Traumatic Brain Injury and Courage

Hi Friends and welcome back to a place that always welcomes your presence. Recently, I have been meditating on a short but very profound quote:

Kites rise highest against the wind – not with it. Sir Winston Churchill

We as humans tend to filter our experiences through expectations. Those expectations may come from family members, loved ones, friends and from ourselves. Those expectations can become like a homing device that receives our time, energy and focus because we believe that they define our existence. Consequently, when we are confronted with adversity there is a tendency to think inside of the box through the eyes of those expectations.

When we think inside the box, we may lose hope because of the expectations that keep us staring at the inside of the box. We may have also invested ourselves emotionally, physically and spiritually by the confines of the box. As a result, we may feel betrayed because our disability does not fit into the plans of the box.

You may have a long-term disability that has — like my disability — provided ongoing challenges. You may be a soldier who has been impacted by a roadside bomb or an accident victim who has experienced a traumatic brain injury. You may be asking yourself, “Why Me?” As a result, you may be bitter and angry at the world, the war or at the person that led to your brain injury and disability.

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one, which has been opened for us. Helen Keller

When we encounter adversity in life, you and I are given a choice. We can perceive adversity as an adversary sent to undermine our best efforts or we can perceive adversity as a teacher provided to empower our destinies. In the event that we perceive adversity as a taskmaster or a nemesis, you and I may buy into the notion that our circumstances are meant for our harm. On the other hand, when we chose to believe that adversity is a gift provided to empower our process, we will be encouraged and motivated to look for solutions.

For many years I bought into the notion that I was like a man all dressed up with no where to go. I diligently prepared myself to be of service to others in physical education, nursing, emergency medicine, ministry, counseling and the funeral business. Nevertheless my efforts to apply my preparation appeared to be insufficient. I do not share my struggles with you to whine or complain, but to illustrate my experience. Please read My Journey thus Far. I am so glad that I did not give up on my process, on a loving God or on myself because my destiny is being revealed to me.

My friend, you are being prepared to fulfill your destiny. Your circumstances are not meant to keep you down, but to build you up. If you have a hard time believing that your traumatic brain injury and subsequent disability will cause your life to flourish I understand. I have been there too, as you understood though reading, My Journey thus Far. If you have a hard time believing any good can come out of your present circumstances, believe because I believe. More will be revealed. Trust me on this reality you valiant warrior.

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