My journey began seven years ago when I sustained a concussion while playing rugby. It seemed like a mild head injury at first, but over the next few hours and days my symptoms became much worse.

The injury occurred two months before I was supposed to graduate high school, so at the time the academic and social implications felt devastating. No amount of rest or rehabilitation therapy seemed to help and ultimately, I was not able to finish the school year and had to delay attending university indefinitely.

Over the next several months I struggled to see the bigger picture and stumbled over and over again trying to rush my healing. I had big goals that I was on track to achieve, so I was desperate to get my life back. It felt impossible to slow down and simply wait for things to get better.

My symptoms then followed me to university when I was cleared to enrol in a couple of courses. I was thrilled to feel like my life was returning to normal, until I discovered all of the challenges I now faced with tasks I used to do without even thinking. I became so tired of my body not being able to do what I wanted it to do. I tried to put my head down and just leave it all behind, but it only made things worse.

I had to learn the hard way that the way I expected my life to go was no longer a reality. It has been tough letting go of what “should” have been, but the journey has taught me so much about myself and all that I am capable of. I have gained perspective and wisdom that has made me a better person and a better friend. My hope is that I can take what I learned through my experiences to help others get through what can be an incredibly challenging journey.