RESOURCES
Brain
In the beginning, I relied on visuals to help me relearn and make sense of things. I would look at photos, observe my surroundings at home, and explore my collection of books, even if I couldn’t read them.
Rediscovering the familiar was a vital part of my healing process. The beginning of my brain recovery was supported by the amazing work of Kevin Pearce, who started LoveYourBrain. They offer online classes, including meditation, yoga rehabilitation, and therapy. They also host in-person retreats twice a year. You can find more resources at LoveYourBrain.com.
Flipbooks & Photobooks
You Are Strong
Hallmark flip-book with empowering sayings. I use this in different places around my house. I liked it as the first thing I saw in the morning in my kitchen.
Word of the Day flip-book
Even when I couldn’t read, I would try to figure out what the word was.
Books
The Little Book of Light
by Mikaela Katherine Jones
Each day I opened the book to a random a page, tried to read what it said, and marked the date.
Prescriptions for Happiness
by Ken Keyes, Jr.
When I got better at reading, I skimmed through this book to find passages that resonated with me.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
by Charlie Mackesy
This is a sweet book that brought a smile to my face.
The Tao of Pooh
by Benjamin Hoff
It reminded me how important it is to stay close to the child within us.
Audiobooks
When reading was impossible, I would spend my days listening to audiobooks. I learned so much from these books. Many I have listened to a few times. Find books that resonate with you or listen to some of my favorites:
The Body Keeps Score
by Bessel van der Kolk
This book reminded me that my body suffered a lot of traumas and to be patient with my recovery.
Atlas of the Heart
by Brené Brown
This book taught me that all my emotions are valid and everything we feel is fair—good and bad.
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
A gentle reminder that everything takes time and things will be okay in the end.
The One-Minute Cure
by Madison Cavanaugh
A short book that explains how oxygen and cancer can’t live in the same space.
True Grit and Grace: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph
by Amberly Lago
This is about a woman who went through a motorcycle accident similar to mine and how she made it through her trauma.
The Four Agreements
by Don Miguel Ruiz
This little book helped me keep things in perspective.
My Stroke of Insight
by Jill Bolte Taylor
I could relate to her story about losing brain capacity, and I didn’t feel alone.
Journals
I kept various journals around my house and wrote in them whenever inspiration struck or I needed to express something. They served as memory aids for me. It wasn’t just about recording the date, but also the moment. Writing in these journals helped me transition from just speaking into my phone to capturing my thoughts on paper, allowing me to relearn and rebuild my cognitive abilities.
Painting
I remember the longing to reconnect with my creative side. At first, it wasn’t about sharing with others or having an audience; it was about finding a space where I could immerse myself in an activity—something that sparked an “Oh yes, I want to do that” feeling. It allowed me the freedom to paint whatever emotions I was experiencing. This became a vital medium for self-expression when I needed it the most.
Have one large, blank canvas for friends to paint.
I started with a huge canvas and invited my friends to add their own special touches with paints. Each would add new dimensions to the artwork. Some friends would sit there and paint multiple times, truly expressing themselves. When I look at it now, it feels like a big, comforting hug—a representation of my recovery. For friends who struggle to find the right words, painting offered a way to express their emotions. I didn’t want to go through this process alone, and the painting serves as a reminder that I have support.