Welcome back to Consider Yourself Hugged! Click here to listen to Episode 152. OR click YouTube below to watch! (***Disclaimer: We provide these notes as a skeleton for the show - nothing fancy 😄)
Hi friends and welcome to the notes for my first Facebook Live/Podcast/YouTube of 2024. Happy New Year!! Michelle and Gracie will be joining me from time to time as guests host, so you'll see a few more changes to graphics, etc. a bit down the road.
Join me today as I discuss a trip to the ER and lessons to be learned! Let's jump into the story.
I'm sitting on the sofa. Tim had just gone to take a nap, I think it was Saturday, kind of a quiet day. I got up from the sofa and we have one of those big four-foot square ottomans. I walked around the ottoman, was not looking down, and the next thing I knew was like slow motion - Charlie was asleep in front of the ottoman and I did not see him. So I tripped and we have a slab - our floor is concrete. I tripped and smacked face down onto that slab concrete floor.
The thing is the cut was not because I cut it on something - it was blunt force trauma that busted my head open. Apparently I screamed and Tim came out. I fill in the details in the show, but we did go to the emergency room - concussion, stitches, all those things.
A primary reason I decided to share it is because yesterday, I went with Tim to the doctor. And of course, I walk in with this, and the doctor is like "Oh my gosh!" So I shared the story quickly, and then Tim made this comment that really made me think. He said, "She falls a lot." It's a big joke in our family. (Who is thinking, "Oh my gosh, I'm so clumsy - that would have been me!" Right?) I mean, some of us are just naturally clumsier. I've always been that way and have always said "I'm just clumsy." And when he tells me to be careful, I'm like, "Well how am I supposed to know to be careful? I didn't know he was lying there!" That's not my fault.
So then I got to thinking: I've been using AI for a couple years, we use it for everything. I thought, can I learn anything from this? I always say it's not my fault. So I got into AI and quickly put the story in and said, "Are there lessons to be learned?"
I'm going to share 8 of those lessons - some longer than others. Here’s a summary, and be sure to listen to hear more details!
1. The Importance of Presence and Mindfulness
Accidents often occur when we’re distracted. Being more present in our surroundings can help prevent such incidents.
Just taking a moment to stop, not telling myself I can't take time. It was a pivotal moment - yes, I can be more careful. I need to pay attention. That's really important.
2. The Vulnerability of Health Health can be taken for granted.
An accident like this serves as a reminder of how quickly our situation can change and the importance of health insurance and emergency plans.
We didn't even know what hospital was on our insurance plan! 🤦🏻♀️
3. The Significance of Self-Care
After an injury, taking the time to properly heal and not rushing recovery is crucial for long-term well-being.
The doctor said to be in a dark room and rest, no screens, no TV. But I told Tim "That's not gonna happen." I'm embarrassed because I did fine, but he said post-concussion symptoms can last a week. I flat out refused to obey those orders. Why would I do that? Why would I say that's not going to happen?
4. The Role of Emotional Resilience
Facing a sudden and painful event tests our emotional resilience. Discuss how to cope with such events and the importance of seeking support.
We all have different issues that arise after a difficult event. Mine was not health related, it was dollar related!!
5. The Need for Physical Safety in the Home
This incident could lead to a discussion about pet-proofing the home and making the environment safer to prevent falls and injuries.
We see movies where people fall, hit their head, and die! I don't want that. Pet-proofing or checking your home for safety matters. How often do we step on or cut ourselves on things?
Now I remember to pick things up and look around. I got out of the shower and in the dark, saw Charlie on the gold carpet. I could have tripped again if not looking. Just being aware is an important ste.
6. The Importance of Emergency Preparedness
Knowing what to do in case of an emergency, from first aid to having emergency contacts in place, can make a significant difference.
We have a first aid kit, but no idea where it is. I do now!
7. The Benefit of Humor and Positivity
Maintaining a sense of humor and a positive outlook, even when dealing with pain and setbacks, can positively affect mental health and recovery.
We have laughed about blood spewing out of my head and running around like the proverbial chickens!
8. The Value of Community and Support Systems
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from friends, family, or professional services when dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
We let everyone know what was happening, and the support was fabulous! And, if I'd needed someone to check on the pets while we were at the hospital, I had 4 people right of the top of my head that could've done that.
*Disclaimer:
The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on my experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources here:
Mental Health Resources: National Alliance of Mental Illness
Thanks for joining today! As we’ve always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. And until next time, Consider Yourself Hugged 😘🤗
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
Television Interviews
Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit. Contact Michelle at Silver Lining Psychiatric Solutions, 615-378-7713 or mkixmill@gmail.com.
Grace Lichtenstein, MS
I am an award-winning international speaker/trainer, psychotherapist, coach, consultant, and a huge fan of all things nap-related. For over 25 years, I have been working with individuals and corporate teams to improve their health, become more productive, and reduce their stress. Through my training in both Western and Eastern wellness philosophies (including a BA in Psychology, an MS in Counseling Psychology, and certifications in addiction treatment), I truly have a comprehensive view of "what works". In addition, my diverse experience working with thousands of people in all 50 states and in 25 other countries (ranging from native New Yorkers to Native Alaskans and from the FBI to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), has allowed me to pinpoint some of the universal characteristics of successful individuals and teams.
Through my signature online, on-demand coaching program or with one of my live training or speaking sessions, I provide the tools to help almost every individual and team reach their true potential: healthier, more productive, and less stressed.
Contact Gracey at grace@graceandsuccess.com.
Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com or follow her at Tami West Seminars.
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