The Liberating Joy of Traveling Again: A Chronic Illness Survivor's Story

As I sit here reflecting on my recent travels, I'm filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and liberation. Just a few years ago, the thought of leaving my apartment or bedroom was a daunting task, fraught with anxiety and fear. Chronic illness and DEBILITATING muscle spasms had taken hold of my life, dictating what I could and couldn't do. I was to a place where I felt hopeless. I thought my life was over, but I was wrong. And now, I'm thrilled to report that I'm not only traveling again but truly enjoying the experience.

A Renewed Appreciation for Nature

One of the highlights of my recent trip was spending time on a local lake. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in nature (in a cabin with AC and power of course), and it was absolute bliss. Watching the sun rise over the cow fields, admiring the vibrant red barn, seeing the wildlife (hummingbirds, country dogs, cows, one rat snake included) and witnessing breathtaking sunsets over the lake was a feast for my eyes. As I've grown older, I've come to realize that nature has a profound impact on my well-being. Being surrounded by trees, water, and wildlife calms my nervous system and brings me abundant joy.

View of the neighbor’s cow field on my sunrise adventures

Each morning as I took my walk (before it got too hot to breath in Alabama), I passed a beautiful field. It was picturesque and a bit surreal. The clouds set low in the grass creating a hazy romantic view of a red barn in the distance. I thought more than once, at any moment I will see Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy having their famous You Have Bewitched Me conversation from 2005’s Pride and Prejudice movie. (It is no doubt the best version of Jane Austen’s book made so far in my humble opinion.) And if Elizabeth couldn’t be found, I wold of course do the neighborly thing, and help Mr. Darcy find his way.

This has always been one of my absolute favorite scenes. It is when Elizabeth finally has understood that Darcy is a wonderful man. He’s not only saved her sister Lydia and helped reunite Jane and Bingley, but he’s won her heart. It’s a total 180 from the beginning of the movie after the dance.

Have you ever done a complete 180 on something you had an opinion on in your life? Or have you ever found yourself in the midst of what feels like or what actually is the setting from one of your favorite movies? It was such a treat! ME looking in on Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s field! ME enjoying a trip away from home! ME doing the things I love again!

From Fear to Freedom

When I was in the midst of chronic illness due to mold and Lyme, travel was a nightmare. I'd worry about every detail, from the food I'd eat to the bed I'd sleep in. Would I be able to manage my pain? Would the mattress exacerbate my condition? What if there was no one to help me get my bags or open the door? The anxiety was suffocating. But now, I'm able to pack up my suitcase, pull it down the hallway or driveway, and hit the road without an overwhelming sense of trepidation. It's liberating to be able to do the things I haven't done in years without fear or pain holding me back.

Tips for Traveling with Chronic Illness

If you're someone living with chronic illness, I want you to know that you're not alone. Traveling with chronic illness requires careful planning, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips, I used when I had to travel in pain before I found LifeWave.

- Consult Your Healthcare Provider or Health Coach: Before embarking on any trip, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider. They can offer valuable advice on managing your condition while traveling. Being prepared with some somatic exercises, meditations, calming music can also help in those painful tough moments.

- Pack Wisely: Bring extra supplies of your medications, and consider packing snacks you know you can safely eat, a portable water bottle to stay hydrated, a heating pad to stay warm, and icepacks if it is summertime to stay cool. Bring comfy clothes, shoes, extra pillows and soft blankets too.

- Research Your Destination: Look into the local healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and accessibility features at your destination. Can you climb stairs? Got a room on the 3rd floor? If you are not a stair climber, be sure you book a stay at a place with an elevator. Find out if there are places you can grab (or have delivered) some groceries. And for sure, see which nearby restaurants will cater to your dietary restrictions and needs in advance.

- Pace Yourself: Don't overdo it. I am so guilty of this one. Whenever I did feel well or a little better, I felt like I had so much to make up for. I wanted to do it all before the pain hit again. I know this is tempting for so many of us, but please don’t overdo it. My mom use to ask me, “What did you do to make yourself hurt like this?” (This was before I had a diagnosis). And I would simply say, “I lived.” And she understood. That said, please take breaks, rest when needed, and prioritize self-care.

- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with loved ones and your healthcare provider or coach to ensure a smooth trip. Or better yet, take one of your loved ones with you. Someone who understands your situation, your needs, and who will be patient and helpful. For over a decade I could not carry my own bags. I had to have someone with me who would do it for me. I am very fortunate I had some sweet friends and family members who were willing to come to my aid. I realize not everyone has this option. If that is your case, perhaps you can hire someone to travel with you.

More pictures from my trip seen above.

As I look back on my recent travels, I'm reminded of the importance of living life to the fullest. I am finally to a place where I can be grateful for a few of my horrible days; I never thought I’d be able to claim that. They did teach me to appreciate the little things, big things, an all the things in between that I can do each day. I was unloading my bags at the cabin and I just felt so happy that I could do it for myself. I didn’t have to wait on anyone to do it for me. I didn’t have to feel useless. I am so happy to be able to move and function again. I thank God I found a holistic physician, a wellness coach and LifeWave patches just in time!

I, like Elizabeth, did a complete 180 when it came to Lifewave patches. I had decided I was not going to try them; I had heard several negative reports and had made up my mind that they weren’t for me. I hate to think of all the wonderful things I would still be missing out on if I hadn’t given them a chance!

If you are still searching for help, I encourage you to try new things. We get stuck when we give up and sit still. I can’t promise what worked for me, will work for you, but isn’t it wonderful to know there are new inventions and old cures to try every single day! Trying new things is vital to finding what will work for you in your health journey.

Thank goodness, Elizabeth came to here senses about Mr. Darcy. And thank goodness, I decided to give holistic treatment and LifeWave patches a try!