But you're still young, you must be fit and healthy? Why aren't you out exploring and seeing as much as you can?
These are questions that myself and my latest podcast guest Théa have experienced while travelling. We both have a strong desire for adventure, are driven by a curiosity to see the world and to collect new experiences. But we are both impacted by our health. For Théa, it is the ongoing healing journey from multiple traumatic brain injuries, as well as a back injury. For me, I still struggle with the effects of adrenal fatigue as a result of hitting burnout over two years ago.
On the episode, we talk in detail about the challenges we have faced while solo travelling with chronic health conditions, particularly because they are invisible. The level of our ability and capacity is not automatically obvious to others, so you get used to sharing part of your story to explain why your energy is limited each day. Having to retell this story can become exhausting in itself.
Théa and I yarn about learning to meet ourselves where we are each day, and working with our capabilities to make the most of our travel. It's a very different approach to travel compared to others in their 20s and 30s, and we have both had to learn to soak up the slowness. But in this slowness, we have found a different version of magic and curiosity, where you get to immerse yourself in the daily life of wherever you visit and start to appreciate the small moments of joy that can only be found because you're going at a slower pace.
To hear more about our stories, head over to episode 30 of the "Yarns for the Soul" podcast. You can also discover more about Théa's experiences with brain injuries on episode 28!
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