The Road Ahead by Katy Zales
We sat down with Katy Zales, curator of the brand new line of LoveYourBrain candles and asked her to share her story and wisdom with us.
LYB: Katy, your candles are such an incredible addition to our store. Can you share a bit more on how you became connected to the brain injury community?
Katy: Since I was a child I’ve enjoyed many miles on two wheels, but in 2017 the road had some unexpected bumps on it. On February 25th of 2017, I started the day by calling my sister to wish her a Happy Birthday. Then I got on my motorcycle and rode out to join a group for a memorial ride for our friend. We rode our choppers up a beautiful mountain road and on the way back down I was choppered out on life flight. I was surrounded by incredible friends, a lot of love, and some angels that day. I don’t have any memory of the accident or the month after. I’m thankful I don’t have any recollection of this experience, however the unknown is difficult. It’s like someone pressed the pause button on my life, fast forwarded, and then pressed play. When other people are telling you about “your" life experiences, it’s hard to process.
After one month in the hospital with a diffuse axonal injury, 4 months of brain injury rehabilitation, an ankle surgery, and PT, I’m aware that life can literally change in a second. After my motorcycle accident I realized I had the choice to cover myself in bubble wrap and be afraid to live, or I could celebrate each day I’m blessed with and not take them for granted.
LYB: You have such a refreshing outlook and we know that healing is an ongoing process. What do you think is important to know?
Katy: First things first, take your time healing. It’s not a race! I think it’s common after acquiring a brain injury to think that you’ll “recover” and be as good as new. I liked who I was and struggled accepting that I might not be exactly the same. I might not have the same temperament, I might not be able to come up with the right words to express myself, I might forget important things like my sister telling me I was going to be an aunt. These are all things that most people don’t associate with my injury, and I believe they just think I’m forgetful. I’m working on accepting this while I also continue to work towards further progress.
LYB: How do you keep moving forward?
Katy: For me moving forward is about learning to manage my expectations. I tend to bite off more than I can chew and set high expectations for myself and sometimes of others. This can still be a struggle, but once I realized that if I manage my expectations I might not be as hard on myself if things don’t go as planned.
LYB: As you know, our new Mindset program includes both yoga and meditation. How has yoga or meditation helped you?
Katy: Taking a little time every morning to get my thoughts on paper has helped me in numerous ways. It’s not only a great way to start the day, but through this routine I’ve realized that it has helped me process my emotions, provide me with answers to questions I’ve been struggling with, and become more self aware. I’ve only given myself one rule when it comes to writing, keep it positive! You don’t want to invite any ANTS (automatic negative thoughts)!
My nutrition has also been a game changer for me. Eating clean helped me bounce back when I had zero energy!
LYB: It sounds like you have a lot of good pillars set up in your life to continue to thrive. Can you share what barriers you have experienced in your journey with TBI?
Katy: Brain injuries can be isolating. It’s easy to feel lonely and misunderstood, so having other people who can relate to some of your experiences, emotions, or provide you with advice from time to time is helpful. LoveYourBrain connected me with an amazing group of strong, resilient individuals who continue to inspire me.
LYB: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions for us, Katy! Any lasting advice?
Katy: Be kind to yourself.