Since I am not the same since before the fifth unconscious concussion, I can't live the way I lived pre concussion. I had a real hard time believing it was real. Lots of people had to tell me. I guess the biggest indication was when I was told that I was going to be medically retired. I had alot of guilt because it wasn't my nature to pull back and take care of myself, I didn't know how. I always dug deep inside of myself to push harder. That simply doesn't work anymore. I guess the "the invisible injury" makes it hard for me to accept.

I have tried to do a lot of different things since learning of my retirement. I tried volunteering at a National Park where I used power tools and loved being super physically active but working in the heat wasn't good for me nor were the power tools because I lacked the focus and concentration, also, my vision is off which may have contributed to my accidents.

I have had to learn how to live a slower life, finding things that relax me (my things are yoga, meditation, being out in the woods (nature) paddle boarding. I think the biggest contributor of getting to where I am today is listening to my body. Sometimes I can go all day wo rest, other days I end my day mid afternoon because I have been over stimulated. I don't go a lot of places I used to. No metro, public crowded places, places where I am not in control (on a boat) usually I am alone. I get invited to do things but really I would rather be at home in my routine because I know it works.

I REALLY hope your time away from the city helps you establish solutions that will become your "go to" solution when you come back to the city. Much peace to you.