Introduction
Sometimes what we need most in recovery isn’t a list of tasks or goals — but a mindset that helps us believe we still have something to give and receive.
The “I CAN” Pillars were born out of my own journey through brain injury and reflect what helped me begin again when everything felt impossible.
Objective
To share the principles that helped me pursue dreams once deemed impossible — and to encourage you to believe that you CAN. You can reclaim purpose, hope, and healing in your own brain injury recovery journey.
My Brain Injury Journey
In 1967 at age 10, I experienced a life-altering traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident — including a fractured skull, brain stem damage, coma, and broken femur.
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Rehabilitation: I had to teach myself how to walk, talk, read, write, and speak again.
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Education: It took 10 years to earn my B.A. and 3.5 more years for my master’s across multiple colleges.
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Employment: After being fired from several jobs and declared “unemployable” by Vocational Rehabilitation, I was finally approved for SSDI on my third application.
My journey illustrates the resilience after brain injury that lives in all of us.
Empowering Reminders for Brain Injury Survivors
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You are not your brain injury or diagnosis.
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You are not your limitations or what society labels you.
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Your injury was an event — not your identity.
Your injury was an event — not your identity. Creating emotional safety is key to believing “I CAN.” For survivors, trauma-informed care matters in brain injury recovery, because it helps lay the foundation for self-trust, empowerment, and long-term healing.
Grieving and Growing Through the Recovery Process
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It’s okay to grieve — but don’t stay stuck there.
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We must move through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and into acceptance.
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Acceptance leads to action.
“You were born to win… but must plan, prepare, and expect to win.” Zig Ziglar
Don’t Give Up – You CAN
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You are capable.
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Your life experience is your training ground.
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What works for others may not work for you — and that’s okay.
“Research your own experience. Absorb what is useful. Add your own.” Bruce Lee
The Nine Pillars of “I CAN” in Brain Injury Recovery
This framework provides real-life tools for those navigating invisible disabilities and the challenges of an ongoing recovery process.
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Hard Work – Stay focused and consistent.
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Commitment – Stay loyal to your recovery goals.
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Determination – Keep going, no matter the setbacks.
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Drive – Fuel your healing from within.
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Discipline – Build structure through practice.
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Fortitude – Stand firm when others misunderstand you.
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Persistence – Get back up after every fall.
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Tenacity – Explore new ways forward.
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Courage – Take action even when fear is present.
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Albert Einstein
Applying the Nine Pillars in Daily Life
These aren’t just motivational phrases — they’re recovery tools for daily living:
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Hard Work builds endurance.
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Commitment keeps dreams alive.
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Determination helps you bounce back.
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Drive powers momentum.
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Discipline builds healthy routines.
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Fortitude holds you together when support is lacking.
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Persistence proves failure is not falling — it’s staying down.
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Tenacity gives rise to new possibilities.
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Courage moves you forward even when afraid.
See Your Goals as Training Camps
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Set your intention.
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Own your journey.
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Celebrate progress, not perfection.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu
Getting Unstuck from “Two Days Before”
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Many brain injury survivors feel stuck focusing on who they were before the injury.
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Real recovery begins by focusing on what’s possible today.
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The key is to emphasize solutions — not just symptoms.
“Everyone is a genius… But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree…” Albert Einstein
The Power of “I CAN” in My Brain Injury Recovery Process
This is what I’ve learned in my lived experience with brain injury:
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I CAN move beyond “two days before.”
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I CAN live into “two days later.”
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I CAN defy limiting predictions.
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I CAN shape my own path forward.
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I CAN explore my creative potential.
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I CAN create hope — one day at a time.
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I CAN set and reach goals — one step at a time.
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I CAN focus on what I CAN do.
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I CAN ask, “Why not me?” instead of “Why me?”
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I CAN see my life through the lens of what is, not what isn’t.
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I CAN discover and apply what works for me.
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I CAN use my gifts, talents, and purpose.
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I CAN surpass expectations with effort and grace.
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I CAN inspire others through authenticity.
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I CAN build recovery one skill — and one choice — at a time.
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I CAN run my own race.
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I CAN trust the process, do the footwork, and let go of results.
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I CAN grow where I am planted.
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I CAN build something meaningful from the life I’ve been given.
“Regardless of your lot in life, you can build something beautiful on it.” Zig Ziglar
Closing Reflection
You are not defined by what others say about you.
You are empowered by what you believe you CAN do in your traumatic brain injury recovery.
“Believe in yourself. Go after your dreams. Don’t let anyone put you in a box.” Daya
Let the message of “I CAN” guide your steps — one decision, one day, one breakthrough at a time.
More Brain Injury Recovery Tools and Resources
If you’re looking for more tools, articles, and presentations to support your journey, visit my Brain Injury Recovery Resources page.
Written by Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA — Founder of Second Chance to Live, a website created to empower brain injury survivors and those living with invisible disabilities.
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