Next meeting: October 12, 2009

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The October meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 12th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

We will be having a group discussion about "Turning Weaknesses into Strengths".

All human situations are powerfully influenced by individual perceptions of a situation. The affirmation for this meeting - I accept my strengths and weaknesses - is a way of getting individuals to perceive their new life situation in an affirming and accepting light. We cannot change the fact that we have a brain injury, but we can change how we think about it. People who study the effects of the mind on healing are learning that attitude is very important to healing. Unresolved conflict, internalized anger and fear can combine to suppress the immune system. Stress keeps us sick, while dealing openly with emotions is healthy and wise.

Remember that emotions aren't right or wrong - they just are. The purpose of the group meeting is to find positive ways to look at what may now be perceived as a negative experience.

Questions to consider:

1. How can you put yourself in a learning environment where your abilities are affirmed rather than denied?

2. What activities, groups, or individuals help you affirm your self-worth?

3. Reflect back on the positive changes that have taken place since your brain injury. Think back to how you were one to three weeks post brain injury. Is that different from now? Can you give yourself credit for the progress you have made?

4. Are you being realistic about what you can do and what you can't do? Are you allowing others to do things for you that you might be able to do yourself?

Brain injury survivors can turn weaknesses into strengths by honestly assessing their progress and by challenging themselves to set realistic goals that move them forward toward more independence. Even a small step forward boosts self-worth and gives people the motivation to try a little harder for the next step. Remember that a little frustration is good, because it mobilizes you to take that next step.

Text courtesy of The National Stroke Association's Discovery Circles manual.

You are invited to participate as much or as little as you are comfortable with. If you have a specific example you would like to talk about, we will spend some time during the meeting in a collective brainstorming session and come up with ways to turn specific weaknesses into strengths.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.