Sometimes we spend so much of our lives worrying about what other people think that we forget to ask ourselves what we think.
What do I want?
What feels right for me?
What matters to me?
What kind of life do I want to create?
The message in this video is a reminder that freedom can begin when we stop living only for other people’s approval and start listening to our own inner voice.
💭 It Was Never About What They Think
We can spend years trying to make other people happy.
We may change how we dress.
Change what we say.
Change what we want.
Change our decisions.
We may follow a path because it is what our family expects, what society considers successful, or what we believe will make other people approve of us.
But constantly chasing approval can take us further away from ourselves.
🧠 After Brain Injury, This Can Feel Different
A brain injury can change many parts of life.
Your abilities may change.
Your priorities may change.
Your relationships may change.
The things you once considered important may no longer feel as important.
And that can create an opportunity to ask yourself:
What matters to me now?
You may discover that the life you want after brain injury is not exactly the life you imagined before it.
That does not mean you have failed.
It may mean you are learning more about yourself.
💗 You Don’t Have to Fit Someone Else’s Shape
The video talks about trying to fit into shapes that were never ours.
That idea can be powerful.
Sometimes we try to become the person other people want us to be.
We try to be easier.
Quieter.
Stronger.
More successful.
More independent.
More agreeable.
But you are allowed to be yourself.
You are allowed to have needs.
You are allowed to have boundaries.
You are allowed to say no.
You are allowed to change your mind.
🌱 Listen to Your Own Compass
The video describes intuition as a compass within us.
Whether you think of that as intuition, inner wisdom, personal values, or simply paying attention to what you feel, the message is about listening inward instead of always looking outward for answers.
That does not mean every feeling or impulse is automatically correct.
It means giving yourself enough quiet to notice what you are thinking and feeling before automatically following someone else’s expectations.
🧭 Ask Yourself What You Really Want
Sometimes we need to pause and ask simple questions.
What makes me feel fulfilled?
What gives me peace?
What drains me?
What do I want more of in my life?
What am I doing only because I think someone else expects it?
What would I choose if I wasn’t worried about everyone’s opinion?
You don’t have to answer all of these immediately.
Sometimes simply asking the questions can begin a new conversation with yourself.
🚶 It Is Okay to Walk a Different Path
The video encourages us not to fear walking alone or growing alone.
That can be difficult.
We are naturally drawn toward connection and belonging.
But there may be moments when your path looks different from the people around you.
After brain injury, this can be especially true.
You may have to slow down when everyone else is moving quickly.
You may need more rest.
You may have to change your career plans.
You may need to spend more time caring for yourself.
You may discover interests and priorities that were not part of your old life.
Different does not automatically mean wrong.
🤝 The Right People Can Meet You Where You Are
The video ends with the idea that the people who are meant for your journey will find you.
We don’t have to interpret that as a guarantee that everything will happen exactly as we hope.
But there is something valuable in remembering that healthy relationships do not require us to constantly pretend to be someone we are not.
The people who care about us can learn who we are becoming.
And we can make room for relationships where we feel respected, heard, and accepted.
✨ Your Life Does Not Have to Be Lived for Approval
Other people’s opinions will always exist.
Some people will agree with you.
Some won’t.
Some will understand your choices.
Some won’t.
You cannot control everyone’s opinion.
But you can become more intentional about how much power you give those opinions over your life.
Your journey belongs to you.
Your recovery belongs to you.
Your values belong to you.
And you are allowed to listen to yourself.
💗 Love Love Brain Note
After brain injury, finding yourself again can be part of the journey.
You may discover that some of the expectations you carried before your injury no longer fit the person you are becoming.
Give yourself permission to explore that.
You don’t have to have everything figured out.
Start with one simple question:
“What do I need, and what truly matters to me?”
Sometimes, listening to yourself is where a new chapter begins. 💗
🎥 Watch the Video
Watch the original video on the Love Love Brain TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelovebrain/photo/7682126157797461278?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
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