Welcome, my name is Craig Phillips. I am a public speaker, author and founder of Second Chance to Live. In the past 18 months, I have spoken at 39 events publicly, covering three core topics: Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke Acceptance and Creating our New Normal after Brain injury and Stroke Neuroplasticity, Setting … [Read More...]
Building Self-Esteem after Brain Injury
Creating Our New Normal Zoom Presentation and the SHADYSIDE Brain Injury Support Group
On September 20, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Understanding Invisible Disabilities, Acceptance and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” through Zoom to the SHADYSIDE Brain Injury Support Group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here is a link to the outline of the … [Read More...]
18th Annual IBICA — International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance Conference — Presentation: “Neuoplasticity, Setting Goal and Creating Hope after Brain Injury”
On September 14, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” through Zoom to the 18th Annual IBICA — International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance Virtual Conference. Here is an outline of the … [Read More...]
Second Chance to Live and the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital “Creating Hope” Zoom Presentation
On September 8, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Creating a New Normal — Acceptance and Creating Hope after Brain Injury” to the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, Edwin Shaw in Copley, Ohio. Here is a link to an outline of the presentation, “Creating a New Normal – Acceptance … [Read More...]
North Dakota Brain Injury Network Webinar and Second Chance to Live
On August 11, 2021 I was able to provide a webinar on "I Am More than My Brain Injury" to the North Dakota Brain Injury Network. Below is a link to the webinar. Please feel free to share this webinar with anyone that you believe could benefit. As you have questions, please ask. All questions are … [Read More...]
Creating Hope after Brain Injury
Neuroplasticity 2021– Using Modern Arnis, Kali, Western Boxing, Knife and Wing Chun
In 1997 unbeknownst to me, I began the process of creating new neural pathways and brain reorganization. I began this process through the martial art called, muay Thai. Several years later I would meet my Sensei. I was fortunate to train under a Sensei whose instructor (Sigung's) original … [Read More...]
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals, Creating Hope after Brain Injury and the Brain Injury Association of Indiana
On March 17, 2021, I have been asked by the Brain Injury Association of Indiana to give my zoom presentation, Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury. “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury and Stroke” Zoom Presentation For … [Read More...]
What I Discovered about Myself, My Brain Injury, and My Disability Video Presentation
To read the full article, click on this link: What I Discovered about Myself, My Brain Injury, and My Disability What I Discovered About Myself Although, I questioned whether I was smart enough to figure it out, had enough ambition to succeed or drive to not give up I am glad I did not … [Read More...]
What I Discovered about Myself, My Brain Injury, and My Disability
I have created a video presentation of this article. To watch and listen to this video presentation click on this link: What I Discovered about Myself, My Brain Injury, and My Disability Video Presentation What I Discovered About Myself Although, I questioned whether I was smart enough to … [Read More...]
Self-Acceptance after Brain Injury
Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery and Involving the Whole Person
In my experience and through my ongoing brain injury recovery I have found that I needed to involve every facet of my being. I have needed to involve my mind, body, spirit, soul and emotions in my process and journey. To Achieve My Hopes and Dreams During the past 54 years; since my traumatic … [Read More...]
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Second Chance to Live and Creating Our New Normal
On September 1, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “Understanding Invisible Disabilities, Acceptance and Creating a New Normal after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Staff in York, Pennsylvania. Here is a link to an outline of the presentation, Owning … [Read More...]
Acceptance and Creating a New Normal Zoom Presentation with Rehab Without Walls
On August 9, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of, Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities “Acceptance and Creating a New Normal” through Zoom to Rehab Without Walls in High Point, North Carolina. Here is a link to the outline of the presentation: “Understanding the Impact of … [Read More...]
Acceptance and Creating a New Normal Zoom Presentation to Brooks Rehabilitation Clubhouse
On August 6, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities — Acceptance and Creating a New Normal” through Zoom to Brooks Rehabilitation Clubhouse, in Jacksonville, Florida. Here is a link to the outline of the presentation: “Understanding the Impact … [Read More...]
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury
Life after Brain Injury and Finding a New Normal Zoom Presentation and Penn Medicine
On July 26, 2021, I will be speaking on the topics of, "Finding Purpose after Brain Injury" and "Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities -- Acceptance and Discovering a New Normal” through Zoom to the, Penn Medicine -- Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group in Philadelphia, … [Read More...]
“Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” Keynote Presentation and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
On July 21, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” through Zoom to University of North Carolina Family Support Program in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Here is a link to the outline of the of the presentation: “Finding Purpose after Brain injury Zoom … [Read More...]
“Defining and Creating My New Normal” Zoom Presentation and the Adapt Clubhouse
On June 16, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “I Am More than My Brain Injury — Defining and Creating My New Normal” through Zoom to the members of the Brain Injury Services -- Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, Virginia. Click on the link for an outline of the program. “I Am More than My … [Read More...]
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
On April 2, 2021, I have been asked to present "Finding Purpose after Brain Injury" to the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts in Pittsfield, Massachusetts via Zoom. Click on the link to view presentation. "Finding Purpose after Brain Injury Zoom Presentation" To access the resources … [Read More...]
Fulfilling Dreams after Brain Injury
Second Chance to Live Video Playlist and the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association Video Resources
Second Chance to Live 429 Video Presentations Playlist and the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association video resources Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association Videos Click on the link and scroll down. Second Chance to Live Video Presentation Playlist Click on the desired video … [Read More...]
Consider the Spark of Your Greatness after Experiencing a Brain Injury
Living with a brain injury and an invisible disability can leave us feeling stuck. Stuck like a mouse in a box. Consider the Spark It only takes one thought to spark a fire to set us free from the "box". Living with a brain Injury and an invisible disability can lead us to believe that we are … [Read More...]
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and the Beechwood Neuro Rehab Community
On March 23, 2021, I will be speaking to the topic of, “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury and Stroke” Zoom Presentation” to the members, staff and providers (through a simulcast) of the Beechwood NeuroRehab Community-Integrated Brain Injury Specialty Programs in … [Read More...]
Living with a Brain Injury,The Wizard of Oz and Looking Behind the Curtain
Last night while surfing through television channels I came across a classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. The movie reminded me of my experience of living with a brain Injury and an invisible disability. When I saw the movie title, I was reminded of an article that I had written in July of 2007. An … [Read More...]
How to Stop Feeling Helpless after Brain Injury
Challenged by Family and Friends after Our Brain Injuries Video Presentation
When I began to confront my own denial after my brain injury, I found myself challenged by family and friends with the message of “its”: “It’s just up in your head and if you just…then you would not be impacted by your brain injury”. What was becoming apparent to me, was resisted by what could … [Read More...]
“I Am More than My Brain Injury” Zoom Presentation and the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina
On May 27, 2021 I have been asked to offer my Zoom Presentation, "I am More than My Brain Injury" to the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina. To view an outline of the presentation, please click on the below link. "I Am More than My Brain Injury" Zoom Presentation and the Brain Injury … [Read More...]
Challenged by Family and Friends after Our Brain Injuries
To watch and listen to a video presentation of this article, click on this link. Challenged by Family and Friends after Our Brain Injuries Video Presentation When I began to confront my own denial after my brain injury, I found myself challenged by family and friends with the message of … [Read More...]
Finding a Way that Worked for Me after My Traumatic Brain Injury Video Presentation
In my experience, finding my way after my traumatic brain injury took a lot of time, trial and error. Nevertheless, I am thankful for the grace of God on my life and that I did not give up on my search. My name is Craig J. Phillips and I sustained an open skull fracture in 1967, at the age of … [Read More...]
Relationships following a Brain Injury
Having and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships after a Brain Injury Video Presentation
Having and maintaining friendships after our brain injury can leave us feeling baffled. For some reason friendships and relationships change. These changes leave us frustrated and feeling alone. Because of our frustration and feeling alone, accepting what we don’t understand can leave us feeling … [Read More...]
Having and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships after a Brain Injury
Having and maintaining friendships and relationships after our brain injury can leave us feeling baffled. For some reason friendships and relationships change. These changes leave us frustrated and feeling alone. Because of our frustration and feeling alone, accepting what we don't understand can … [Read More...]
Being Mistreated by Someone Close to Us after a Brain Injury
Several days ago I received a comment in response to my article, Discovering Our Super Power after a Traumatic Brain Injury. The individual shared that they were frustrated with being shamed and blamed by someone close to them after their brain injury. Someone who is close to them who shames and … [Read More...]
Strategies that Help when Dealing with Difficult People
In life interacting with people is unavoidable. Along the way, we may encounter difficult people. In today's article, I would like to share several strategies. Strategies that I have learned to use when dealing with difficult people. Strategies that help me to find serenity in the midst of … [Read More...]
Overcoming Bullying after Brain Injury
Solutions When Dealing with Difficult People and Bullies
In my experience living with the impact of a brain injury and an invisible disability I needed to develop solutions when dealing with difficult people and bullies. Over the past several days I wrote and published a 2 Part article. Brain Injury, Vulnerabilities, Bullying and Intimidation. Here … [Read More...]
Freedom From Feeling Excluded Part 2 Video Presentation
Several days ago I created the video presentation of Freedom From Feeling Excluded Part 1. In today's article I will offer Part 2 of the video presentation of Freedom from Feeling Excluded. In the event that the information that I share in this 2 part video presentation helps you, please let me … [Read More...]
Freedom From Feeling Excluded Part 1 Video Presentation
Several days ago I wrote and published a 2 part article, Freedom From Feeling Excluded. I published this article in 2 parts to make reading the article more manageable. In today's article, I am going to present Part 1 of the article in video format. I create video presentations of my articles to … [Read More...]
Beyond Feeling Excluded — Are You Being Bullied by a Individual or Group?
Recently I wrote a 2 part article series, Freedom from Feeling Excluded. I would invite you to read both parts of this article as I explain how to exclusion takes place, through the use of labels, stereotypes and stigmatization and "boxes". If you have not already read the 2 Part articles, I would … [Read More...]
Celebrating Success Following Brain Injury
Why and What Might Have Been because of a Traumatic Brain Injury Video Presentation
Introduction to the Article Recently a friend asked a question that many of us, who have experienced a traumatic brain injury, have asked at some point in time. “Have you ever thought about why and what might have been?” “What might have been if you had not experienced a brain injury?”. I thought … [Read more]
Living with a Brain Injury and Ingredients for Success
Living with a brain injury changes many things in our lives. The good news is that these changes do not have to limit us. Instead, we can use ingredients to create success. Create success, to create a good life, despite the changes in our lives. Ingredients for Success Hard work or … [Read more]
Looking at Success in a Different Way after a Brain Injury Video Presentation
Several days ago I wrote and published the article, Looking at Success in a Different Way after Brain Injury. Today, I created a video presentation of the article to share the information with individuals who learn through watching and listening. Below is a brief introduction to the … [Read more]
Looking at Success in a Different Way after a Brain Injury
To watch and listen to a video presentation of the article, click on this link: Looking at Success in a Different Way after a Brain Injury Video Presentation. Succeeding after a brain injury can seem out of reach. But instead of being discouraged we can do something different. We can begin to … [Read more]
Brain Injury Recovery — An Ongoing Process
Empowering Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery Process Poster
This is the 20th Poster that I have created for Second Chance to Live, Empowering Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery Process Poster. I thought I would share the poster with you. What I need to remember is that I have more power than I may realize. More power to succeed in my life. By using our … [Read More...]
Although You May Feel Stuck at Times, Don’t Give Up!
To listen to and watch the video presentation of the article, click on this link: Although You May Feel Stuck at Times, Don’t Give Up! Video Presentation In life, my friend, we may feel stuck. We may feel stuck because of what does not make sense. Make sense to us. Consequently, we may want … [Read More...]
Brain Injury Recovery, Second Chance to Live, and Celebrating 1800 Articles
This article marks the 1800th article that I have written for Second Chance to Live since February 6, 2007. Back Story My name is Craig J. Phillips. I was in an automobile accident with my Dad, Mom and Brother when I was 10 years old in 1967. I sustained an open skull fracture with right … [Read More...]
Baffled, Puzzled and Confused in Relationships after Brain Injury
Understanding relationships after brain injury can be baffling and confusing. What once seemed understandable now has missing pieces. Missing pieces that leave us feeling puzzled in our interactions with other people and ourselves. Missing pieces that leave us feeling alone. Alone, isolated and … [Read More...]
Peer Support after Brain Injury — We Are Not Alone
Empowering the Individual, Not the Brain Injury
Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live my friend. I am happy to have you around my table. Thank you. Following a brain injury, once external wounds have healed; individuals can feel helpless. What was once familiar becomes foreign. Living with what is foreign can leave the individual … [Read More...]
Global Brain Injury Peer Support Network — Empowering the Individual, Not the Brain Injury
The Global Brain Injury Peer Support Network serves individuals globally. Serving Individuals in the United States, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia, China, Hong Kong, India, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands … [Read More...]
Article Resources for Living after a Brain Injury
As I have shared in a recent article, I redesigned Second Chance to Live in my desire to make information more accessible to my readers. In working this re-design I made the titles of my article categories more descriptive. The below category titles, when clicked upon will open a list of articles … [Read More...]
Second Chance to Live and the North American Brain Injury Society 2015 Conference on Brain Injury
In April 2015 I had the privilege and honor of being invited to attend the 12th Annual NABIS Conference on Brain Injury to be held in San Antonio, Texas by David Seaton of LiveOak Living Community. Chas Haynes of NABIS was kind enough to waive the conference fee so that I could attend the … [Read More...]
Finding and Knowing Peace After Brain Injury
Do I want to be right or Do I want to be happy? Video Presentation
Several days ago I wrote Do I want to be right or Do I want to be happy? Today I would like to share the article with you in video format. I create video presentations of my articles to make the information available to individuals who learn through listening and watching. I wrote this article to … [Read More...]
Moving From Fear to Faith — Solutions
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a day of workshops. One of the workshops title was, Moving from Fear to Faith. During the introduction by the work shop leader and in subsequent discussion some great points were shared. Several of the ones that stood out to me were: Faith is a … [Read More...]
What Helps me to Overcome Anxiety
When I am anxious about some thing I have found that it helps me to write it down. Once I have written on a piece of paper what I an anxious about, I need to ask myself several questions. Am I powerless over the issue that I am feeling anxious about at the present time? If the answer is yes, I … [Read More...]
Trading Frustration for Serenity Video Presentation
Yesterday, I published this article. Today I will make a video presentation of the article for individuals who learn through watching and listening. Below is a brief excerpt from the article. I would encourage you to listen to the complete article, as I share some awareness’s. Here is the … [Read More...]
