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TBI True Believers, San Diego, CA (2026)

08/09/2026

Acquired Brain Injury Program - Expressive Writing piece from 6/30/26.

08/07/2026

This summer, I took Expressive Writing through the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program, and it quickly became one of the classes I looked forward to most each week.
I used to write a lot when I was younger. Since my brain injury, writing has become really hard. Sitting down and focusing long enough to hold onto an idea, processing what I am trying to say, finding the words, and then *organizing* those thoughts into something coherent takes so much more effort than it once did.
This class gave me a place to practice doing exactly that, without the pressure to do it perfectly.
Our assignments can be stories, poems, journal entries, articles, or wherever the prompt takes us. We have the option to read our work aloud and receive supportive feedback, while also practicing listening, speaking, functional memory strategies, and confidence.
It is expressive writing, but it is also brain injury rehabilitation tucked inside something creative.
And so much of what makes that space special is our instructor, Margaret Jones.
Margaret is a Speech Language Pathologist who has taught in the Continuing Education ABI Program for decades, and I truly cannot express enough gratitude or adoration for her. Her classes are so warm and welcoming. She is kind, patient, encouraging, and has a way of making you feel like whatever words you managed to get onto the page are worth sharing.
I am also regularly inspired and in awe of my classmates. Hearing what other people create, and watching everyone find their own ways of expressing themselves after brain injury, has been one of my favorite parts of the program.
I loved this summer class so much that over the next week, I am going to share a few of the pieces I wrote during the semester.
Starting with this one, “The Benefits of Whimsy.” 💗
Apparently rehabilitation can also include ska records, heart shaped sunglasses, and blowing bubbles into the wind.
I am very okay with that. 🫧

If you live in California and have been struggling following a brain injury, the ABI Program is SUCH a wonderful thing. Check it out!
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07/30/2026

The real jump scare?
Hearing, "Now boarding..." after my brain had already checked out.
🧠✈️👻😱😜

06/30/2026

06/11/2026

Burnout is not recovery.

Sometimes the bravest thing is not pulling harder.

Sometimes it’s letting go of the rope.

❤️

05/22/2026

Anyone else overwhelmed with HOW MANY different specialists they see following their TBI? I'mmmmm so exhausted. Last week, I had *7* doctors appointments, and 6 classes through my Acquired Brain Injury Program. The fatigued "shut down mode" was engaged the bulk of the week. How are you all doing this week?