Have you ever wanted to share more about your story, but weren’t sure how to start? The hidden realities of living with brain injury can feel overwhelming to explain, especially to people in your life - and it can feel daunting to know where to start with sharing. In this episode, our host Cristabelle sits down with bestselling author Laura Conaway to explore the vulnerable journey of living with POTS and dysautonomia following a childhood concussion. Laura shares personal insights on breaking the cycle of shame, the struggle with sharing symptoms with people around you, learning to give yourself grace during unpredictable flare-ups, and how the act of writing can become a powerful vehicle for healing.
We are also introducing The Hope Collective: a space on the Hope Survives website that gathers the voices and creative expressions of our community reflecting the complexity and resilience of life after brain injury.This space is designed specifically for you to read and share your own reflections, stories, and triumphs whenever you feel ready. Whether you want to process your own healing, provide comfort to someone else walking a similar path, or take advantage of the opportunity to be officially published on Hope Survives, The Hope Collective is here for you. Learn more: hopesurvives.org/thehopecollective
*FREE ACCESS to Laura’s Writing With Hope On-Demand Course: https://hopesurvives.org/writingwithhope
Plus, we feature a spotlight with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center. Dr. Harvey explains the fascinating relationship between creative writing, fine motor skills, and neuroplasticity, showing how putting your thoughts on paper actively re-wires the cerebellum and strengthens emotional control.
🧠 In this episode:
- Processing the difficult feelings of looking “fine” on the outside while managing symptoms internally.
- The struggle with feeling initial shame in sharing your limitations with others - and learning to give yourself grace and take small steps forward.
- How creative writing and fine motor expression stimulates core neural pathways to enhance recovery.
- Why stepping out of isolation and linking arms with a community can calm an overactive nervous system.
- Encouragement for why your story matters, and some small steps forward towards sharing.
- Practical tips on breaking through the fear of writing, setting aside rigid formatting, and letting your authentic voice shine.
CONNECT
Follow @hopesurvives
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Join a support group at hopesurvives.org/community
Reach out to us anytime: hi@hopesurvives.org
Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com
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Sponsor
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more: https://www.thefnc.com
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0:00 Intro
2:20 Welcome with Cristabelle
6:40 The Value of Writing after Brain Injury - Spotlight with Dr. Ryan Harvey
9:30 Introducing Laura
12:56 Managing Symptoms
16:04 Processing Shame & Sharing with Others
20:50 Courage to Start Writing
26:33 Encouragement to Try Writing & Sharing
34:30 Words of Hope
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Disclaimer
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: hopesurvives.org/podcast
