I would tell anyone thinking about HOBSCOTCH to try this self-management program and see for yourself how it will make a difference in your life.
Eveian Salmon, HOBSCOTCH particpantHello, my name is Eveian and I live in Boston, MA. I’m from the UK and emigrated to the USA in 2013. I’m a single parent and work as a Data Professional for an Education Nonprofit in Boston. My hobbies include an interest in Integrative Medicine. I’m a Reiki Master and I love reading non-fiction books such as self-help books. I also have a strong interest in volunteering and volunteer as an Epilepsy Awareness Ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation, where I lead the Book Club for Ambassadors. We’ve read a range of books which have been Epilepsy-specific and other books that have helped us manage our condition such as The Art of Happiness.
I started having seizures later in life and having problems with my memory. This was making me very anxious with everything I was doing in my life at work and home.
I decided to give HOBSCOTCH a try when this was recommended by an Epilepsy Support Group. I did not have any expectations, but I was open to trying anything that would help to improve my memory.
At the start of the program I was given a Manual & Memory Toolbox and Planner to help me plan every day. The Toolbox included ways I could help myself identify where the problems were, and my Coach helped me with strategies/solutions to deal with the problems. Solutions included relaxation strategies I could do twice daily and other pleasant activities such as doodling. These definitely helped improve my memory and reduce stress levels.
I would tell anyone thinking about HOBSCOTCH to try this self-management program and see for yourself how it will make a difference in your life. HOBSCOTCH has absolutely made me feel more in control of my epilepsy and the challenges it can bring.
Just having someone to talk to that understands memory issues and epilepsy is invaluable.
I continue to use the skills gained in the program every day such as reading books, writing in a journal, and meditating. I’m adding more pleasant activities such as drawing and painting. This has given me a huge confidence boost. Since I started writing in my journal daily six months ago I no longer worry about forgetting anything and my seizures have significantly reduced to almost none.
A fun fact I’d like to share is that in exploring a range of different pleasant activities, I’ve discovered that I now love drawing labyrinths for finger and walking meditation.