When someone suffers a brain injury, our first response isn't, "Wow, just think of the personal growth they will acquire!" No, our first thoughts reflect our relief and gratefulness that they survived, followed by sadness for their loss and sympathy for future hardships.

It takes years for persons affected by brain injury to adjust to their new reality and even longer before discovering their treasures. Recognizing their personal growth acquired creates a paradox of emotion, because the positives don't negate the loss, limitation, and hardship. Rabbi David Wolpe says, "Understanding that we can make loss meaningful is not the same as being glad that the loss happened."

Lois shares the step-by-step process that she used to "discover the treasures" buried in her trials. This session focuses on breaking down the "defective self-image" by recognizing the strengths and capabilities acquired from living with brain injury. Participants identify their life lessons learned, strengths gained, skills mastered, character developed, insight and wisdom acquired from "living with a brain injury."

"Brain Injury Survivor was not on my 'who I want to be when I grow up list.' Neither was motivational speaker." -Lois McElravy

This session is well suited for a mixed audience and includes audience participation.