Meet Nicole (Niki)! Niki was introduced to the LoveYourBrain community just after the 1 year anniversary of experiencing a TBI. Since then, Niki has completed three in-person LoveYourBrain Yoga series, attended a LoveYourBrain Retreat, and participated in two LoveYourBrain Mindset Online programs during the pandemic.
What gives you hope during the journey of healing after a brain injury?
I must say, that I think I was pretty lucky to have the medical support staff that I had. My neurologist team and rehab therapist were always patient with me and answered any questions that I had about my injury. They became very instrumental in providing education about TBI not only for my own understanding but also shared with me ways to help explain to other people. I can’t say that it wasn’t without its challenges. But, with my medical team’s support, I felt empowered to heal, even if it meant being unpopular with others - especially after going back into the workplace part-time. So, what gave me hope was my medical team. Now, what gives me hope is the sense of empowerment that I received from my medical team. While I may not have to visit them every week anymore, that feeling still dwells within my spirit. I know that as long as I am empowered to take control of my healing process and advocate for myself that my journey will be okay.
What’s an action someone in your life has taken to give hope or create positive change?
I love tea and all of my friends know this. One of my friends - an herbalist - created a tea just for me to help me with relaxation. She used it as a catalyst for conversation, during tea time, to chat about TBI with me and our other friends so that they could better understand what was happening with me.
What’s something you value about LoveYourBrain?
I am so grateful to the LoveYourBrain community. The way that the yoga sessions are scheduled with the yoga and the discussion at the end is so valuable. I had no idea what to truly expect during my first session. Participating turned out to be one of the biggest blessings for me because it allowed me to see a reflection of myself in other members who were on their journey to healing. I finally felt like I had a place where people fully understood me and I didn’t have to exert extra energy to explain. LoveYourBrain has also helped me to understand the true essence of mindfulness, intention, and resilience. Mindfulness, in particular, has been great for me as I have learned to take the time I need to slow down and acknowledge what’s going on in life. I have learned to be more present with the smallest things and not just the big in your face kind of moments. Being more mindful has led me to be more kind and compassionate toward others. Mindfulness, intention, and resilience together have led me to self-forgiveness! That’s what I value about LoveYourBrain and I am full of gratitude for it.
How does Vulnerability show up for you?
Remember, that sense of empowerment that I felt? Well, being empowered throughout my healing has helped me with being more vulnerable when I need to. I am no longer afraid to share what’s going on with my health and I do not feel guilty about asking for what I need (or what I don’t need) to help me heal. Without vulnerability, I don’t think that I would be such an advocate for my healing process.