To Travel is To Live

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Must Begin With a Single Step -Lao Tzu.   Traveling is exciting but can also be stressful. Packing the right clothing for the weather, the events, and what makes you feel amazing. You try to pack neatly and concisely so you can pack everything you want and need. As an amputee, things become a little more confusing and worrisome. What will you need? What MUST come with? What if this happens or that happens? All of a sudden, packing and traveling becomes almost impossible. How will you ever pack for every situation with the space you have? There are so many rules with TSA and airports. There are so many unknowns in hotels. Knowing how to navigate these specifics with travel comes with experience. You learn more, for your unique situation, as you go but we can also help each other as we gain our own understanding and experiences. Today I share my tips and tricks and my own experiences from the years of traveling, especially by plane, to help you on your own journey in hopes that you can enjoy your time more and worry less. As you travel more you will become less worried about the process and be able to focus on the trip, and enjoy making memories. You will find ways to make each trip a little more efficient and packing a little more streamlined. If you are traveling soon, by plane, give yourself plenty of time the first few trips so you don't feel rushed or miss your flight. Don't be too proud to use a wheelchair as you go through airports, and make sure you bring your basic amputee necessities. I kept a list that I accumulated as I went (things I realized I needed but never thought of or forgot in the beginning), this way I could check off the items I needed each time I packed for a trip. It eventually became unnecessary after traveling many times over the years. Traveling should be a way to unwind and enjoy life after all you've been through. When you're ready to begin travels, don't be held back by fears, just charge forward and live! It's time to experience life and move forward from your amputation. Go enjoy the world and make memories! "A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." -John A. Shedd     You were built for more than sitting around and wishing for more. You were meant to experience it! Go out and enjoy these moments now and chase down those dreams!   Go out, Warriors, and explore the world. You deserve it! And as always, Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!!!   Much love,