I’ve been brain injured for thirty years nearly and I do not know what to do with my life. I do not have children and I don’t seem to have any purpose. I cannot seem to figure out any.

-Jasper

Dear Jasper,

Thanks for your question and it sounds like life has been tough for you as your injury has been keeping you from being the person you want to be.

The key to overcoming difficulties such as your own, is deciding to not let the disability define you, but to rise above it and do great things despite of it. History is riddled with amazing people who have overcome great disabilities and who greatly have impacted the world. Think of Helen Keller and Nick Vujicic from Australia that was born with no limbs (his video is on the Videos 4 Life page).

I recommend that you pour your life into other people. It may be visiting the elderly in the nursing home or visiting people in the hospital who could be starting the journey that you have been living for 30 years. Just look for ways to help people (hurting, lonely people are everywhere) and let that become your purpose.

I assure you that helping others will do more for your joy than the people you are helping and it can radically change your life while greatly impacting the lives of others. I’m sure you are a special guy with a lot of great qualities that can really help people. Don’t let your disability destroy you, but rise above and thrive despite your brain injury.

I pray the best for you as you find this new purpose and keep striving to live life to the full.

Sincerely,

Ted