TBI Survivor Blog Series 2022 - Finding Joy
Finding Joy
There was a time in my life, post-concussion when JOY was only a mirage.
In fact, when you are crippled with physical discomforts and emotional distress JOY isn’t even on your radar.
You are only surviving.
You are wondering when life will be better.
You are wondering if one day you will be open to embracing life once again.
It took me many years to get out of the funk, to be free of paralyzing fears/pains and cognitive impairments after having a tragic cycling accident that resulted in a mild concussion.
It took me lots of courage, determination, trust, and compassion to reinvent myself.
Once I made steady improvements I started to wonder how to invite JOY into my life.
One day I decided to create a JOY LIST.
Self-inquiry process: What can bring me JOY now?
It wasn’t an easy task.
I really had to search and brainstorm ideas about this topic.
What brought me JOY pre-injury wasn’t very helpful and accessible to me at this point.
I wanted to find simple and small moments of JOY I would be able to create and recreate by myself.
Here are some of the things that I came up with:
* Listening to music * Green tea + dark chocolate * Laying down in the dark * Silence * Nature walks * Phone calls with a loved one * Art exploration * Reading a book * Wearing a comfy sweater * Being held * Taking care of my plants * Sunshine on my face * A glass of wine * Walking on the beach * Taking pictures * Being in the presence of beauty
JOY and I are fabulous friends now ~ I am so grateful I have found it again.
I am curious.
What is something that brings you JOY?
For my TBI friends. How are you embracing your life? Is JOY part of the story?
*With the holiday season fast approaching it is sometimes with mixed feelings that we are anticipating the festive celebrations. I encourage you to listen to yourself and seek what you need. You are allowed to create something new this year. My wish for you is to invite and create some joyful moments today, tomorrow and onward.
Let’s be open to miracles.
France Theriault
*You can follow me on Instagram at Standingbyyourside65 where I share stories, sharing insights about living a beautiful life & meaningful life 9 years after having a Traumatic Brain Injury from a cycling accident.
