110. Everyday Resilience: Finding Strength in the Struggle - Brain Injury Community Panel
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In this episode…
Everyday resilience isn’t always big or loud - sometimes it’s a quiet determination to keep going, or simply getting out of bed.
Today, through the voices of our Brain Injury Community Panel, we will bring you some tools to recognize your own resilience, and how to continue to move forward and find strength in the struggle.
Join our host, Cristabelle Braden, as she introduces our 3 panelists: Rob Baugh, Christine Lawrence, and Angie Weber - and they courageously share their personal journeys through the challenges of brain injury. Each panelist opens up about navigating setbacks, learning from challenges, advice for when you feel in survival mode, and the practical tools that have guided them toward healing and hope.
Meet Our Panelists
Rob: I grew up in Southern Indiana and discovered a love for music at age four. After a traumatic brain injury shifted my path, I created Life Rewired: The Brain Injury Podcast and an online support group with over 2,000 members. My wife Sheila and I have been happily married for 26 years, finding joy in the life we've built together. In January, I released My Life Rewired, a book sharing my story and mission to inspire others through hope and humor.
Christine is a TBI survivor and warrior, who has volunteered with the BIAPA and shares her voice to help others in the brain injury community.
Angie: 32 YO Severe Catastrophic Injury Survivor, Angie, put in over a decade of work towards the equanimity of both the physically and mentally disabled populations. She did this by working as a Teaching Assistant in the Sports Skills Program at Michigan State University while studying for her Kinesiology degree. Than afterwards, while studying and completing clinical requirements for her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. All this she completed just before she began the most intensive learning experience of her life, becoming disabled herself in 2018. Angie wants everyone to believe that together, we are able.
Main Takeaways
Resilience is a Daily Choice: Choosing to show up for yourself, even when it’s hard, builds resilience. Every time you face resistance, you’re growing stronger.
Permission to Feel: It’s okay to not be okay. Every day is a fresh start, and your feelings are valid on this ever-unfolding journey.
Healing Happens Together: Surrounding yourself with a supportive community gives you strength and hope. You don’t have to walk this path alone.
Joy Finds New Ways: After injury, joy can surprise you in unexpected places and forms. Stay open to new sources of happiness and fulfillment.
Grounding Brings Peace: Simple coping tools like grounding techniques can help you manage symptoms and find calm in challenging moments.
Setbacks Are Stepping Stones: Setbacks are a natural part of recovery. Acknowledge them with kindness—they don’t define your journey, but they make you wiser.
Your Life Has New Purpose: A brain injury doesn’t end your story. You have the power to repurpose your life and discover new meaning along the way.
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: thefnc.com
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
