Sometimes, healing means taking a step outside your comfort zone. Sometimes, it means finding people who understand what you’re going through. And sometimes, it means making chocolate together.
In this video, Adeline shares a meaningful experience with Dr. Eric about attending an acquired brain injury class at Santa Monica College and discovering the power of connection, understanding, and doing something she loved.
Her story is a reminder that even when life changes after a brain injury, there can still be opportunities to connect with others and create meaningful experiences.
🧠 Taking the First Step Can Be Difficult
Adeline explains that attending the acquired brain injury class in person was a big step for her.
She was sensitive to sound, so she wore ear protection. She was also sensitive to light, so she wore sunglasses.
At first, she worried about how she looked and how others might perceive her.
Going somewhere new when you’re already managing difficult symptoms can feel overwhelming. You may worry about being judged, having to explain yourself, or not knowing how you’ll handle the environment.
But Adeline decided to give it a try.
💗 Finding People Who Understand
Something changed when Adeline entered the acquired brain injury class.
She realized she wasn’t the only person dealing with these challenges.
Being around other people with acquired brain injuries helped her feel more normal. She didn’t have to explain every detail of her experience because the people in the group understood many of the challenges she was facing.
As she explains in the conversation with Dr. Eric, people may not understand exactly what someone else is experiencing, but having shared experiences can make a difference.
Sometimes, being understood begins with finding people who don’t need every struggle explained.
🍫 A Chocolate-Making Idea
One of Adeline’s most memorable experiences came when Halloween was approaching.
Knowing that people in the group would be bringing chocolate, she suggested doing something different. Instead of simply bringing chocolate treats, she offered to teach the group how to make real chocolate using cocoa and couverture chocolate.
It was an opportunity to share something she knew and enjoyed.
However, taking on this activity was also a challenge.
Adeline explains that her caregiver needed to accompany her and supervise while she made the chocolate.
She needed support, but that didn’t stop her from contributing something meaningful to the group.
🤗 The Joy of Giving Something Back
Adeline remembers the experience of making chocolate for the group and teaching others how to do it.
What stayed with her was the response she received. She describes getting hugs from the other participants and feeling that the experience was incredible.
It wasn’t just about the chocolate.
It was about sharing a skill, participating in something together, and experiencing the warmth of other people.
After a brain injury, it can be easy to focus on the things that have become difficult or the abilities that have changed. But experiences like Adeline’s remind us that we may still have knowledge, interests, talents, and kindness to share.
Sometimes, contributing to a group can help us feel connected in a new way.
🌱 You Can Participate With Support
Adeline’s story also shows that participation doesn’t have to mean doing everything independently.
She had support from her caregiver, and she was still able to take part in an activity that mattered to her.
If you’re living with a brain injury, you might need help planning an outing, managing sensory sensitivities, or completing an activity safely.
Needing that support doesn’t make your contribution less valuable.
You can adapt an activity to your needs, ask for help, and take things at a pace that works for you.
Your way of participating is still meaningful.
💗 Love Love Brain Note
Finding connection after a brain injury can take time and courage.
You might begin by attending a support group, joining a class, sharing a hobby, or simply spending time with someone who understands.
You don’t have to be completely independent or feel comfortable with everything before you can participate.
Sometimes, the most meaningful experiences happen when we have the right support and a chance to share something with others.
And who knows? Your next meaningful connection might begin with something as simple as making chocolate. 🍫💗
🎥 Watch the Video
Watch Adeline share her story with Dr. Eric:
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Note: Every brain injury is different. This content is for education and support, not medical advice.
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