Writing with Courage and Hope - Small Steps for Sharing Your Brain Injury Story (with Laura Conaway)
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In this episode…
Have you ever wanted to share more about your story, but weren’t sure how to start? The hidden realities of living with brain injury can feel overwhelming to explain, especially to people in your life - and it can feel daunting to know where to start with sharing. In this episode, our host Cristabelle sits down with best-selling author Laura Conaway to explore the vulnerable journey of living with POTS and dysautonomia following a childhood concussion. Laura shares personal insights on breaking the cycle of shame, the struggle with sharing symptoms with people around you, learning to give yourself grace during unpredictable flare-ups, and how the act of writing can become a powerful vehicle for healing.
We are also introducing The Hope Collective: a space on the Hope Survives website that gathers the voices and creative expressions of our community reflecting the complexity and resilience of life after brain injury.This space is designed specifically for you to read and share your own reflections, stories, and triumphs whenever you feel ready. Whether you want to process your own healing, provide comfort to someone else walking a similar path, or take advantage of the opportunity to be officially published on Hope Survives, The Hope Collective is here for you. Learn more: hopesurvives.org/thehopecollective
Plus, we feature a spotlight with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center. Dr. Harvey explains the fascinating relationship between creative writing, fine motor skills, and neuroplasticity, showing how putting your thoughts on paper actively re-wires the cerebellum and strengthens emotional control.
*FREE ACCESS to Laura’s Writing With Hope On-Demand Course:
Meet Our Guest
Laura Conaway is a bestselling and award-winning author and speaker, with five fiction novels published and more on the way. Her fiction works have been published by Sunrise Publishing and Love Inspired Suspense, a division of HarperCollins. She has also written nonfiction for several publications, including Sadie Robertson Huff's Live Original. Her speaking experience has spanned from educational settings, ministry groups, and various workshops, as well as leading Bible studies and youth and young adult ministries. Laura has been mentored by Jefferson Bethke, Susan May Warren, Lisa Phillips, and Dani Pettrey. Now, she mentors other authors through her online course, A Writer’s Beginner Guide to Storytelling. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Kutztown University, with a dual major in Library Science and English Education and a minor in Professional Writing. She currently resides in Pennsylvania and creates stories with a healthy dose of suspense and happily ever afters, while her characters discover triumph through trials.
Learn more: lauraconawayauthor.com
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. 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.
