Missing the Forest for the trees

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are the 2 very broad definitions for injuries to the brain. In General, a TBI is caused an external force (such as the result of a car accident featuring damage to the head). Conversely, an ABI is usually caused by internal factors, such as a medical condition or illness. These are the medically accepted acronyms detailing the causes of injury to the brain. I have a Traumatic Brain Injury caused by being hit by a car when I was a teenager.

https://www.rwkgoodman.com/info-hub/the-differences-between-acquired-and-traumatic-brain-injury/

These are the medical definitions. After a few decades of experiences, I have come up with another acronym- All Brain Injuries. I think that, once the brain has been injured, the cause becomes far less important. What is important is the recovery.

The brain is the least understood organ in the body. And, consequently, I think it is the most interesting!

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As a baby, the brain is still forming. As the baby grows into a child, the brain continues to develop. In fact, some studies state that the brain keeps developing into the early 20's (depending on the person). I believe that, what is not so widely recognised, is the brain never stops developing- as long as it's alive. I have been developing, albeit slowly, over the past few decades.

Even though this growth can't be seen from the outside (as evident as with a person’s musculature growth), it is evident from changes in a person's thinking patterns and behaviour. This is why I think that the mind/brain connection continues to improve, as long as blood and oxygen is pumped into the system.

I know that when I have a set way to do something, and I do it consistently, then I’m able to improve. The improvement may not happen as quickly as I’d like, but it does happen. This is where my objective is to keep improving. My goal is to stick with my plan. Everyday. This way, I am ‘kicking’ goals everyday- always moving towards my objective. I may never reach my objective, but if I keep it in sight and I ‘kick’ goals, every day I will improve- however slowly.

This is essentially the reason behind my Always Be Improving approach to rehabilitation. I find that focusing the mind on one task, however simple, in a repeated fashion, helps channel growth of the brain and consequently leads to self improvement. I find that sticking with a task can be very challenging, but I also find that seeing improvement is it's own reward.

Generally speaking, the mind is what the brain does. Not a lot is known about the brain- it's mysteries still elude us. But at least we can see, feel and touch it- not so much with the mind.

Our brain is a dynamic brain- one that has survived, overcome challenges and evolved for millions of years. The brain changes and adapts over it's life. As long as blood and nutrients flow through it...ABI is about focusing the brain on doing what it does best, not standing in it's way...

The whole brain (3D Brain HQ)