I graduated college after a severe traumatic brain injury.

Things We Forget

By Gentle Witch

Graduated college with a double major

Former federal government employee

  • Fund

    Fund

    An emergency fund is ultimate freedom. Having 3–6 months of expenses in a high-yield savings account means you can walk away from toxic situations. What advice would you give to…

  • Worth

    Worth

    Don’t tie your entire identity to your productivity. You are a human being, not a human doing. Your worth is inherent, not earned through a to-do list.

  • Speak Up

    Learn to speak up in meetings. Your perspective is valuable, even if you’re the youngest person in the room. Don’t self-censor out of fear.

  • Change

    Change

    Normalize changing your mind. The career path you picked at 18 doesn’t have to be the one you walk at 40. Pivoting isn’t failing; it’s growing.

  • Suspicion

    Suspicion

    If someone younger than me asked for advice, I would tell them to learn to protect themselves. There are lots of bad people in the world who will try to…

  • ER

    Emergency room workers who show up every day knowing they’ll face intense suffering inspire me. They are true heroes.

  • Love

    Love

    Elderly couples still holding hands after decades inspires me. Real, lasting love inspires me more than anything.

  • Innovation

    Innovation

    Human innovation will never cease to inspire me. Innovation solves real human problems, especially in healthcare and education. What or who inspires you most? Comment to let me know!

  • Unknown Heroes

    History—specifically the quiet heroes whose names we don’t know but whose actions changed everything. Who inspires you most? Comment to let me know!

  • Passion

    Street musicians pouring their heart out for anyone who will listen. Passion without an audience is true art. Who inspires you? Comment to let me know!