Running my nonprofit foundation, Gemassist Brain Awareness, can be STRESSFUL!!! Finding donors, creating a recognizable brand, getting donations... It's a lot for someone with who also has a TBI!  Trying to teach people about Gemassist and figuring out the best way to help others can be surprising stressful some days. 
 
So how do I de-stress? My favorite way is dancing! I looove dancing. 

Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org. 

On Monday, I had the pleasure of experiencing the solar eclipse from southern Indiana, where there was complete totality. I went to visit a fellow TBI survivor’s farm for the experience.
 
As the moon and sun neared complete totality, the feeling was so eerie… The wind picked up. The house lights went on as the sky darkened. The colors around us changed. The birds went a little crazy- chirping loudly and flitting all over the place thinking it was time for bed. The temperature dropped and the wind picked up with a winter chill, blowing my hair all around, which you can see in the photo up above.
 
But amidst the awe-inspiring spectacle, I experienced an unexpected twist. As the moon cast its shadow upon the earth, I felt a curious shift within myself. Speaking became a laborious task, as if the eclipse had momentarily hijacked my neurological circuitry. It felt like I was under the influence! Beside me, my friend mirrored my disorientation, her usual calm demeanor giving way to uncharacteristic anxiety.
 
And then suddenly, it was over… The sky lit up again. The wind dropped, and it felt like summer as the temperature quickly rose with the return of the sun. The birds calmed down. The clouds in the sky reminded me of my time living in Canada, with a view of the Canadian Mountains. It was all so fast and so strange- a total mind and body experience, both physical and spiritual: a true once in a lifetime event.
 
If you had your own unique experience as a brain injury survivor, or if you have a neurological condition and felt the effects of the eclipse, please share it in the comments!
 
Thank you, God Bless, and I Love You!
 
 
Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org. 
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One of my favorite actors of all time is the legendary Clint Eastwood. At 93 years old, he is still directing films and it's such an inspiration, especially as we age. As TBI survivors, we know how important it is to keep our brains stimulated and active to build neuroplasticity. Clint Eastwood's work ethic is truly admirable.

It's hard to pick just one favorite movie of his, as there are too many good ones: Dirty Harry, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Two Mules for Sister Sara, Gran Torino... And let's not forget about his own production company, Malpaso Productions. It's great to see his son, Scott, following in his footsteps too!

As Clint Eastwood once said, "I don't look like I did at 20, so what?" Let's take inspiration from his passion and dedication to keep pursuing our own passions, no matter our age.
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