Recovery is not a destination

‘Angelo’

I am frequently reminded of my young 'self-confidence', which surprised everyone at the time. It even took Mr Di Livio by surprise, as i called his first name to get his autograph, back in 1998. Still 13 years old, my close family and I were staying with my Uncle and Aunt, in Newcastle, and all had arranged to meet the Juventus squad ahead of their pre-season friendly against Newcastle. I was not a very outgoing/confident teenager, so slightly surprised myself too. The reason why I tell the story is just because I can reflect on it positively. If put in the situation, just do it. Believe in yourself, never be intimidated by anyone. Humans are all the same. 

When your brain has been injured, it takes time to recover, and it constantly has to work so much harder than ‘normal’ to do every task. Some tasks may seem easier than others, but all tasks are affected in some way. Find a solution. Human brains can be capable of solving any problem envisaged. Maintain this confidence and belief in your own ability. You can do anything, if you set your mind correctly.

It may take time, but be self-confident and believe. If logical, it is possible.

‘Recovery is not a destination, recovery is a journey’. Thank you Joanna Beckett, for providing me with the quote that i have kept stuck to my noticeboard for many years, and will keep long into the future.

Life is a journey too. None of us know our destination after life, therefore we cannot focus on it. Life is for us to live and experience the journey. ‘Traumatic Acquired Brain Injury’ included, but I am still on my journey. Yes, the injury is a major disruption, but everyone experiences different journeys of different kinds. Ensure that you experience your journey in a way you feel is correct, and fair to everyone (past and future inhabitants of Earth, included). This is why people are viewed as ‘greedy’ or ‘irresponsible’, if not acting fully sustainably. We must preserve what we can, in order that future generations can live and learn from what we know.

Everyone has a unique journey route, so I do not believe that any sport competition can possibly be 100% fair. Space evolves with time. It is impossible to compete fairly, one will always either be at advantage or be at some kind of disadvantage. This is why it is perhaps unfair to vilify ‘cheats’, so much. Everyone is a cheat of some scale. The ridiculously high-level most professional sport has reached, suggests that sport stars have to delve even deeper, to prove success. The human body can only be pushed to its limit.

mogwai

Every Country's Sun

... First added to my CD collection in early 2002 (whilst at college). I fell for 'EP+6'. Their unusual, purely instrumental style won me over so convincingly. I then saw them at Glastonbury in the following year (Saturday afternoon, pre-Radiohead, i think)! Fourteen or fifteen years later, the Scottish act, are still releasing quality music! Their back-catalogue is extensive and quality throughout. New album 'Every Country's Sun' reminds me that they were one of the first bands to provide me with reason to fall in love with 'albums', rather than individual 'songs'. Mogwai regularly supply an emotive journey through listening to the whole album. Similar journeys can be found in songs but only ever last 4 or 5 minutes! 

On the edge of Aldwych, i make this note, that I just offered a smile to an old lady in a wheelchair being carefully pushed along by a young man.

I did not receive a response but the moment gave me great joy. I was able to realise, yet again, of how I used to live in fear. I used to panic, fear that I would always need someone to live my life alongside of me. There is nothing better, than taking this independent trip, in central London!

I posted the above quote, this morning, on social media. Embarrassingly, i made a typo, that has been spotted, only recently. I have developed this into an image file, with correct copy for you!

A ‘deep read’, my excuse, the book has only just now, been read fully by myself. Albert Camus was an outstanding author.