Episode 1:  Chapter 4 - William Cole - Recovery from a farm motorcycle accident which resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - New habits & perspectives.

In the first episode, we meet William Cole, a 25 year old farmer from Bookaar in Western Victoria. William had a farm motorcycle accident in 2017 which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. In this fourth and final chapter of the episode, William talks about his new habits and perspectives following the accident, what he is aiming for now, and we hear about some of the work he's doing to share his learnings with others.

Transcript and show notes are available for each episode on the podcast website: storiesofrecovery.buzzsprout.com

Shownotes:

• 00:30 - Strangely enough, William now considers that things in his life have changed a lot for the positive since his accident. He cites greater maturity and appreciation for life, more respect and love for himself and other people, and more presence in the moment,
• 02:05 - "More, more, more". William's reminder to himself each day to be 'more understanding, more caring and more respectful' with those he encounters,
• ^05:10 - Journalling has been very important in William's recovery. "Just start writing..." Put your thoughts, your worries and the things that are concerning you down on paper. For William, it's helped him work through his issues and resolve them,
• ^07:00 - Listen carefully to your doctors, treat them with respect and build a friendship,
• ^08:00 - Ask a friend to go to the shops & get you 3 books (on topics that you are really interested) or which you really want to read (let your interests guide your recovery),
• ^09:15 - Don't be afraid to share your story. Telling your story and listening to others within the rehabilitation setting, and talking about your accident/injury/condition with family and friends in William's view "is one of the biggest parts of healing". It'll help you reflect on and process the injury or condition and connects you with those around you,
• ^12:40 - Avoid alcohol and drugs for as long as you can following your accident/injury,
• ^14:30 - Extending on the earlier recommendation regarding journalling, William suggests trying to notice if something is getting you down, writing it down and exploring it and if needed, taking it to a friend or a neuropsychologist to help you work through it,
• 15:48 - William talks about a public event he organised in his local community with the assistance of his neuropsychologist. The aim was to bring together people who had been impacted by brain injury and included guest speakers, the sharing of tips and tricks, and advice from his treating team. William's keen to run more sessions like this and needs help. If you'd like to work with William to run events like this in the future, you can contact him at: willyjcole@gmail.com,
• ^27:54 - Final thoughts from William: "Keep on being you, and you shall keep on".

^William's main tips