Different Can Be Beautiful
December 7, 2014
The Hull Workmen Calendar was printed. It looked great and was in demand. I never imagined I would be doing things like this – new and fun experiences can be had after brain injury!
December 7, 2014
Pushing on with my marathon challenge. This week I did a 9-mile run around Beverley and Walkington.
MARATHON CHALLENGE WEEK 9
December 8, 2014
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS are fully behind my recovery site. Here I am with Joe Bennet who is the communications officer for HEY hospitals. Joe has designed a poster which will be circulated around Hull Royal Infirmary. What a great feeling! This type of support will help to reach more people affected by brain injuries. Positive progress!
December 10, 2014
I enjoyed some airtime on local radio tonight. It was a completely new experience which I never would have thought possible at one time during my recovery – I couldn’t string a sentence together!
December 14, 2014
I covered 10 miles as part of my challenge. Running from East to West Hull. This was especially good as it brought back good memories. Memories at one time I couldn’t see! It might be harder to retrieve them, but I can see them if I really concentrate. Positive progress – never give up hope.
MARATHON CHALLENGE WEEK 10
December 16, 2014
Great to drop into Neurorehabilitation ward at Castle hill hospital today. It was an amazing feeling to see my poster up on ward 29! When I first started seeing my neuropsychologist two years ago, I was completely lost! I am so much better, stronger and wiser. It shows that things can and do get better over time. A proud moment – positive progress x.
December 17, 2014
Being different doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Something that I struggled with during my early recovery was being different from how I was before the injury. I always looked at my differences in a negative way. I thought that if I couldn’t be how I was then life would be dull. That’s not the case at all. I just needed time to get used to the new me.
December 19, 2014
There may be tough times during your recovery but always remember that there can be good times ahead.
December 21, 2014
11 miles as part of my challenge – my lad Reece got involved. I was a really proud dad.
MARATHON CHALLENGE WEEK 11
December 22, 2014
If you know someone with a brain injury, then please be mindful they may need extra support at this time of year. There’s lots more to do and think about which can be really overwhelming and difficult to manage. If you can assist with planning and organising gifts etc. then I’m sure it would really help!
I use coping strategies like my lists and reminders to help me throughout the busy period. I have found that Christmas has got easier and more enjoyable over the years. Positive progress.
December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas everyone.
December 26, 2014
Me and my mum taking 5 minutes out on Boxing Day. If you have a brain injury you will no doubt feel the pace even more during the festive period. Remember to take regular breaks and pace yourself. This should help you manage and enjoy the Christmas magic.
December 27, 2014
Country walks at Christmas. I went to Welton Dale for a stroll. I really feel the benefits of being surrounded by nature. It helps me de-stress and feel peaceful which is great for my mental health.
If you’re affected by a brain injury I would highly recommend spending time in the great outdoors; I credit nature with helping me heal.
December 28, 2014
On with my marathon challenge. The 12 miles of Christmas with my friend, Chris.
MARATHON CHALLENGE WEEK 12
December 31, 2014
Thanks to everyone who helped make 2014 a great year! Wishing you all the best with good health and happiness for 2015.
Fall seven times, get up eight