3 Million Steps

14 hours ago

Ten years ago this September, our co-founder Zara had a brain injury. Here's life now, in her words. 💙

The anniversary hit harder than I expected.
My recovery finished a few years ago. I know my new normal, even if I can't always predict it. I never know exactly how I'll feel from one hour to the next.

I can still learn new things; it just takes me longer. This year, after 8 long years, I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Management. 🎓

The photos show the highlights, and one of my many siestas! What you don't see:
�🧠 After 4–5 hours awake, my brain needs a break�😴 A 2-hour lunchtime siesta gives me another 5–6 hours�📵 I limit screens and socialising to avoid burnout�🔊 Noise and bright or flashing lights drain me fast�🚗 Trips over 45 minutes need planned siesta stops and rest afterwards

Some days my brain and body just say "no", and I stay in bed for a day or a few.
It's not just tiredness. I live with pain, dizziness, slurred speech, clumsiness, muddled thinking and mood changes, and they all get worse when I'm tired. My brain processes things more slowly, so even a conversation costs extra energy.

I'm not lazy, and more sleep won't fix it.

💙Every year, tens of millions of people worldwide have a brain injury. Up to 7 in 10 are left with exhausting fatigue, often their hardest symptom. Because it's invisible, it's easily misunderstood.💙

Sticking to a routine is how I adapt. It keeps me happy and able to be there for others, and every good day outshines the bad.

That's why I'm passionate about helping people early in their recovery through 3 Million Steps. The first few years are when the most progress tends to happen, and they shape your new normal.

Ten years on. Still here, still going.

💙Get in contact if we could help you or a loved one

#stepstowards #braininjuryawareness #recoveryforall 💙👣 ... See MoreSee Less