Today was the day I decided it was sink or swim...

I've been struggling with chronic pain for six years. Six very long, eventful years. I began this journey when I was 23 years old, and I had no idea that I would still be dealing with the never-ending pain at 30. The healthcare field failed me, but the worst part is I almost failed myself.

Growing up an only child, I was fortunate enough to travel to many places in my childhood years. From Disney World to New England, Alaska to the Bahamas, I loved to see and experience new things. This started to slow down naturally with my college studies - working with my class schedules meant long weekend trips or week long vacations became harder to manage. I still was very fortunate (and well let's just face it - I was spoiled) to have experienced a great deal in my 30 years.

When an unknown mystery pain appeared in my right hip socket region, I didn't think much of it to be honest. I was young and the only experience I had that required surgical intervention was the removal of my wisdom teeth! I had time, freedom and the thirst to adventure - what could go wrong? Well the unknown mystery pain...just never went away. I went through diagnostic test after diagnostic test. It got to the point that I joke that when I crack my back I should start glowing like a glow-stick from the extensive radiation I've experienced - but so far no glow. Darn... that would have been a great carnival side show act!

But I digress... Chronic pain is lonely. And I also went through the heartache of a divorce during my journey. I was losing friends left and right. Who want's to invite the girl who always cancels last minute? Best just to not invite her at all, right? Why waste the effort? So yes, I can personally attest to how lonely chronic pain can be. I'm very thankful for my family and those true friends who have supported me and never stopped since day one. OK! Enough mushy talk! Let's get to the real reason we're all here: experiencing chronic pain or illness is extremely alienating. I personally have found that one of the best decisions you can make is to join a chronic pain support group/social media page. Let me repeat myself... ahem... JOIN A CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT SYSTEM GROUP OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE. Got it? Get it? Good.

I personally find resonance with an Instagram page that posts supporting and educational information on different chronic pain conditions. The content puts into words the feelings I’m experiencing when I can't seem to form the words myself. It made me feel like I wasn't alone in this world, that someone, somewhere, understood. I want to be a part of this community and help others with my experiences. As I have already mentioned (and will mention again and again), I have battled with chronic right hip/groin pain for the past six years. One day I will fully post my medical mishaps, but today is not that day. However during those six years, do you think I stopped doing what I loved? The answer is... yes (for the most part).

I had a hard time coming to terms with the new limitations I had to cope with when dealing with chronic pain. I stopped traveling, experiencing and exploring new places - or even revisiting some of my favorite spots, because I was afraid of causing more pain for myself. Life got rough, accessibility became a focus, and I became aware. Aware of how many benches or places to rest were available and where the closest was. Aware of how much walking would be required to get from Point A to Point B. Is there an elevator available or are there only stairs? And to use that elevator, do I need to show any medical proof I have a chronic condition or disability?

We all have seen the little blue plaques. The white wheelchair with a stick figure in it, aka the cars who always got the BEST parking spots. However, not all us chronic illness warriors want to admit we could use one of those special blue tickets to disability aids. The process to apply for one seems daunting, and let's face it: how embarrassing would it be if we aren't approved. This page is meant for those individuals who frantically Google an event's or destination's website before committing to attending... will I be able to fully access everything? Will I be able to stop and rest? Are there bathrooms nearby? All questions that chronic illness warriors deal with on a regular basis.

I recently allowed myself to attend a paranormal convention, and the experience was so inaccessible for me and others like me that I finally had it. I want to be able to experience traveling again - and I want to help others by sharing my experiences. Make sure to subscribe for updates as I share my reviews from my previous adventures, and my advice from my new ones too!

This chronic pain warrior loves to read, and appreciates a good ol' fashioned millenial blog. Pictures and perhaps short video clips will be involved, but you won't find this bookworm out in the wild vlogging. Too much attention for my fins...and who doesn't love reading an unbiased, completely unsponsored review? (Hint, hint, we all love when another Lady blows her Whistle down!)

Join me, as I promote inclusivity, provide insider tips and tricks, and honest reviews for the ones who are always asked: "Do you need to sit?"