Since being in a car accident in September, I haven’t been as active online as I learn what it’s like to recover from a concussion.
I’ve gotten to experience what physiotherapy is like – I assumed it would be relaxing (not quite) – and to be honest I have been in denial that I really did have a concussion and needed to adjust my behaviour and life accordingly.
The easier bits to accept were things I had already learned to modify as a parent and during pregnancies:
– altering my schedule at a moments’ notice
– listening to my body and trying to rest
– blocking things in my calendar, writing it down repeatedly and setting reminders
– reducing life admin, ignoring messes and saying no to lots of things
The harder parts have been:
– relearning how to lace and tie my son’s skates
– trying to ask a question during a business panel and forgetting my words in the middle of it in front of a crowd
– practicing mental arithmetic which is similar to my son’s Grade 2 school work, experiencing vertigo and getting used to doing daily physio ‘homework’
I have been forgetful, tire more easily, unable to multitask, lose patience with myself and get discouraged by setbacks which can happen at any time, forcing me to try again.
When I became a parent in 2016, I started to learn these things with each pregnancy over the years and every kid I have had is completely different, which has been a humble reminder to do what works in the moment and not to compare to my previous routines and abilities.
But having a concussion is a new experience for me and I must admit, it’s been harder for me to adjust my expectations and practice self-compassion.
My partner and three kids still love me, are kind, understanding and try their best to help but in our house the noise levels stay the same and life goes on, regardless of my current state!
So I am learning to ask for help (again), be kind to myself (again) and what the rest my body and mind currently need looks and feels like (again), versus what I may have previously needed.
There is always more to learn and a new level to get to.
Something I have done over the past four years which is completely unrelated to my posts, parent-friendly business activism, public speaking and family life is pottery.
I started off consulting for a local studio in 2019, helping them out throughout the pandemic and along the way, I ended up learning handbuilding, wheel throwing and the behind the scenes business operations of running a community space. I’ve taken courses and workshops across the city and am able to make basic mugs, bowls and vases.
So during these past few weeks, I’ve been working on projects at home, making clay pots with my kids and doing something that doesn’t involve screens.
Who knows how these pots they will turn out but for now, pottery is something unrelated to ‘productivity’ for me to be present and not overload my system too much.
Not posting for sympathy or pottery love, simply trying to articulate something I thought I had overcome but have not (yet).
I also met a lovely woman today who introduced herself to me at a café as she heard my story and had experienced a brain injury eight years ago.
She came over to my toddler and I during her work shift and asked how I was doing. She told me it will get better, remember to be kind to myself, that I’m doing well and she’s here to chat if I want to.
So nice to hear and important to remember. Concussions are serious, I am learning a lot about how the body heals and kind strangers can be found everywhere.
Thank you for reading!
*And of course, if you’ve experienced something similar and have healed from it or are in the process of healing, please send me a message as I am always open to speaking and supporting others.
Stay well everyone,
– Amy (+ Family) xx
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