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| TRAVEL, BEFORE. |
Just before the accident, I did a home exchange with a family from Bordeaux, France.
And the year before that, I exchanged with a family from Provence.
It was the perfect way to travel. I could go solo, live in someone's house, hop on their bicycle, and explore the world like a local.
I was convinced it was how I'd travel for the rest my life.
Fast forward 3 months.
After the accident, I thought I'd never travel again.
Then, during my time at Magee Rehab, I met a wonderful psychologist named Lenore. Lenore, I discovered, was French Canadian. We shared a love for all things francais.
Slowly, the idea of travel began to unfold again. But it was like dusting off an outdated map, torn and creased through vital roadways.
Maybe someday I would travel again...
But HOW?
April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.
And I'm celebrating Mile Marker 13,500!
For each day of April, I'll share an "travel tip" I've picked up along this journey.
Maybe one'll hit a spot on your own map.
Maybe not.
Our bodies, no matter how many limbs we have, move through the world in different ways.
Travel is all about adaptation.
Which of these tips resonates for you?
Tip 1: Even the smallest step can be a travel adventure.
At Mile 13,491 (on April 1st), I round the corner of 3rd and Chestnut, squinting into a slash of sunglare.
There, tucked into the driveway of a parking garage, is a woman holding the leash of a...
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| ...GOAT?! |
At 7:30 AM, less than 3 blocks from home, I meet Teddy and Anthony, two dapper bucks from a herd called the Philly Goat Project. (Who knew??)
I don't travel far in the morning. I have friends who run 6 miles before I can even put my leg on.
But I walk a few blocks -- and meet goats.
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| On April Fool's Day too! |
Travel isn't about how far you go. It's about what you find along the way.
Tip 2: It's OK to overpack.
"Wait, what?"
I know. I know. Most travel gurus advise taking less.
After all, everyday essentials are available almost anywhere in the world.
When I hear them say this, I cringe a bit. I'm not an expert, but I believe there's a caveat for amputees and others who travel with disability.
Overpacking is OK. Here's why:
First, everyday life with amputation requires specialized equipment that isn't readily available away from home (think silicone liners, socket valves, prescription skin creams, etc).
Second, if we run out of something, the stakes are high. We could develop a skin tear or be unable to wear our prosthetic at all -- seriously limiting our mobility. (And if that happens, we can't even go out to get what we need!)
Third, bringing extra stuff along -- while challenging to pack and lug -- can reduce anxiety and worry.
Travel ALWAYS pushes me out of my comfort zone, and knowing I've packed "everything" makes it easier to take that leap!
Tip 3: Identify your best time of day -- and savor it!
With an amputation and chronic health issues, I get frustrated by the unpredictable nature of my body.
It's taken me 14 years (and lots of good therapy!) to realize this...
I don't just move through the world differently than able-bodied people. I move through TIME differently too.
Tasks take longer.
Experiences are more tiring.
Discomfort and uncertainty are constant travel companions.
My attention is often divided between the outside world and the inside of my body.
There are trends though.
I'm usually at my best in the morning, so I'll wake up earlier -- especially when I travel -- to get outside, sip coffee, write in my journal, and soak up the world (and this new place) while it still glimmers with possibility.
If I'm planning an intense activity, like a tour or museum or class, I'll try to schedule it just after breakfast. Then, whatever happens the rest of the day, the pressure's off!
Maybe your best time is midday. Or evening.
However your timeclock ticks, identifying that rhythm -- and savoring it -- can amplify your travels wherever you are!
Next tip tomorrow. Stay tuned...
