b'QWhat do you wish other people understood aboutthat my invisible injury is still healing. My fatigue is less-brain injury? ened with Modafinil, a medication to encourage alertness. This invisible injury has expanded my experience andKeeping a proper balance with time spent on physical, taught me the importance of not jumping to conclusionsemotional, and spiritual health has been crucial. Daily before knowing the story. Brain-injury survivors can displaymeditation, physical exercise, nutrition, art, music, laugh-their injuries in many ways. Some show obvious changester, consistent sleep, and support from family and friends in speech and physical movement, indicating somethingare also vital. Im able now to look at helping others again.has happened.Others, like myself, can move through lifeQWhat are some things that have been helpful for without giving any indication of an injury. My physicalyou on your recovery journey?proof, like Harry Potters lightning bolt scar, is a long, deep divot on my scalp, a sign of my craniotomy. My hair keeps itThe things that have helped me on my recovery journey hidden. Usually its my choice whether to share my injury.are many. Online resources like brainline.org and support Sometimes I need to ask others to repeat themselves whengroups have been vital for learning information, and hearing my cognition cant always keep up with information beingpersonal anecdotes of other survivors. Community resourc-given, like phone numbers, addresses, or instructions. es are key as well. Barrow Rehabilitation Hospital provided Id like others to remember we are spiritual beings havingcrucial therapies to improve my brain functioning; Abili-a physical experience. Our brains, spinal cords, legs, andty360 offers a community of fellow survivors and physical arms are simply tools we use to navigate the world. Theactivities in a supportive environment; my counselor, Gabby true essence of who we are, our souls, is not limited by theMontgomery, has guided my growth.physical equipment we use to maneuver through life.Where are you currently in your brain injuryQHow did you become acquainted with the Brain Qrecovery process? Injury Alliance of Arizona?I became familiar with BIAZZ through my connection My injury was more than 12 years ago. Initially, an eight- to Ability360.week stay at Vanderbilt Hospitals Stallworth Rehabilitation facility after a craniotomy started me on my recovery path.QHow has the BIAAZ made a difference for you?Many factors helped me continue. A few years ago, I wasI learned of BIAZZ as a valuable resource for me stymied at how to mop the floor in my home. My brainin my recovery at a BIAZZ orientation session.struggled with the best strategy for cleaning a house full of 18x18 travertine tiles while my emotional fragility knottedQWhat are some goals you have for the future?my psyche into useless twistedMy goals for the future are coils of despair, reminding meto become a published author I was damaged. Explainingand public speaker. I also plan this experience to others whoto be involved again as a play cannot comprehend such chal- therapist for children.lenges is part of the recovery path. Loneliness ensues. ItThis invisible injury hasQ What are some of your has been during these solitary,hobbies or interests?desperate moments when myexpanded my experience andMy hobbies and interests soul has learned the depth ofinclude reading, writing, med-its cavernous resolve. Thesetaught me the importance of times revealed in me the vastitating, listening to music, resources to be gathered for thenot jumping to conclusionslaughing, spending time in purposes of rebuilding myselfnature, swimming, hiking and as a creation previously notbefore knowing the story.being with the people I love, conceived. including my husband, Jim, This week, I recalled thoseand our pugs, Lucy trying times as I easily moppedBelle and Jemima.my floor, joyful confirmation 8The Noggin | 2020vol 5issue 1'