My Story of Living With a Brain Injury

I am young adult living with the trials and triumphs as a result of a brain injury. This is my story.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Keep Your Eyes Open!!!!

The other day I was working out with my trainer at the gym when she presented me with a daunting task. She combined a series of "steps" like what you use for step aerobics until the "step" was about 14 inches and challenged to jump on top off it with both feet. A daunting task for several reasons!

I missed many times in a row trying to get on top of the step. I'd miss completely, or I'd get just one foot on top, or both feet would just brush the top. At first I thought I was missing due to fear, and I was a bit scared! Scared that I would fall off, fall to the ground, hit my back or something like that. But once my trainer paused and showed me exactly where I had to land, right in the middle of the step with both feet, I discovered the source of my problem. I was jumping with my eyes closed!

Once I focused on where I had to land and made sure to keep my eyes open I began to hit/stick the landing. Not each time, but it did happen! And I began to think of how it applies to life. That there are things I want to do, try, accomplish, etc but for whatever reason-fear, feeling overwhelmed, unsure, etc. I don't focus on it with my eyes open. I kind of wander through and hope that things will come together as I want them to.

Lately, when I set my eye on something, I next sit down and write down, step by step where it was I want to go, and how I want to get there. Trying my best to focus on just one thing at a time-not an easy task for me! But thinking it through, writing it down, focusing and keeping my eyes open has made a world of difference in seeing where I want to go and staying the course to get there.