This all changed in 2015 while training for a triathlon, where a bike accident left me with a serious and life-changing concussion.

You often hear about athletes with concussions who have to sit out a game or two, get some rest and recovery and then bounce back. I thought that was going to be my story. But it wasn’t. My concussion was particularly severe, and as the weeks turned into months and eventually years, I realized something had gone terribly wrong during my accident.  My once positive and bouncy life was now filled with chronic pain, visual disruption that required special corrective glasses, and auditory and sensory disturbances that made it difficult to tolerate loud sounds or keep my balance while walking.  I was longer able to work, read, watch TV, listen to music, or engage in conversations.  I now found myself trapped in my own empty and solitary world, spending days alone with my thoughts and the persistent pain, wondering how and why everything had changed.  The darkness led to hopelessness, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and ultimately thoughts of suicide.

(Through time and healing)

I learned to accept my situation, to love who I was, to forgive, to be gentle with myself, to let go of the life that was and instead to embrace the new life that lay ahead.

Did you miss it? Carole shared her journey on the April 13th, she shared her recovery path, her tips and her inspiration.

This keynote presentation is exclusive to all registered ACTIVATE FitCon 2019 delegates!