Author: Amy Zellmer

The TBI Gift Giving Guide

Amy Zellmer
giftguideWhether you have a friend, co-worker, loved one, or simply want to treat yourself as a survivor — I have created The TBI Gift Giving Guide just for you!!
Each of the items on the list have been hand picked by me and most have been created by fellow TBI survivors — I am all about supporting each other in this community! (there are a few “products” on the list that I use every day and highly recommend)
Of course, I have to start off the list with my own book because I really truly do believe in it and feel that it should be required reading for all healthcare professionals, students, caregivers, and survivors. You can find all of my other book suggestions HERE.

3. I Am Yours CD – by Cristabelle Braden
4. TBI Healing Box – by Grace Quantock
5. Mighty No Bitey bug spray – by Teri See
6. LoveYourBrain – by Kevin Pearce
7. Still On TBI – by Carissa Nielsen
 
FREEBIE ALERT!! Here is a list of FREE magazines and podcasts that anyone is sure to enjoy!!
1. TBI Hope & Inspiration Magazine – by David Grant
2. The Challenge! Magazine – by the Brain Injury Association of America
3. Faces of TBI Podcast series – by Amy Zellmer
 
** note: some links listed above may be affiliate links **

Meet David R | Faces of Traumatic Brain Injury

Amy Zellmer

davidName: David Rowlands
Sydney New South Wales AUSTRALIA

Date of your TBI: March 2009

How did your TBI happen: A motor vehicle turned across my path while I was riding my bicycle. My skull was fractured and I sustained bruising to my right frontal lobe

What has been your biggest challenge post-TBI: chronic fatigue

What has been your biggest blessing post-TBI: Learning songwriting, singing and playing guitar

What is your biggest piece of advice to other TBIers and loved ones: Never give up. There is always hope in recovery

What do you do to relax: sing my songs

What do you do for fun: Go to live music venues and dance

What is your least-favorite household chore that stresses you out: Cleaning

Would YOU like to be featured on our blog?? Fill out this online form: https://goo.gl/forms/hgDam3WzvFrNQOaV2

Radio Interview | Sun Cloud Studios of Arizona |

Amy Zellmer

2016-07-07-12-09-07You may recall that this summer I took a month long roadtrip to the West coast. While I was in Arizona, I had the pleasure to go into the Sun Cloud Studios and record an interview with host Judy.

We talked for 30 minutes about my book, my advocacy efforts, how to help someone with a TBI, and so much more. The interview finally aired this month, and it turned out absolutely AMAZING! I am totally impressed with how it turned out, and of course, I didn’t remember a thing we had talked about LOL so it was great to finally hear it!

There are a few notable shout-outs in the interview: 
Dr. Fred
Healing Boxes
Miss Oregon — Ali Wallace
My book Editor — Connie Anderson
The TBI Tribe 

LISTEN to the interview:

 

A huge thank you to everyone at Sun Cloud Studios who made this interview possible, and to Ronda at We’re Moving Forward for driving me to all of my appointments while I was in the Phoenix area!! As well as to the Arizona Brain Injury Alliance for their support. I had a truly wonderful experience, and can’t wait to visit again!

Really funny side-note: In the interview (which was taped in July) she asked me if I had plans for a 2nd book. At the time, I did — but it was a totally different idea than what actually manifested in August!! Who knew the wild ride I was about to embark on with the Anthology!!

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Meet May M. | Faces of Traumatic Brain Injury |

Amy Zellmer

mayName: May Mutter
Canada
www.Caged-Mind.com

Date of your TBI: Feb 2013 (x4)

How did your TBI happen: Curling feb 1 – slipped on ice and hit head on curling rock Volleyball x2 feb 14 – spiked in the head, hit hard floor Volleyball feb 21 – continued playing, doctors say just the movement and diving around at that point caused another one.

What has been your biggest challenge post-TBI: Adapting to the new life and coming to terms with not being able to do what I used to do: work, social life, sports, most hobbies

What has been your biggest blessing post-TBI: Making the most of it and raising awareness through A Caged Mind Facebook.com/thecagedmind

What is your biggest piece of advice to other TBIers and loved ones: Communication, compassion, and compromise. Always talk about everything, even if you’re talked about it a million times before – both from the perspective of a TBIer and loved one. You have to understand what both are feeling in order to overcome this. As someone who’s dealing with people with concussions daily, I’ve seen a lot of break ups, and have come close to one myself, but it’s all about understanding what you’re BOTH feeling. And lastly: compromise. If, say, you two were social butterflies before, you can’t hole up and not emerge because of symptoms. I believe you need to compromise and do what you can handle, but to avoid going stir crazy, every once in a while do something fun even if it takes a few days to recover. I have found the headaches and symptoms are worth it for a week knowing I had a blast on Saturday night and so did my family. Don’t push it – pace, but don’t hole up entirely afraid of the world. It takes a while to get there, but don’t give up.

What do you do to relax: Yoga. A lot of restorative yoga and meditation. I also cook – I find the process is soothing even when I screw up consistently.

What do you do for fun: Board games. I have a few friends who come for dinner and know to take it easy on me, and I find board games are the easiest on my head (it also keeps everyone fairly quiet as they’re focusing on the game) so it’s not overwhelming.

What is your least-favorite household chore that stresses you out: Washing floors and tubs. It’s a lot of back and forth movement and pressure. I do, however, enjoy the washing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen the day AFTER a messy dinner as it’s slow and calming.

Would YOU like to be featured on our blog?? Fill out this online form: https://goo.gl/forms/hgDam3WzvFrNQOaV2

Meet Amy P. | Faces of TBI

Amy Zellmer

amypName: Amy Pilotte
Manchester, NH

Date of your TBI: 07/12/14

How did your TBI happen: In a Car accident. I was rear ended while at a dead stop
What has been your biggest challenge post-TBI: Accepting my New normal & navigating with the limited resources available

What has been your biggest blessing post-TBI: Be able to connect & find others who are going through or have been through this bc like they say “you really don’t know until you’ve been through it”

What is your biggest piece of advice to other TBIers and loved ones: Never Give Up~ Listen to your body, recovery is a ongoing process!

What do you do to relax: Yoga. Meditation. Journal. Listen to music

What do you do for fun: Try to stay as positive as I can & set little goals for myself

What is your least-favorite household chore that stresses you out: Laundry & Cooking~ anything with multiple tasks if A Big task for me/my brain
Would YOU like to be featured on our blog?? Fill out this online form: https://goo.gl/forms/hgDam3WzvFrNQOaV2

Book UPDATE | Hot off the press

Amy Zellmer

Hello everyone!!!!

I am so excited to share that the books have finally arrived — all 20 some boxes of them are now lining the hallway of my loft!

I created a short video on Facebook if you’re interested: https://www.facebook.com/amyzellmer/videos/10153906277321300/

I was out of town for Thanksgiving weekend, but will begin shipping them out next week to all the Contributors and Backers!

Please be patient with me — I have over 300 orders to ship out!! I am a one-woman show and doing this all on my own, so it is going to take me several weeks to get each and every order out to the post office!!

Additionally, I didn’t expect the large number of International orders and will go way over budget on shipping charges …. so a large chunk will be coming out of my own pocket — which will also cause me to take a bit longer to get the International books out!

Please, please, PLEASE be patient with me!! You will get your book in December …. all US books will be shipped via Media Mail which can take 5-7 days once I send it off to the Post Office. International orders take longer, and can also get hung up in customs. So please know that your book will be on it’s way shortly!!

The book is also now available on Amazon ….. please keep in mind that Amazon operates independently of me and my publisher. They “print on demand” when a book is ordered and ship within the same day. So you will likely get your copy from them before one you may have ordered from me or Kickstarter.

#GivingTuesday | Buy One & Give One

Amy Zellmer
glitterheartToday is #GivingTuesday and I want to give to those who can’t otherwise afford to purchase a copy of my books or Life Coaching services — and I also have a FREE gift for YOU at the bottom of this email!!

For each book OR reduced payment Life Coaching session that you purchase today, I will GIVE ONE to someone who isn’t able to afford it!! 

How does that feel?!?!

Simply purchase either of my books or a Life Coaching package through my website (if it’s purchased on Amazon, I am not able to track it). It’s that easy! I will then give to a few unsuspecting Tribe members who would not otherwise be able to take advantage of these items.

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Black Friday | REDUCED Payment Life Coaching Sessions


 I have room to work with 4 new TBI/caregiver clients over the next three months. We can talk about a variety of things, including: coping with deficits (memory, etc), interacting with new friends, finding support groups, getting back to work, and so much more. If you’re a caregiver, we can talk about things like what to expect as they continue to heal, how YOU can cope and keep yourself health, etc. Additionally, if you’re trying to write your book/blog I can help keep you on track and walk you through the processes.
About me:
This isn’t something I decided to do “on a whim” …. I have been coaching clients since 2007. After my fall in 2014 I had to take 18 months off from Coaching, and have now started working with my fellow TBI survivors (and caregivers). I not only have Coaching experience, I have the life experience of living through a traumatic brain injury.
How it works:
we will meet via Skype/Facetime (or phone if you don’t have any video options) twice a month for three months (total of 6 sessions). Each session is 45 minutes (or less if that’s all you can handle).
You will receive a “Welcome Packet” when you register, which will help me familiarize myself with who you are and what you want to achieve from our coaching sessions.
You will receive email support in between our sessions. You can feel free to write me with questions, or share successes or challenges.
You will also receive a digital PDF copy of my book Life With a Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding the Road Back to Normal. We will use this is an ice-breaker tool if you’re feeling uncomfortable or don’t know where to start our conversation.
These sessions are completely private. Just you and me (or caregiver/survivor/me….. depending on your situation). I may use your story as an example with other clients, however, I will NEVER use your name without permission. No one will know we’re working together, unless YOU tell them, or allow me to share!
We will celebrate victories together! Every small victory is worth a celebration.
We will discuss challenges and areas where you’re stuck on what to do next.
This is NOT therapy…. this is life coaching. If I feel you may also need to see a therapist, I will tell you (honestly, everyone needs a great therapist! I love mine!!)
“I really enjoyed my coaching sessions with Amy. She is easy to talk with and understands the struggles I deal with as a TBI survivor. Amy helped me determine and set realistic goals and stay focused on my priorities.” ~ Mary, Los Angeles

These reduced sessions are only available through next Monday.
$50 — two 20 minute sessions (1 month)
$99 — four 30 minute sessions (2 months)
$199 — six 40 minute sessions (3 months)

PURCHASE HERE: http://facesoftbi.com/blkfritbi/

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TBI BOOK BUNDLE & INDIVIDUAL BOOKS

GRAB the TBI Book Bundle!! 
Makes a perfect gift for anyone affected by brain injury: survivor, caregiver, loved one, friends, family, co-worker, or medical professional!!

Receive Amy’s original book Life With a Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding the Road Back to Normal PLUS the newly released anthology Surviving Brain Injury: Stories of Strength and Inspiration PLUS a TBI Awareness wristband – ALL for just $36 and includes FREE US shipping.
Orders will ship early-mid December – perfect timing for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers! Order NOW as their is a limited supply!!

Purchase here: www.facesoftbi.com/books

 

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Recovery is an Attitude

My gift to you is a video that I made about a year ago. It talks about the power of our attitudes during our recovery. I hope that you enjoy it!!

Meet Nikki | Faces of TBI

Amy Zellmer

nikkiName: Nikki Abramson
Bloomington, MN

Date of your TBI: JUNE 2012
How did your TBI happen: Fell off scooter
What has been your biggest challenge post-TBI: Remembering things, attention, focus on tasks
What has been your biggest blessing post-TBI: Realizing my community wants to help me if I ask them
What is your biggest piece of advice to other TBIers and loved ones: Be supportive. Understand it takes time. Love one another. Just being a part of someones life is so helpful.  
What do you do to relax: Guided imagery, go to coffee with friends, massage
What do you do for fun: Theatre, acting, and mentoring students
What is your least-favorite household chore that stresses you out: Laundry
Would YOU like to be featured on our blog?? Fill out this online form: https://goo.gl/forms/hgDam3WzvFrNQOaV2

Meet Robert | Faces of TBI |

Amy Zellmer

robertName: Robert Shivers
Franklin, LA

Date of your TBI: April 20, 1985
How did your TBI happen: Working in a store I was shot in the face during a robbery.

 

What has been your biggest challenge post-TBI: Learning to walk and talk normally and graduate from college. I also sometimes have trouble with emotions and get depressed along with PTSD.

 

What has been your biggest blessing post-TBI: Learning to take each day with a good attitude and receiving two college degrees after being told I would never be able to walk or talk again normally much less return to college. I sent the neuro-psych doctor an invitation to y undergraduate graduation.

 

What is your biggest piece of advice to other TBIers and loved ones: Keep a grateful attitude. I keep a journal (I call it my Golden List) each night of five things I am grateful for that day. I also keep a small rock in my pocket so that each time I feel it I think of something I am grateful for.
What do you do to relax: To relax I read, walk and pray. I also use bio-feedbak techniques when things become overwhelming.
What do you do for fun: Read joke books, laugh at funny movies and volunteer on various committees

 

What is your least-favorite household chore that stresses you out: washing dishes and clothes

 

Would YOU like to be featured on our blog?? Fill out this online form: https://goo.gl/forms/hgDam3WzvFrNQOaV2

Meet Amy L. | Faces of TBI

Amy Zellmer

amylName: Amy Lockman
Oak Grove, MN

Date of your TBI: January 12, 2015

How did your TBI happen: Car accident

What has been your biggest challenge post-TBI: Being a wife and caring for my 2 younger kids

What has been your biggest blessing post-TBI: My family and friends

What is your biggest piece of advice to other TBIers and loved ones: They aren’t faking this

What do you do to relax: Yoga and coloring

What do you do for fun: Work out (exercise)

What is your least-favorite household chore that stresses you out:Everything

Would YOU like to be featured on our blog?? Fill out this online form: https://goo.gl/forms/hgDam3WzvFrNQOaV2