LIVING a fibroLIFE Absolutely Includes Vacationing!

Having Fibromyalgia (FMS) certainly seems to rob us of many things. I purposely chose the word "seems" rather than "does" because, like with most things in LIFE, I believe we can find alternative ways to accomplish most goals. From experience, I know Vacationing fits this category. But before we get into the "how", I would like to discuss the "why" a bit.

The first reason why vacationing is important to us is the obvious: We all need to get away. You have to take care of yourself before you can be good for anyone else. When you have FMS, this is especially true. Do not think that because you cannot make the money you used to make or do as much as you used to do that you do not deserve getting away.

The second reason is a bit less obvious sometimes: Most of us share our fibroLIFE with others, and THEY NEED vacations too! Spouses still need romantic get-a-ways with us. Children still need family fun trips. Our parents and friends still want to go places, see things, and LIVE dreams with us in far away places, etc.

If you are thinking they "whys" make since but the "how" is not so easily managed, well you are correct. I am certainly not going to tell you that traveling is easy when you suffer from pain, fatigue, brain fog, and mood issues. I am going to tell you however that there are things you can do make travel doable! More than telling you, though, I am going to share my next week or so with you, as usual.

In the morning, about 9:30, Momma arrives at the Amtrak Station in Yazoo, Mississippi. ("If I'm lyin', I'm dyin'!" for those of old enough to know why I said that!)  On Sunday, we are heading out to Gatlinburg, Tn. I am going to share how I manage such a trip. As always, I will honestly tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly!

I will not start preparing for the trip tomorrow or the next day, however. I started preparing weeks ago! This is the first point I want to make: Preparation is essential!

• I made the reservations on a day I was not foggy.
  
• I printed everything out and put it in a folder.
• I looked at our route options when I was not foggy. It is not set in stone, but I have the basic plan laid out.
• I want to be able to enjoy the time away so we are breaking up the drive there by leaving on Sunday, stopping along the way for the night, and arriving in Gatlinburg on Monday.
• Over the past couple of weeks, as my thoughts have evolved and I have done laundry, I have been putting the clothing I plan to take on a guest bed. I will go over it with Momma tomorrow or Friday when we review what she has packed.
• We will be in a condo with a washer and dryer, so I am making a point of not over-packing. (Keeping it simple is key!)

This trip has been pretty simple to pre-plan because I only have to pack for myself, it is relatively short, will involve only casual clothing, and is not on a strict schedule. All of the above steps are extremely crucial when Hubby and I are traveling. Good news! We will be in June, July, and August! Yes, I will share  those trips with you as well! Before this summer is over, I will make fibro-Travel believers out of you!

Blessings this day and everyday!
Remember, LIVE your fibroLIFE!
Meshea Crysup

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