Dear Hug Your Head Community,
Happy New Year and welcome to 2024! As we turn the page to a new chapter, it’s a time to embrace the fresh start and endless possibilities that a new year brings. We stand at the threshold of another year, filled with hope and the promise of growth.
Reflecting on the past year, we’ve seen incredible strength, resilience, and unity within our community. Your stories and experiences have not only inspired us but have also paved the way for new understandings and approaches in our journey together. As we look back, we’re filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the milestones achieved.
Now, as we step into 2024, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. This year, we’re committed to building on our past successes, learning from our challenges, and embracing every opportunity for growth and healing. Whether you’re continuing your journey with TBI, supporting a loved one, or contributing to our community, your role is vital in shaping what lies ahead.
Let’s embark on this new year with open hearts and minds, ready to support each other and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Together, we’ll navigate the ups and downs, always moving towards a future filled with hope and resilience.
Here’s to a year of new beginnings, new achievements, and new reasons to celebrate our collective strength and resilience.
Foundation Spotlight: Year Ahead
As we step into the promising year of 2024, the Hug Your Head Foundation is excited to unveil some of the key initiatives and goals we have set for the year ahead. Our commitment to supporting the TBI community continues to be our guiding star, and this year, we’re introducing new ways to connect, learn, and grow together.
Weekly Video Series in Our Facebook Group:
One of the most exciting updates for this year is the launch of a weekly video series in our Facebook group, “Hug Your Head Foundation, Inc. – Learn To Live With TBI.” These videos, hosted by myself, will cover a wide range of topics, from coping strategies and rehabilitation tips to inspiring stories and the latest research in TBI care. This series aims to provide valuable insights, practical advice, and a deeper sense of connection within our community.
Expanding Our Reach and Resources:
In addition to the video series, we’re also focusing on expanding our resources and outreach. This includes enhancing our 1:1 coaching services, developing more comprehensive online courses, and creating informative content that addresses the diverse needs of TBI survivors and their families.
Engaging with the Community:
We believe that the strength of our foundation lies in the active participation and feedback of our community. This year, we’re looking to engage more deeply with you all, whether it’s through interactive sessions in our Facebook group, community events, or direct feedback on our services and resources.
Looking Forward:
As we navigate the year ahead, our focus will be on not just maintaining but enhancing the quality and accessibility of our support to the TBI community. We’re dedicated to creating a space where everyone affected by TBI can find the help, support, and information they need.
Coping Corner: Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals Post-TBI
Navigating life after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves adapting to new realities and redefining personal goals. Setting realistic and achievable goals is a crucial step in this journey. Here are some tips to help you set and achieve meaningful goals post-TBI:
- Start Small: Begin with small, manageable goals. This could be as simple as completing a daily task or engaging in a short walk. Small victories can build confidence and momentum.
- Be Specific: Vague goals can be overwhelming. Make your goals as specific as possible. Instead of saying, “I want to be more active,” set a goal like, “I will walk for 10 minutes every day.”
- Celebrate Progress: Every step forward is an achievement. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. This helps in building a positive mindset and acknowledges the effort you’re putting in.
- Adjust Expectations: It’s important to recognize that your abilities may have changed after a TBI. Set goals that are challenging yet achievable within your current capabilities.
- Create a Routine: Consistency can be very helpful. Try to incorporate your goals into a daily or weekly routine. This can make it easier to stay on track.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals. They can offer encouragement, help you stay accountable, and provide practical assistance.
- Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Recovery and adaptation take time. Be patient with yourself and understand that setbacks are a normal part of the process. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
- Re-evaluate Regularly: As you progress, take time to re-evaluate your goals. Adjust them as needed to ensure they remain relevant and attainable.
- Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on aspects of your life that you have control over. This can reduce feelings of helplessness and empower you to make positive changes.
- Visualize Success: Visualization can be a powerful tool. Imagine yourself achieving your goals. This can boost your motivation and help you stay focused on your objectives.
Success Stories: Triumphs of Resilience – Stephanie Rivard’s Journey
In our “Success Stories” this month, we’re honored to share the inspiring journey of Stephanie Rivard. In 1982, as a 17-year-old high school senior, Stephanie’s life changed dramatically following a major head injury from an automobile accident. Her story is a profound testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.
Stephanie’s ordeal began with a three-month coma after her car was broadsided by an eighteen-wheeler truck. Waking from the coma, she faced daunting challenges: she couldn’t walk or talk, her left arm was paralyzed, her left leg extremely weak, and she struggled with double vision. Despite these overwhelming obstacles, Stephanie embarked on a long and arduous journey of rehabilitation.
Throughout her 18 years of recovery, Stephanie’s faith played a crucial role. She developed a close relationship with God, which became her source of strength and solace. This spiritual connection helped her navigate the ups and downs of her rehabilitation, providing hope and resilience in the face of physical and emotional trials.
Stephanie’s progress, though gradual, was marked by small victories and significant milestones. Her ability to read remained intact, serving as a foundation for her to rebuild other skills. Despite the paralysis and weakness, she worked tirelessly to regain mobility and independence. Her journey was not just about physical recovery but also about rediscovering her place in the world with new perspectives and strengths.
Today, Stephanie’s story stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that with determination, faith, and support, overcoming even the greatest obstacles is possible. Her experience is a powerful reminder that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but also about finding light in the darkest moments.
Stephanie’s journey continues to inspire those facing their own battles, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Her story is a testament to the fact that with perseverance and faith, there is always a path forward.
Upcoming Events: Connect and Grow
As we step into the new year, the Hug Your Head Foundation is excited to announce a series of events designed to foster connection, growth, and learning within our community. One of the key highlights this January is an event that marks a significant milestone for us:
Live Video Session in Our Facebook Group:
Date and Time: Monday, January 8th 6:00PM AZ Time
Event: Our First Live Video Session
Location: Hug Your Head Foundation, Inc. – Learn To Live With TBI Facebook Group
Host: Lukas Karlsson, founder of the Hug Your Head Foundation
About the Event:
Join us for our very first live video session in the Facebook group. This event is a fantastic opportunity for members of our community to come together, interact, and gain insights into living with TBI. Lukas Karlsson will be hosting the session, sharing valuable information, personal experiences, and answering your questions.
What to Expect:
Interactive Discussion: A chance to engage directly with Lukas and other community members.
Valuable Insights: Tips and strategies for managing life with TBI, based on real-life experiences and professional knowledge.
Q&A Session: An open forum to ask questions and share your thoughts or experiences.
How to Join:
- Make sure you’re a member of our Facebook group, “Hug Your Head Foundation, Inc. – Learn To Live With TBI.”
- On January 8th, log into Facebook and join the live video at the scheduled time.
Feel free to participate in the discussion or simply listen in and gather insights.
Looking Ahead:
This live video session is just the beginning. We plan to host more of these interactive events throughout the year, covering various topics related to TBI and offering a platform for community support and learning.
Embracing 2024: A Closing Reflection
As we wrap up our first newsletter of the new year, it’s a time to look forward with renewed energy and optimism. 2024 stands before us not just as a new year, but as a canvas of possibilities, ready to be painted with our collective hopes, efforts, and achievements.
The Heart of Our Community:
Each one of you, with your unique experiences and perspectives, forms the heart of the Hug Your Head Foundation. Your involvement, whether through engaging in our Facebook group, participating in our events, or sharing your journey, enriches our community. We encourage you to continue being an active part of our growth and evolution.
A Year of Collective Strength:
In 2024, we’re focusing on harnessing our collective strength. Challenges may arise, but together, we have the resilience to overcome them. Let’s use this year to support each other in ways we never have before, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning.
Staying Connected:
Your voice is important to us. Stay connected through our social media channels and website, where we’ll be sharing regular updates, resources, and event information. Your participation and feedback help shape the direction of our foundation.
A Commitment to Impact:
This year, let’s commit to making a positive impact, not only in our own lives but in the lives of others in our community. Every small action, every word of support, and every shared story adds up to a significant difference.
Looking Ahead with Hope:
As we move through 2024, let’s hold onto hope and the belief that together, we can face any challenge and celebrate every success. We’re excited to embark on this journey with you and see what we can achieve together.
Thank you for being a vital part of the Hug Your Head Foundation. Here’s to a year of hope, healing, and heartfelt connections!
