A brain tumor diagnosis can change how you see your body, your relationships, and your future. Some changes feel hard. Others bring a kind of clarity you may not expect.
The American Brain Tumor Association’s AYA Meetup (for ages 18–39 diagnosed with a brain tumor) is a place to talk through these real-life shifts—openly, honestly, and without judgment.
If you haven’t joined yet, now is a great time. Each session builds on the last, and new conversations are happening soon.
Here are three simple practices inspired by recent AYA Meetup topics—goal setting, dating, and reconnecting with your body.
Meet Your Future Self
In a recent AYA Meetup, we focused on goal setting after a brain tumor diagnosis—how to look ahead when life feels uncertain and reconnect with a sense of direction.
When the future feels unclear, even small moments of reflection can help you feel more grounded.
Try this simple exercise:
Set aside 15–20 minutes. Write down how old you’ll be five years from now. Then close your eyes and imagine stepping into an elevator—a time machine—moving you forward.
When the doors open, notice what’s around you. Who’s there? How do you feel?
Now imagine meeting your future self. Ask:
- What are you most proud of?
- What was the hardest to get through?
- What do you want me to know right now?
When you’re done, write down what stood out. Then ask:
What is one small step I can take this week to move closer to that version of me?
In the AYA Meetup, hearing how others think about their future often sparks new ideas—and a renewed sense of hope.
Map Out Your Dating Reality
Another recent topic explored dating with a brain tumor—how relationships, communication, and expectations can shift after diagnosis.
Dating may feel different now. Sometimes clearer. Sometimes more complicated.
This quick exercise can help you make sense of it:
Draw four boxes, label them “New,” “Unchanged,” “Clearer,” and “Complicated.” Then fill the boxes in, based on your thoughts surrounding dating and relationships since your diagnosis.
- New: What’s new about how you approach dating?
- Unchanged: What has stayed the same?
- Clearer: What do you understand better about yourself or what you need in a partner?
- Complicated: What feels harder to navigate?
When you’re done, circle one thing that stands out. That’s your starting point.
You don’t have to figure everything out today.
In the AYA Meetup, conversations like this often help people feel less alone—and more confident navigating what comes next.
Check In with Your Body
We also talked about adjusting the relationship with your body after a brain tumor diagnosis—especially after treatment, surgery, or ongoing symptoms.
It’s common to feel disconnected from your body. A simple body scan can help you gently reconnect.
Sit or lie down comfortably. Take a few slow breaths. Then move your attention through your body—from head to toe—pausing to ask:
- What do I feel here?
- Is it comfortable, uncomfortable, or neutral?
- Is there an emotion connected to this space?
There’s no right way to do this. Just notice.
When you’re finished, reflect:
- What surprised me?
- What did I avoid?
- What did I appreciate?
Then ask:
What is one small way I can show my body more care this week?
In the Meetup, these reflections often lead to deeper conversations about healing, identity, and learning to trust your body again—one step at a time.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
These practices are a starting point. But growth is often easier—and more meaningful—when you’re not doing it by yourself.
The ABTA’s AYA Meetup is a free, virtual support group for young adults (ages 18–39) living with a brain tumor. It’s a space to connect, reflect, and talk about real topics like these with people who truly understand.
New sessions are coming up, and we have some great topics. Even if you’re not sure what to say, you’re welcome to just listen.
👉 Save your spot for an upcoming AYA Meetup: https://give.abta.org/2026AYAMeetup
