Reframing A.B.I.

A frame highlights the characteristics of a picture. Different aspects of a picture will be highlighted by the type of frame used. That is a definition of a physical frame- one that can be seen and touched. A metaphorical frame is one which highlights the aspects of an idea. For example, if a marriage is framed by love and commitment, it is very different to one framed by religious or societal expectations.

The acronym A.B.I. (Acquired Brain Injury) is the correct medical definition of the injury resulting from my accident. This is how my brain injury has been ‘framed’ to me for many years. This is a technically correct definition, but it doesn’t have much practical value.

In my opinion, a much more practical 'framing' of the acronym A.B.I. is Always Be Improving- something that I’ve always been aspiring to. I will never be able to totally heal from my injuries, so there will always be more that I can improve. To this end I have developed this website, with the idea that I can share my ideas and, hopefully, help others to Always Be Improving.

I’ve always thought that, in order to solve a problem, it’s better to focus on the solution. Always Be Improving focuses on the solution, not the problem. An Acquired Brain Injury is the result of what happened- and this was significant, but it is a point in the past- there is nothing to be gained by focusing on it. Always Be Improving, however, is what rehabilitation is all about. It’s what moving forward is about…

 This is what my life has been about since 1987. Everyday I try to think of what I can do to improve. Over the years, I have discovered that rehabilitation is basically repeating an activity repeatedly (I know, I’ve repeated the word ‘repeatedly’, but I did that to emphasize how important it is! Repeatedly!!)

I can’t understate the importance of repeating an action so that it’s learnt. Here is an article showing some of the benefits gained by repeating. Repetition of any new skill helps- whether it’s learning a language or learning a new skill. Or even recovering from a brain injury!

https://irisreading.com/9-benefits-of-repetition-for-learning/

So everyday the action I repeat is choosing to improve…

A.B.I.