Something to look forward to…
I have found that having trips to look forward to has been a good way for me to stay in a good place emotionally. In talking to other survivors, they have confirmed that this also works for them. There’s just nothing like knowing that a fun time is in your near future and that you’ll be spending time with good friends and/or family. It gives me something to focus on, instead of cancer. It also reinforces my ability to be independent. But most of all, it’s very tangible proof that I am living a fun life filled with anticipation and new things. I have traveled more since my diagnosis in 2006 than ever. It really doesn’t matter what the purpose of the trip is, I have fun just being with those I love. I fly into Baltimore this week for the West Virginia mountains for a fun trip with 8 other survivors from New York, Texas and other states. I know the mountains will be so gorgeous and peaceful. Just what I need after a pretty trying month of dealing with too much loss. Thank you, Colleen, for giving this gift to me and the others.
What trips have you taken lately? Do you find that traveling is something you look forward to?
Patsy
- Posted in: Uncategorized
Cancer Emotions 
I am exactly the same. I have been traveling a lot since my diagnosis, trying to go to places I have never been. For many years, I did not want to leave the country because I did not want to be so far from my children, but now they are grown and off on their own adventures. So in the past 2 1/2 years I have been to Japan, London, Amsterdam, and Madrid, as well as places in the US (mostly national parks). I love going to new places abroad and revisiting old faves in the US such as Yosemite and the Southwest. The beauty of nature is humbling and restorative. Traveling abroad is exciting and stimulating. So much to do and time may be short! And I agree that having the trips planned for the future is very important for keeping sanity when so much else is going on–particularly given the losses we all face–of our friends and our own wellness.
LikeLike
Hi Patsy, Love following your blog! Your visit to Virginia with Colleen and the girls sounds fabulous! Wish I could join you! I am doing well but with my husband’s pancreatic cancer in recurrence, we are trying to do the same thing…travel as much as possible! Now that he is back in treatment, we try to schedule weekend trips on his good weekends. Next weekend we are planning a trip to Ashland, OR for the Shakespeare Festival. Maybe next month in Santa Cruz…who knows! You know how difficult “planning” is with treatment but I am trying to plan a trip to Europe for us in the fall! We love driving so we are going to rent a car and just take off…and leisurely see what we want to see. I’m so hoping this trip happens! Much love to everyone! Carol
LikeLike