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

  • Pieces

    I’ve purchased too much glass.

  • Mattress

    In college, sophomore year, I bought a 215 dollar queen sized Temperapedic mattress.

  • Careless

    My cell phone(s). I drop my phone so often that one doesn’t last long in my hands.

  • Untitled post 14923

    What was your favorite subject in school? My favorite subject in school was Philosophy of Mind. There, I learned about the hard problem of consciousness, and I was floored. What…

  • Permission

    I manage my screen time by giving myself permission to be bored. Boredom has become my best teacher.

  • Attention

    I have stopped bringing my phone into every room. My attention feels stronger for it—less divided, more alive.

  • Mindful

    I take walks without music or podcasts now. Just footsteps and thoughts. I’ve missed that sound, but this helps me focus more and more on the present.

  • Grip

    I manage my screen time by slowing down. When I move with intention, distractions lose their grip.

  • Lonely

    I noticed I used my phone to distract myself most when I felt lonely. Now, when that feeling comes, I reach out to someone in real life.

  • Silence

    I deleted apps I didn’t need. The silence that followed felt heavy at first, then peaceful.