Please read Part 1 and Part 3 for context. Thank you.
Through being involved with a brain injury support group or another support group we can learn from the members of that group. We can talk about whatever we are experiencing or struggling to accept with the members of the group. By listening to other members we can learn to accept ourselves. We may just want to sit and listen to what other members share during the meeting. We don’t have to say anything or be anything when we attend a support group meeting. We can experience The Power of Identification. Through our process with the group we can learn to accept ourselves. We can learn how to move beyond merely surviving to thriving in life.
In my experience — as I have attended different support groups meetings during the past 21 years — I have found solutions for living life on life’s terms. Through interacting with a myriad of members and by listening to their experience, strength and hope I have found a new freedom. I have been able to confront and break free from my denial and the denial systems that once sought to deceive and delude me. Through my involvement in support groups I have found the courage to face my fear (s) and in the process learn to trust. I have grown in awareness, which in turn has given me the ability to take positive actions to find solutions. I have learned to practice acceptance.
Consequently, I have been able to process my anger, my disappointment and my frustration. I have been able to work through my sadness and depression — in a safe place. I have been able to ask questions and find answers. I have discovered how to use my energy in ways to enhance and empower my process. I have discovered that my circumstances were never meant to keep me down. I have discovered that there is no such thing as a happy victim. I have discovered that circumstances are merely a switch on the railroad of life used to veer me in the direction of my destiny.
I have discovered that I can be a proactive participant in my life. I have discovered that I can take risks. I have discovered that I can practice a spiritual principle — progress not perfection. I have discovered that I can let go and let God. I have discovered that I can come out of isolation.
Please read the final installment in this series, Part 3. Thank you.
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