It’s hard to believe that just a little over 2 years ago, to ‘walk’ into the grocery store from the parking lot would take me about 45 minutes, and when I entered inside the store doors, I was panting so hard you would think I just ran a marathon.
The reality was, it felt like a marathon and to make that kind of a ‘trek’ took all my effort, my focus, determination and grit to place one foot in front of the other and motor my way in.
See, I have been living with a severe traumatic brain injury for 3o years, only we didn’t know it.
A few years ago, I lost my mobility, speech, many memories, many day to day motor skills and finer functions of my internal organs. Taking that trek into the grocery store, where the lights, sounds, smells, movements and ever changing positions of placement of things on the shelves, would overwhelm my brain. To ‘handle’ the sensory input, things didn’t work right.
With the internet, this time around (it was my 3rd time with lack of mobility and motor functions)- I was able to figure out that I had a brain injury. A very bad one. (How it went so long without knowing it is a different story. In fact, I’m writing a full book about it).
Finally understanding what the cause of my mobility issues was, I then found the right kind of doctors to reprogram my brain. Literally.
Two years ago, I was slowly regaining use of my ‘parts’ again, but every day took courage. Focus. Determination.
Today, I just walked a 7 mile hike.
The skilled hikers I trekked with this time did not even know I had a brain injury. There’s still many things I have to prepare for when taking on new adventures, and those things help my brain handle better the things that still can overload my senses.
What really hit me out on the trails was the drastic change of my abilities in these past few years. To do this kind of a hike was pretty powerful and a testimony to the importance of ‘going for it no matter what.’
I have always loved to walk. When I was young I would always go hike in the hills and forest. I’ve never actually ‘hiked’ with a group of people though. Last week I decided to just go do it.
These past 30+ years have been filled with opportunities to give up. But I didn’t. It really started with a choice.
Even during the first two ‘season’s of my loss of mobility, without a correct diagnosis as to ‘why’ this stuff was happening… My choice was this: either succumb to what the doctors say (they said I had MS over and over… even though every test came back negative).. or overcome my circumstances by finding a different option.
My options of choice was between: give up- or do what ever it takes to be ‘normal’. Or in my case, my choice was to be better than normal.
I wanted to be 100% completely recovered, healthy, vibrant, strong, powerful and able to do what ever I put my mind to. This past year, I’m living that decision and it’s really cool.
Trust me. There were dark days. Many.
Many hours of prayer. Crying, frustration. Hurt, pain, discomfort.
I am so thankful to God that He put a vision in my head, and in my heart. He kept that vision alive. He revealed to me an image of myself that was at a healthy weight (I was 80 lbs overweight the 2nd time I lost my mobility). He showed me doing things I had never been able to do. He lit a flame in my heart that let me know THAT was what life could be. It was my WHAT IF.
What if you had the life YOU always wanted?
What would it look like?
What would it feel like?
What would you do if money and time we no object?
What is keeping you from living that life NOW?
You DESERVE to live an amazing life. You can HAVE IT. BUT…it takes a choice. YOUR CHOICE. Making a change to live the life you want can be scary. But, what if… there was someone there who has walked in your shoes to guide you? What if you had an advocate to cheer for you, champion you, kick you in the butt and hold you accountable to YOUR dreams when you need it.
If you knew that person existed.. and was willing to support you along your journey to a life filled with passion, achieving goals (no matter how big or small). Would you take action and reach out to connect with that person?
I hope so. For many, I’ve become that person. The door is open to you too.
What goals do you want to achieve?
What obstacles do you need to triumph over?
Are you ready to take action?
Connect with me. Let’s talk.
You CAN live your What if Dream. But it starts with you to make a choice to do so.
Here’s to talking with you soon!
Debbra
Filed under: Faith, leadership, Mindset, self development, Self Improvement 
