The phrase “knowledge is power” is commonly used to describe many situations, but it is especially true when it comes to brain injury. Larry and I used the phrase “knowledge is power” multiple times in our book, Brain Injury Survivor’s Guide.
As a brain injury survivor after my anoxic brain injury, I began to realize I could have power over most situations as long as I had all the facts. By applying the appropriate compensatory strategy to a particular situation, I can accomplish the task and/or deal with any stress associated with it. I endured many miserable incidences prior to recognizing that “knowledge is power” when it comes to living with brain injury.
Probably the thing that stresses me the most is when I have to deal with our finances. Recently, Larry asked me to go to one bank to withdraw money from the ATM and take a portion of the cash to another bank for deposit. That is not a big deal for most people. I can handle it fine too as long as I prepare my thoughts ahead of time and then write down the steps I will take to accomplish what I set out to do.
I was able to complete the task without incident – except for having to turn around at the end of the first street. I had forgotten the debit card which I needed to perform the first step on my list. Thank goodness I was going over the steps in my head as I drove and realized I was going to need that card. While it’s true “normal” people may forget their card as well, I doubt they would actually worry all the way to the bank that they might do something wrong that would end up costing them money. By the way, credit cards and debit cards are sometimes preferable to using cash for someone with a brain injury. It is necessary to double check the receipt, but no need to count money.
I felt relieved on my way home from the errand and was reminded that I can do such things as long as I have prepared in advance because “knowledge is power”. It should not have been such a big deal. I know I am capable, but can’t help but feel stressed when I’m dealing with our finances or anything else that holds such importance.
There is a wealth of knowledge on the internet, but be sure you can trust the source. Just like TV and newspapers, you can’t believe everything you hear or read on the internet. I’ve seen many false statements on the internet about brain injury. Some were even on doctor or lawyer sites. Someone can be very intelligent with have numerous degrees and still not know the impact of an acquired brain injury. Many times they just hire someone to create the site for them and don't provide the information themselves. Brain Injury Online and Brain Injury Survivor’s Guide will lead you to many sources you can trust. Gain knowledge and then have power.
As a brain injury survivor after my anoxic brain injury, I began to realize I could have power over most situations as long as I had all the facts. By applying the appropriate compensatory strategy to a particular situation, I can accomplish the task and/or deal with any stress associated with it. I endured many miserable incidences prior to recognizing that “knowledge is power” when it comes to living with brain injury.
Probably the thing that stresses me the most is when I have to deal with our finances. Recently, Larry asked me to go to one bank to withdraw money from the ATM and take a portion of the cash to another bank for deposit. That is not a big deal for most people. I can handle it fine too as long as I prepare my thoughts ahead of time and then write down the steps I will take to accomplish what I set out to do.
I was able to complete the task without incident – except for having to turn around at the end of the first street. I had forgotten the debit card which I needed to perform the first step on my list. Thank goodness I was going over the steps in my head as I drove and realized I was going to need that card. While it’s true “normal” people may forget their card as well, I doubt they would actually worry all the way to the bank that they might do something wrong that would end up costing them money. By the way, credit cards and debit cards are sometimes preferable to using cash for someone with a brain injury. It is necessary to double check the receipt, but no need to count money.
I felt relieved on my way home from the errand and was reminded that I can do such things as long as I have prepared in advance because “knowledge is power”. It should not have been such a big deal. I know I am capable, but can’t help but feel stressed when I’m dealing with our finances or anything else that holds such importance.
There is a wealth of knowledge on the internet, but be sure you can trust the source. Just like TV and newspapers, you can’t believe everything you hear or read on the internet. I’ve seen many false statements on the internet about brain injury. Some were even on doctor or lawyer sites. Someone can be very intelligent with have numerous degrees and still not know the impact of an acquired brain injury. Many times they just hire someone to create the site for them and don't provide the information themselves. Brain Injury Online and Brain Injury Survivor’s Guide will lead you to many sources you can trust. Gain knowledge and then have power.
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