no matter what.

So coming through a major stroke made me stronger, and even more so than I would have thought possible. Maybe I could call myself the Amazing TBI-Man, master of whatever life throws at me, more powerful than a severe traumatic brain injury. 

I already have a costume; jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers. 

But I’m not fighting this fight alone. I don’t know you, but if you’re a TBI survivor you no doubt are stronger too. Maybe we can all form a superhero team. The only membership requirement is to feel your own strength and celebrate it every day.

Let’s fight the good fight together, and let’s win it together.

Isaac Peterson grew up on an Air Force base near  Cheyenne, Wyoming. After graduating from the University of Wyoming, he embarked on a career as an award-winning investigative journalist and as a semi-professional musician in the Twin Cities, the place he called home on and off for 35 years. He doesn’t mind it at all if someone offers to pick up his restaurant tab and, also, welcomes reader comments. Email him at isaac3rd@gmail.com. Read more articles by Isaac here; https://www.brainenergysupportteam.org/archives/tag/isaac-peterson

 

 

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Staying Organized Doesn’t Have To Be Painful

Posted on by Posted in Brain Health & Healing, Self-Care & Mindfulness Leave a comment

How often do we try different systems to manage tasks, track appointments, or just write down a note or two? And how many times have we discovered that one is more complicated than the last one we tried? Then there’s the agonizing effort we are too often unsuccessful with at making it a habit.

Don’t worry. I struggle with the same thing. But I make it work. How? Keep it simple.

Many of the systems are great for those who want to capture a lot of data or need to go back for meeting notes or are focused on tracking how much time they spent on each task. Most of us aren’t.

If all you want is a simple system that you can easily make a habit of without all the mental gymnastics then this is exactly what you’re looking for!

One sheet for one day and three (okay, four) simple steps.

Once you’ve downloaded the planner print a copy and follow the steps below:

  1. Write down your appointments and miscellaneous things you want to do.
  2. Fold the planner so that it fits in your pocket or wallet. You can also pin it to the fridge, tape it to the door, or keep it on your desk.
  3. Check often.

You might be thinking the “check often” step will be the challenge. If it’s in your wallet you’ll see it every time you open it to pay for the bus or purchase a coffee or get a bite to eat. If it’s in your pocket you’ll feel it every time you reach in for keys or change.

If you post it somewhere make sure that the location is one you pass often or look at often, like your desk.

AND you can write that quick note or phone number (with the name and meeting context) on the back.

Download the BEST Plan For Today now and let us know how it worked for you.

Download “BEST Plan For Today” BEST-Plan-For-Today.pdf – Downloaded 21 times – 4 MB

Gloria's career as an independent nonprofit consultant, trainer, and writer spans over 30 years giving her lots to talk about. She has a deep passion for sustainability, both environmentally and organizationally. Enjoy her perspectives on community, development, and tales from her virtual world travels.

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What’s The Buzz? Tell Me What’s A-Happening!

Posted on by Posted in BEST Updates, Education, Project Peer, Second Life, Special Events Leave a comment

What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s a-happening?

I was 14 when the smash album became a Broadway sensation. Jesus Christ Superstar ruffled more than a few feathers, but to this rebellious teenager, it was a personally freeing experience.

But that’s a story for another time.

Norman Jewison, the film’s director, said, “These kids are trying to take Jesus off the stained-glass windows and get him down on the street.”

It was about making something relatable for those, like myself at the time, struggling to find meaning and trying to make sense of life; looking for direction.

What does this have to do with CogniCon?

Last year, when we launched our first cognitive convention in Second Life, there were those who scoffed, those who questioned the seriousness of the idea, and those who dismissed us. Then COVID-19 spread like wildfire through our communities and online connection suddenly meant more than anyone could have imagined.

Many in the brain injury community tried navigating multiple-person, real-time, video platforms like Zoom. Others held on to the idea that they could resume their lives in a matter of weeks. BEST built on what we were already doing.

BEST already hosted video meetings, facilitated teleconferencing, offered online workshops and presentations, and worked from our virtual PEER Center in Second Life. CogniCon was a way to creatively reach and support those with brain injury and their families.

A year has passed. Many are still isolated, trying to make sense of things, and looking for direction. For those of us who participate in virtual worlds the isolation feels less sharp, social interactions make sense, and we continue to build our relationships and communities.

I invite you to join us in Second Life for our 2021 CogniCon. We’ve got a terrific schedule planned with engaging speakers, networking opportunities, music, and more.

The 2021 CogniCon Schedule can be found here.

If you’re new to the idea of virtual worlds and would like to know more about BEST in Second Life, visit our Second Life page.

 

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Singularly Unique & Integral To The Whole

Posted on by Posted in Brain Injury Awareness, Quote Of The Week, Support Groups Leave a comment

“The things that make me different are the things that make me.” Let’s hang on to that as our #SuperheroSunday mantra and keep in mind that with all our uniqueness and difference we are one community. #BESTcares

Superhero Self-Love Child

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