Spurred on by a chance to see Dave Matthews play three acoustic shows in small venues, I decided it was time for me to travel by myself, just for the experience. So I spent last week traveling around England and Wales alone. What began as a flight of fancy became a personal challenge and a chance for reflection.
I’m proud to say that I had a great time and made it out unscathed. More important is that I wasn’t waylaid by a headache or related symptoms even once.
Less than three years ago, I spent five days a week in bed. Last week, I drove around England and was fine. It took extra effort (I ate good-for-me foods regularly, rested frequently, didn’t pack too many activities into each day and took drugs when I needed to), but I succeeded. And what an accomplishment it seems.
Some of my ponderings:
- I’m the happiest that I have ever been.
- Although I spend more money on my “job” than I make, I’ve never enjoyed work more.
- I’m not pain-free, nor will I likely ever be. And that’s perfectly OK.
- I’m still independent and self-sufficient.
- Needing people to help me is not a weakness, nor is wanting them to.
- Indulging myself is just as important as indulging the people that I love.
I hate to say that being sick gives me perspective on the world; it just sounds dumb. But I can’t avoid the cliche because it is so true. Hooray for self-indulgence and the reminder that illness doesn’t have to eclipse our lives.
What a lovely trip!! I’m so glad to hear how peaceful you sound 🙂
I’m a HUGE DMB fan as well; and use him as my biofeedback tool. He sings to me. I’ve been dying to see him live, but have had to forfeit my tix to illness. Hopefully someday. Rhyme & Reason screams MIGRAINE to me when I’m listening to it live, although it brought on by drug abuse. when you’re living it and hearing the words, It
s like he’s had one. He is amazing, as they all are. I really love his live stuff. Yeah for you travelling alone. I hate travelling. Period. Isn’t that awful. Makes me sick. My husband loves it. I’m a home-body. Give me DMB, my garden my kids my dog and friends and I’m happy. Not necessarily in that order. Oh, and a glass of wine without the *#%$ing migraine!
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I just put Rhyme & Reason on — you’re totally right. But I never see heaven with a migraine! 🙂
Mmm, that voice.
K
I’ve promised my family and friends that I’d write a post for my personal blog, so I’ll include it here too. Maybe that will get me to do it sooner rather than later. 🙂
You’ll be amused to know that I was there to see Dave Matthews!
K
WOW! What an amazing experience that must have been! I’ve always wanted to take a trip by myself. And what better place to do it than England?? I look forward to hearing more about your trip and maybe a few pictures? Maybe??