Photo Friday – Past 5 Weeks of Travel
Today, I’m getting on a plane from DC back to LA. The past 5 weeks have been filled with conferences, interviews, writing, education, planning, advocacy and lots of travel. I had a friend ask me how I travel so much with such debilitating chronic migraine? My response was:
If there’s something really important to me, I prepare. I rest. I find the strength from somewhere to push through. But I pay for it. I have a hard time saying no, but I’ve been better at picking and prioritizing what’s important. If it means that much to me, I sacrifice my health. Is that smart? No. But I want to live, not just survive. It’s worth it to me.
I realize that not everyone can travel, whether it’s for a conference or even a family vacation. I won’t pretend that my health has been great this whole time. I’ve had my struggles, sometimes spending more time in my hotel room than in seminars or skipping out early to take a nap. I have issues with let-down migraine attacks. I run on adrenaline and when it’s over, I simply crash and fall apart. Is that smart? No. But I want to live, not just survive.
My Favorite Articles as a Migraine Writer- Part Three
In less than 4 years, I’ve written over 100 articles sharing my world with chronic migraine disease & pain. For migraine awareness month, here are my favs. June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, so I thought I’d share with you the ones that have meant the most to me. Bellamy Young- Out of the…
Get Moving After a Migraine Attack
I’m sitting at the original muscle beach in Santa Monica by the pier. In the middle of the swinging rings, balance beams, ropes and slack lines, there is a large patch of astroturf dedicated to yoga. At times there can be 50 or more people crowding the space- all wanting to practice, learn or support…
My Favorite Articles as a Migraine Writer – Part Two
In less than 4 years, I’ve written over 100 articles sharing my world with chronic migraine disease & pain. For migraine awareness month, here are my favs. June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, so I thought I’d share with you the ones that have meant the most to me. The Kid Conundrum Social Media…
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Marineparent101,
Thanks so much for your kind words. We all have a choice whether to accept our lot in life or to be miserable. I’ve had my dark days but overall I keep a positive attitude. Wallowing doesn’t change anything.
Glad you’re active in AHMA, such a grwat organization!
I wish we didn’t have to go through this, but at least we’rw in good company!
Katie,
I admire your resolve, to do the things that are important to you! I can see your mantra is “I want to live, not just survive”! I truly miss the person I was before chronic migraine and other chronic pain issues I have. No, I couldn’t keep up the pace that you do, but there is an age gap, about 15 years I believe. With the chronic migraine and chronic pain, comes chronic fatigue, I’m just a chronic mess. lol
In 2014 I found Teri’s HealthCentral Facebook page, which lead me to AHMA. I’ve had migraine since I was 16, but didn’t go chronic until 2001. So for 14yrs I navigated through chronic migraine, with no support at all. Teri’s group and AHMA changed all of that, I learned so much and made some awesome friendships.
It also opened up a new purpose in life for me, supporting, encouraging, inspiring and advocating, for those in the migraine community. I started with Twitter in Sept. 2015 and now a blog, my horizons are expanding, and that gives me a new lease on life with chronic migraine.