"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better." Henry David Thoreau Recently, I was asked to put together a program on “Change” to present to a brain injury support group. The individual inviting me to present, wrote: “You’ve made lots of changes in your life… you can use them to illustrate the importance of being … [Read More...]
Building Self-Esteem after Brain Injury
Living with a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability — How are You Defining Success? Video Presentation
Introduction As individual’s living with brain injuries, we can be led to believe that our lives no longer matter. That being successful is out of our reach. Reinforced This thinking and belief can be reinforced by many sources in society as we live. Live our lives with the impact of a brain … [Read More...]
Living with a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability — How are You Defining Success?
To watch and listen to a video presentation of this article, click on this link: Living with a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability — How are You Defining Success? Video Presentation Introduction As individual's living with brain injuries, we can be led to believe that our lives no … [Read More...]
Instead, We Can Create Our Own Genius Video Presentation
Yesterday, I wrote and published the article, "Instead, We can Create Our Own Genius". Today, I am going to create a video presentation of the article to share the information with visual and auditory learners. For individuals who would like to read the full article, click on this … [Read More...]
Instead, We Can Create Our Own Genius
To watch and listen to a video presentation of the article, click on this link: Instead, We Can Create Our Own Genius Video Presentation Living with limitations can leave you and me believing that we are stupid. But we do not have to fit into anyone's mold. Instead, we can create our own … [Read More...]
Creating Hope after Brain Injury
Creating Hope in Our Lives after Brain Injury with Scrabble Letters
Having Hope after Brain Injury Having hope or believing that we can have a part in the process of creating hope can be very difficult for individuals living with the impact of a brain injury. Through my recovery process, I discovered that my definition and expectations of hope clouded my ability … [Read More...]
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury Presentation and Stroke and the Seminole Spirit Brain Injury Support Group
On March 4, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Seminole Spirit Brain injury /Aphasia Support Group in Woodstock, Georgia via Zoom. To view an outline of the presentation, click on this … [Read More...]
Celebrating Second Chance to Live 15th Anniversary with Available Resources
Today marks the 15th Anniversary of Second Chance to Live. Second Chance to Live was created on February 6, 2007 at the encouragement of a friend. To access the Articles, e Books, Video Presentations, Slide Show Presentations, Posters and all the Resources created during the past 15 years, click … [Read More...]
The Clam, the Irritant and Building Something Beautiful in Our Lives
In the past several days I have been aggravated by several items. Last night, while speaking with my mentor what became apparent was that the aggravation (s) were a gift. Being tired, I decided to wait until this morning to begin to process what he shared with me. In the process of writing (sorting … [Read More...]
Self-Acceptance after Brain Injury
Second Chance to Live — Celebrating My 2000th Article
On August 11, 1967 I sustained an open skull fracture, with right frontal lobe damage and a severe brain bruise. On February 6, 2007 I created Second Chance to Live. Over the course of the past 15 years I have written articles to share encouragement and hope with the brain injury community and the … [Read More...]
Feeling Rejected, Excluded, Cliques and “The Breakfast Club” Movie
In 1985 I watched a movie, while at graduate school, The Breakfast Club. The movie was set as a comedy, however as I watched the movie the plot opened my eyes. Opened my Eyes to What I Experienced Opened my eyes to what I experienced while in high school. A "social" structure that identified … [Read More...]
“Acceptance and Creating Our New Normal after Brain injury and Stroke” Presentation and the Council on Brain Injury CoBI ReDiscover U Sessions
On February 14, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Acceptance and Creating Our New Normal after Brain injury and Stroke” to the Council on Brain Injury CoBI ReDiscoverU Sessions in Paoli, Pennsylvania through Zoom. To view an outline of this presentation, click on the below … [Read More...]
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury Presentation and the North Dakota Brain Injury Network
On January 26, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the North Dakota Brain Injury Network in Grand Forks, North Dakota through Zoom. To View an Outline of the Presentation, click on this link. Neuroplasticity, … [Read More...]
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke and the Brain Injury Association of Georgia
On May 16, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of Georgia in Cumming, Georgia through Zoom. To view an outline of the presentation, click on: Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke … [Read More...]
Living with Right Frontal Lobe Damage and a Guide to Living Our Purpose
Yesterday I published the article, Living with Right Frontal Lobe Damage and a Decision that Changed my Life. In today's article I will share what I discovered that helped to guide me to living my purpose. Living my purpose as an individual living with the impact of right frontal lobe … [Read More...]
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation and the Adventist Rehabilitation at Takoma Park
On February 17, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Adventist Rehabilitation at Takoma Park in Takoma Park, Maryland through Zoom. To View an Outline of the Presentation, click on this link. Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and … [Read More...]
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation and the Council on Brain Injury CoBI ReDiscoverU Sessions
On January 24, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain injury and Stroke” to the Council on Brain Injury CoBI ReDiscoverU Sessions in Paoli, Pennsylvania through Zoom. To View an Outline of the Presentation, click on this link. Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and … [Read More...]
Fulfilling Dreams after Brain Injury
Making Our Lives Magical One Day at a Time after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation and Encompass Impatient Rehabilitation Hospital
On February 16, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Making Our Lives Magical One Day at a Time after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Encompass Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital “Aim High Group” in York, Pennsylvania through Zoom. To view an outline of the presentation: Making Our … [Read More...]
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts and “The Journey, Healing Through Self Expression”
On Monday, September 20th I gave a presentation to the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts program, "The Journey, Healing Through Self Expression". The request was not to share this presentation with anyone until after the presentation. Tonight, I received the go ahead. To view the … [Read More...]
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...]
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
Feeling Rejected, Excluded, Cliques and “The Breakfast Club” Movie
In 1985 I watched a movie, while at graduate school, The Breakfast Club. The movie was set as a comedy, however as I watched the movie the plot opened my eyes. Opened my Eyes to What I Experienced Opened my eyes to what I experienced while in high school. A "social" structure that identified … [Read More...]
Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation to the Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada
On March 28, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation” to the Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada, in Reno, Nevada. through Zoom. To view an outline of the presentation, click on: Cultivating Healthy … [Read More...]
Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation
I am available to give this presentation to your group, association, hospital, clubhouse or in any other venue. Click on link to view outline. Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke present a set of … [Read More...]
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...]
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
Make Your Life Magical after Brain Injury Poster
Click on the poster to ENLARGE Please feel free to share these posters with anyone to whom you believe could benefit. Make your Life Magical One day at a time! To view my 37 posters, click on this link: A Selection of 37 Posters Created to Inspire You and Me with Hope and Empowerment … [Read more]
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]
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...]
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