On February 6, 2007, after 7 years of searching to find a way to use my gifts, talents and abilities; at the encouragement of a friend, I created Second Chance to Live. You may read the complete back story of Second Chance to Live by clicking on this link: Comprehensive History of Second Chance to Live
Since creating Second Chance to Live I have created resources to encourage holistic healing and hope. I have written 2071 articles, created 450 video presentations, written 12 e Books, designed 21 power point presentations, 41 Posters and spoken 105 times via zoom throughout the United States.
Yesterday, I received a great comment with several excellent questions. I answered those questions and would like to share the answers with you. As with the individual who asked the questions, you may also feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available on Second Chance to Live. As a result, you may also be asking the question, “Where do I start to begin?”
“Where do I start to benefit from the resources that are available?”
With regard to this question as where to start, I would suggest my article. My Autobiography in Bullet Points. To access the article, click on this link: My Autobiography in Bullet Points. This article and the contents could be a road map to answering questions that may come to mind. May come to mind and help you understand what you may be experiencing living with the impact of your brain injury. What I share through my articles, video presentations, e books, zoom presentations and posters is what I have learned. Learned through living with the impact of my brain injury and an invisible disability for now 55 years.
Accepting Ourselves and Living in Hope
Reading through this article; a little at a time and at your own pace, will give you insight into my process and journey. My experience may give you insight into your process and journey living with the impact of your brain injury. Reading and reviewing the resources found may give you hope.
The Power of Identification
In my experience, I believe that there is tremendous power in identification. As we are able to identify with others we find the freedom to come out of the shadows of isolation. In the process, we also find the freedom to break free from feelings of alienation from both ourselves and other people.
Second Chance to Live is a Resource for Ongoing Brain Injury
As mentioned in response to the question I shared that Second Chance to Live is meant to be visited as a resource. A resource of encouragement to not give up and to create; with a loving God’s help and guidance. To create hope in our lives, a little at a time, one day at a time. With this in mind, I need to remember that brain injury recovery is more about a marathon and nothing like a sprint. One step at a time.
Inch by inch, life’s a cinch, yard by yard, its very hard, and Slow and Steady wins the race.
A Guide and Strategy
As you read through the article, My Autobiography in Bullet Points, you will notice that there are links to various resources. Resource that I have created during the past 16 years. By clicking on those links, the resources will open for you. When the resources open for you, feel free to spend as much time as you would like on each resource.
There is no need to rush.
Another Way to Access Resources
If you would like you can also access each of my resources through this link: Second Chance to Live Resources for Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery. As with my article; My Autobiography in Bullet Points, click on the link and scroll down the page to access each of the resources.
Video Resources
If you learn better through watching and listening; instead of reading, I have created a playlist of 449 video presentations. Video presentations of a select group of the articles that I have written for Second Chance to Live. See this link to access the playlist of video presentations: Navigating Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury 449 Video Presentations Playlist
Don’t Compare Yourself to Anyone
Again, please take the process a little at a time, and don’t compare yourself to anyone. Comparing ourselves to other people only results in a sense of alienation and isolation. Alienation from ourselves and other people. When we compare ourselves to others we either feel more than or less than, instead of just being enough. In my experience, nothing good comes from comparing.
What I need to remember is to run my own race and stay in my own lane. I need to build on my own parcel of life and not judge my progress based on what I see other people building.
The Importance to Inviting a Loving God each Day
As to the second question, I invite a loving God into my life each day. He alone has given me guidance over the past 16 years. When I get up each morning I pray meditate, journal and ask God to lead, guide and direct my path to be of service. I then go about my day and follow the ideas that come into my mind and heart. Without God’s love and guidance I could never have been of service through Second Chance to Live.
On Loan from God
I believe our gifts, talents and abilities are on loan from God. We just get to go along for the ride. Gifts, talents and abilities given in and through us, as we let Him. This too is a one day at a time process.
Don’t Give Up!
“Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb trees, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Albert Einstein
“If you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams and endeavor the live the life you have imagined…you will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau
“Purpose is about a process and a journey, not a destination. I cannot know until I know and knowing just takes what it takes. There are no “silver bullets” or “magic potions”. By accepting that reality, I am given the gift of knowing by not giving up. I am given the gift of knowing by trusting the process, a loving God and myself.” Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA
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