Brain Injury: Stroke, Seizures

Explanation of Mask: I think the stroke allowed me to let some things go. I think I’ve let go of the negative things in my life because there’s no reason to hold on to it, it’s not going to help you get better.  I have gratitude I may not have had otherwise.  I’m finding new ways to express myself to communicate.  I have had discoveries about myself.  I think I’m a better person, but I’ve changed.  Sometimes I feel like I’m not different and then I realize again I am. Missing part of head-I look the same and my brain remains altered, wounded, but still mine. Arrow-My stroke was in my right hemisphere but affected the left side of my body. That was the path of the alteration of my brain. Mechanical gears-The workings of my mind have changed. I don’t have a reference for time.  I remember some things really, really well and other things I can’t.  It’s hard for me to stay organized and on task.  I get anxious. Earring and black eyeliner-I’m not able to get both my earrings in or wear my makeup because it’s hard to do. It’s liberating, though.  Now, I’ll go to the makeup counter at the mall if I need to get dressed up. Right Eye-I felt like my eyes were full of glass when I had previous TIA’s. I may have minimized warning signs. Left Eye-My visual processing has changed but I see HOPE. I look forward to see how much more of me there will be.