March 16, 2018
My life changed forever. I suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm and was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. When I woke up, I was a different person. I had lost who I was – my confidence, my independence, my sense of self. For the past several months, I have been rebuilding myself, piece by piece. But I know that I need to do more; I need to get out of town and find myself again. This is why I am embarking on a new journey – a journey to find myself and start anew.
I used to love exploring new places. There was something about the unknown that was thrilling to me. I would get lost in my thoughts as I walked down new streets and admired unfamiliar architecture. I loved the feeling of being in a place where no one knew who I was. I didn't have to think about anything or anyone, I could just be. But then I had the aneurysm and everything changed. Now I can't go anywhere without thinking about the risks. What if I have another bleed? What if I'm not near a hospital? What if I'm alone? These thoughts are always with me now, and they make it hard to enjoy myself when I'm out exploring. Even though it's scary, I still try to do it sometimes. Because even though the risks are high, the rewards are too. And I think that's worth it.
I’m Restless
I'm the type of person who gets antsy if I stay in one place for too long. I start to feel restless like I'm not doing enough with my life. After the aneurysm I felt trapped. I'm ready to try, get out of town and explore. That's why I've decided to make 2019 a travel year. I want to explore out of town as much as possible and take mini-breaks from my city whenever I start to feel antsy.
There's something about the unknown that is just so intriguing. I would think about all of the different possibilities that could be waiting for me around every corner.
Unfortunately, that all changed when I had an aneurysm. Now, I'm much more hesitant to explore. I tend to stick to familiar places where I know it's safe. It's been a tough adjustment, but I'm slowly getting used to it. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be brave enough to venture out into the unknown again.
Why I'm Pushing Myself This Year
There are a few reasons why I've decided to make 2019 a travel year.
First
I think about traveling a lot. I daydream about all of the places I want to go and see. I think about picking up and leaving everything behind for a while to explore. There's something very appealing to me about being a nomad for a while - no responsibilities, no set schedule... Just waking up each day and seeing what the world has to offer. I know it's not realistic, but it's a nice fantasy. Someday, I'll be able to travel more. For now, I'll just have to be content with reading about all of the wonderful places out there in the world.
Second
Traveling is a great way to think about things differently. To be in new surroundings and see things from a different perspective can help to 'reset' the way we think. This can be especially beneficial if we feel stuck in a rut or like our thinking has become too narrow. It can also help to recharge our batteries, both physically and mentally. Being in new places and experiencing new things can give us a much-needed boost of energy. So if you're feeling like you need a change of scenery, or just want to explore the world, then traveling is definitely a great option.
Third
In the past, whenever I started to feel bogged down or stressed out, taking a trip always made me feel better. It helps me think about things in a different perspective and come back refreshed and ready to enjoy whatever is going on in my life. Traveling has always been a great way for me to relax and forget about my troubles. It's a great way to see new cultures and people, and learn new things. I always come back from my trips feeling like I've learned something new about myself and the world. When I'm feeling stressed, taking a trip is always my first choice for how to relax and get away from it all.
Fourth
Travel can be a great way to mix things up and try new things. It can force you out of your comfort zone and make you try new experiences, even if you don't end up liking them. I think it's important to think about travel as an opportunity to learn and grow, even if it doesn't always work out the way you planned. Trying new things is always a valuable experience, even if it isn't always pleasant. So next time you're feeling stuck in a rut, maybe consider planning a trip to somewhere new and exciting. Who knows, you might just find yourself surprised by what you end up enjoying. That’s what my goal is now.
I think that when people travel, they should go with an open mind and be willing to try new things. I definitely found this to be the case when I was younger and exploring the world for the first time. I saw and did things that I never would have thought possible, and it was an amazing experience. However, after my aneurysm, I wasn't sure if I would ever be able to travel again. Thankfully, I've made a full recovery and am now ready to explore the world once again. I'm excited to see what new experiences and adventures await me during my travel year!
Concerns
One of the biggest reasons I'm nervous about traveling is because I'm not sure how my body will react to being in a new environment. After a brain injury, your body can be very sensitive to changes in your routine and surroundings. For me, this means that I have to be extra careful about things like what I drink, how much sleep I get, and how much physical activity I do. Too much of any of these things can lead to fatigue or other problems.
Another reason I'm anxious about traveling is because I'm not sure how my brain will handle all the new stimuli. When you're in a new place, your brain has to work overtime to process all the new sights and sounds. This can be tiring and even a little overwhelming. For me, it's important to take things slowly and give myself time to adjust to my new surroundings.
Finally, I'm also nervous about traveling because I'm not sure how other people will react to my injury. When you have an injury like mine, people can sometimes be staring or even asking questions that might make you feel uncomfortable.
As any parent knows, our children are constantly growing and changing, and it can be difficult to keep up. One moment they want our attention and love, and the next they act like we're the last people they want to be around. This can be especially true during the teenage years. Fortunately, my son is still in high school, so I have a few more years to enjoy his company.
However, I know that he is quickly approaching the age where he will start to pull away. That's why I'm trying to take advantage of every opportunity to spend time with him. Even if it means short trips close to home, I'm grateful for every moment we spend together. After all, I know that these days won't last forever.
Despite all of my nerves, I'm really excited about this trip. Areas I’m planning to visit are amazing and I can't wait to explore. I know there will be challenges along the way, but I'm hopeful that by taking things slow and being mindful of my disability, I'll be able to enjoy my time. Thanks for following along on my journey!
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