Life in a wheelchair is a journey. We’ve been assigned our lot in life, but the journey is left up to us. For anyone with a disability, life is full of challenges, but it is also full of accomplishments. Big and small, these accomplishments and challenges frame our window to the world. What is your window to the world? Is it open waiting for adventure? Is it closed, afraid of the unknown? Are the shutters half open, keeping your dream alive, but still closed enough to keep those dreams from becoming reality? Are you peering through a window into a vast, unfamiliar terrain, wondering if you have the strength, accessibility, and support to explore it?
One of the biggest fears of someone in a wheelchair is a fear of stepping out into the unknown. We feel safe in our homes, we know our limitations there and know we are safe. But what if we go out? Is the restaurant set up so we can easily go in and sit at a table or will they have to move around chairs and tables, causing a scene? Are there ramps into the stores or do I have to window shop? Will my wheelchair wheels get caught in the cobblestones of the old city? Is it just easier to stay on the inside looking out?
Our disability becomes a barrier, casting a shadow on our dreams of exploring the world and causing fear. From the confines of our homes, we yearn to experience the beauty, culture, and adventures that lie beyond our reach. But fear is a powerful emotion that can paralyze even the most adventurous spirit.
For me, my biggest fear is being a burden. The fear of being a burden is a heavy weight to carry. I don’t want to burden friends or family when I travel, so I tend to stay in my comfort zone, rather than venturing out. I constantly worry about accessibility and whether the person I’m with will have to help me. But it’s an unfounded fear because they don’t mind!
Don’t let life pass you by. Don’t keep your window to the world closed. You may see clouds and rain outside that window, but you will also see sunshine and rainbows. Open your window wide. Let that open window be the path to making your dreams come true. Trust in your relationships. Trust that they love you and being with you is more important than the inconvenience they might experience. Enjoy life! Take that cruise, see the Eiffel Tower, chase that marlin, take the gondola to the top of the Alps, handglide in Switzerland… The world is yours and it is accessible! With some advance planning, you CAN follow your dreams.
*Research and Plan: Start by researching accessible places to visit. Many travel websites now provide information on accessibility, making it easier to plan your adventures.
*Seek Support: Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Reach out to organizations or individuals who specialize in accessible travel or disability support.
*Take Small Steps: Begin with short, local outings to build confidence. Gradually, you can venture to more distant destinations.
*Advocate for Yourself: If you encounter accessibility issues, speak up and advocate for change. Your voice can help make the world more inclusive for everyone.
*Embrace Your Unique Journey: Remember that your journey is uniquely yours. You may not do things the same way as others, and that's okay. Embrace your own pace and style of exploration.
Bring me your dreams and I will help you make them a reality. I am a travel agent and can plan any kind of travel you can imagine! I plan travel for everyone, but have a lot of resources to assist in accessible travel ...together we can plan your path to adventure!
Keep that window open!
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