ABSTRACT
The author’s memory loss continues to lead a huge change in her everyday life. This is especially true for communication and understanding, as it does for many with TBI. However, her memory and small mental clipboard are continuing to grow. She is becoming more optimistic that there is a brighter light somewhere on this path she is trekking. This year is about self-discovery.
She finds she is appreciating the value of her life and that it is worth living. She found that causes of PTG (post-traumatic growth) fall into three categories. They are: (1) feeling stronger and revealing previously unknown hidden strengths and abilities. This positively changes self-concept and confidence to face new encounters; (2) strengthening good relationships, which reflects a finding of who their true friends are after experiencing the trauma; and (3) philosophies and priorities are altered to prioritize relationships and living for the moment. Her emotions are more stable. Having a renewed appreciation of life and feeling more self-reliant, she begins to connect herself socially through group membership, common experience and personal contact.
