Thursday, June 2, 2022
I might have obstacles but I won't let that stop me!
Recently I was looking over my Instagram & realized I hadn't posted a blog in months! So here I am. I wish I was the type of blogger who wrote more consistently. What can I say? I'm a work in progress!
It's June & summer is here in full force. I live in an area where it's hot most all year round. The summers can be grueling but thankfully there is air conditioning most every where. I do love living near water, the ocean has a calming effect on me. Lakes & rivers don't do much for me but oceans now they are my piece of heaven on Earth. Recently I went on a long weekend trip & saw the Pacific Ocean. I've seen it a few times but each time I see a different view.
Traveling with chronic illness can be challenging. To me it's worth all the challenges but, I'm the type of person that would rather experience a lot & then rest afterwords. Rest helps me to heal from a busy day, it doesn't necessarily take away my pain but, it makes it easier to move again. One challenge is the ignorance of people. I walk with a cane when walking long distances. It helps me stay balanced and acts like a third leg. But, people see me walking with the cane and ignore that I can't walk as fast as they might be able to. Some people practically walk over me. I've almost been knocked over a few times. People on airplanes are always in a hurry. I have to tell them to walk around me. Sometimes they act like my disability is their problem. Honestly sometimes I want to tell to go the Hell! But, I don't.
Another challenge is trying to keep up the pace with the people I am traveling with. This is more of a self inflicted challenge. Anyone I travel with knows that I have to move slower. But, I get frustrated when I can't walk as fast or keep up with the pace. I know I shouldn't but don't we all want to fit in?
Moving my suitcase around can be challenging. Even with a suitcase with wheels, it can be hard to move it around. Whether you walk with a cane or have pain or less stress it's just plain hard! Taking a suitcase off the belt at the airport is a lot for me. But, sometimes I find a kind person to help me. Honestly I don't travel much by myself. But, when I do I rely on the kindness of strangers to help me. Asking for help is hard sometimes but, I put my pride aside and find someone to help me.
Staying at hotels you have to plan ahead. I find asking for a room closer to an elevator or lobby is helpful. The less I have to walk through the hotel the more energy I have for the fun part of my vacation.
I always remember to pack the necessities for my life such as pain reliever, a facial mask for self care & rest time, heating pad & anything else I think I might need to help make me feel as comfortable as I can be.
It might seem like a lot to prepare for but, the experience of traveling is worth it all to me.
But the best thing to remember when traveling is if I forget to pack something I need there is always a store nearby that I purchase that item I forgot. Don't freak out is something I say to myself often.