In May 2007, I woke up in a dark room that was barely lit by the light of the moon. I couldn’t move nor speak. As I moved my eyes trying to figure out where I was, all I could think of were all of the horror movies I had ever seen. Is this a nightmare? It feels real. I had no clue where I was or what was going on. I panic until I fall back asleep.
I wake up again. This time there’s sunshine beaming on my face; yet, I still can’t move nor speak. Everything was blurry. I think that’s my mom… and a doctor. Who are these people?
“Lindsey, do you know where you are? Can you tell me what happened?” All I could do was blink. “You have been in a major car accident… brain dead… traumatic… re-position your skull…blood transfusion… miracle… paralyzed…” What?! I heard about every other sentence as I realized I could only hear from one ear.
So, wait… wait… WAIT! I was so confused. I was in a “fatal” car wreck. I was pronounced brain dead by many different medics on many different occasions. My body was only being kept alive while they located my family. After being flown to the nearest trauma hospital, I received quite the run-down of emergency surgeries. I could barely see nor hear. The entire left side of my body was paralyzed. There was a tube down my throat that was keeping my lungs breathing for me.
Brain trauma. Crushed vertebrae. Brain trauma. Won’t function the same. Brain trauma! Neurocognitive amnesia.
Blink once for yes. Blink twice for no.
Damn! I was only 20 years old.
Over the next few months, I “miraculously” made a full recovery, I could barely speak above a whisper. My handwriting looked like the scribbles of a toddler. I went through shock therapy with hopes of walking again.
Left foot. Right foot. Heel. Toe. Repeat.
I went from being at the top of my class to having to read the same sentence multiple times before only half understanding it. I would forget things mid-thought and randomly remember days later. I couldn’t focus on anything because EVERYTHING was overwhelming and distracting.
Imagine being referred to as “the miracle woman” and being the face of hope for so many people.
So…
many...
people!
Some that I didn’t even know! So, I recovered publicly only to continue suffering in silence. Injuries of that magnitude don’t just go away, but I CAN’T let them down!
Fast forward a few years, I get married and have children. Forgetfulness and a lack of focus mixed with the unpredictability of kids equals a quiet storm. Residual back issues left me with daily pain, and I often struggled just to hold my children. Sleep was difficult.
I was pretending to be strong and “put together” while juggling a marriage, kids, school, and a business. I was pretending to be happy but really, I was keeping it together day-by-day. I felt guilty because people look up to me, but I wasn’t truly living a life of purpose. Sometimes, I was so overwhelmed that I’d bawl in the middle of the floor, crying out to no one.
Guess what? That was my past, but it’s not my present! It was in that final moment of feeling completely overwhelmed, hopeless, and frustrated that I refused to live another day of “going through the motions”. I realized that living in that state did not serve me nor my purpose. What was I teaching my children? How did this affect my marriage? What opportunities was I missing to make a positive impact in my life and the lives of those around me? And people were definitely watching my every move - waiting for me to inspire them more. That’s a lot of pressure that can easily make you feel like you’re drowning.
I realized that I can’t focus on that. I don’t have to be strong for everyone all of the time. It’s okay to say, “No.” and to put me first. I needed to focus on self-care because I can’t serve anyone if I’m mentally, emotionally, or physically struggling. I can’t pour into my children, my husband, my family & friends - if the vessel I’m pouring from is empty! It was all about me! Which is counterintuitive because society makes you feel guilty for taking care of yourself. Here’s the kicker…if you don’t take care of yourself, first and foremost, you will NOT be around to take care of anyone else.
Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out alone like I did. Although I didn’t realize it immediately, my “fatal” car wreck helped me discover that my purpose was to help other millennial moms and startup entrepreneurs how to step out of that state of overwhelm. It gave me an extremely unique perspective on life. Rather than letting life situations define my reality, I know how to make them work for me.
You CAN accomplish your goals when ALL of the odds are against you! I know this because I was told I couldn’t finish my bachelor’s… only to end up graduating with my MASTER’S on the exact 10th anniversary of my wreck while maintaining a life full of marriage, kids, friends, & businesses!
You CAN wake up excited for your day without frustration and moodiness!
You CAN form quality relationships with the ones you love because you’re able to be present in the moment!
You CAN turn your losses into lessons!
You CAN learn how to shift your perspective on negative situations to make them more manageable!
You CAN learn how to come up with creative solutions to your problems!
You CAN be so productive that you’re able to get more done in the day and NOT be overwhelmed by all of the roles you have to juggle! You have the ability to focus on your goals and create amazing opportunities for your life!
I can help you because I’ve been in your shoes!
I’ll guide you through the struggles and support you through the triumphs to help you live a passionate life full of purpose, balance, and the happiness you deserve.
If you’re ready to change your current “wreck” into a miracle and start living the life of your dreams, contact me today!
MEET THE VERTNERS
These days, the dudes & dudette pictured above are what push me to keep living my happiness. My emotions (whether negative or positive) will (in)directly affect their lives, as well! Therefore, I vow to maintain my happiness for the benefit of theirs!
And I can help you get yours, too!
Meet the Vertners... My leading man, Tyrone, & my two supporting characters, Tyler & Carmen!