How This Year Changed Me: Lessons in Rest, Travel, and Trusting Myself
This year isn’t even over yet, and already—it’s changed me.
Some of the lessons came gently. Others hit harder. But all of them reminded me how much power we hold when we stop waiting for “the right time” and start showing up for ourselves, exactly as we are.
Here’s what 2025 has taught me so far:
Preparation Made Travel Possible—Even With a Prosthetic
Earlier this year, my husband and I traveled across Europe. We kayaked off the coast of Costa Brava, floated over the valleys of Kapadokya in a hot air balloon, and wandered ancient cities on foot. It was the kind of trip I’ll be telling stories about for the rest of my life.
But I didn’t just pack a bag and go. I trained. I stretched. I did mobility work. I built up strength and endurance so my prosthetic wouldn’t hold me back when it mattered most.
That work paid off.
If you want to travel with a prosthetic, it’s possible—and I wrote about exactly how I prepared my body for that trip here:
👉 How I Prepared My Body for Travel as an Amputee
Bucket Lists Aren’t for Later: Why I Said Yes to Adventure
We always think we’ll get to the bucket list later. When we’re more stable. When work slows down. When we have more savings. When we feel ready.
But here’s the truth: you might never feel “ready.”
I didn’t need to ride in a hot air balloon over Turkey. It was expensive, a little scary, and 100% optional.
But I will never forget the way that sunrise looked from the sky.
I will never regret choosing that moment over “maybe one day.”
If you’ve got a dream experience waiting in the wings—don’t wait too long. None of us know what later will look like.
(If you’re not sure how to travel with confidence as an amputee, this might help:
👉 Traveling as an Amputee: Tips for Confidence and Comfort)
I Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup—And Neither Can You
I’m a caretaker by nature. I tend to put everyone else’s needs before my own, even when my own tank is running on fumes.
This year, I made space for myself—and I realized how much I’ve been needing it.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish. It’s self-respect. And if you’re constantly drained, burned out, or running on survival mode, I see you. You deserve better. You deserve rest, joy, and space to heal.
Slowing Down Isn’t Falling Behind—It’s Growth in Disguise
I’ve always equated “doing nothing” with failing. Like if I’m not improving, building, or pushing forward, I’m falling behind.
But that mindset? It’s exhausting—and it’s not sustainable.
This year, I let myself
Say no.
Step back.
And breathe.
And you know what? I didn’t fall behind. I healed. I recharged. I came back with more clarity and energy than I’ve had in a long time.
Rest is productive.
Stillness is powerful.
And you’re allowed to pause.
Final Thoughts
I’m not the same person I was in January. I’m a little softer. A little stronger. A little more focused on what really matters.
Growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like peace.
If any of these lessons resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you.
What’s something you’ve learned so far in 2025? Drop it in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram. I’m all ears.
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Thanks for being here,
Angelina
@adaptiveamputees
Related Posts You Might Like
📍 Traveling as an Amputee: Tips for Confidence and Comfort
📍 Practical Tips to Reduce Swelling in Your Residual Limb
Frequently Asked Questions:
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A: I focus on strength, mobility, and pacing. Training before trips helps me reduce pain and fatigue, especially when walking long distances.
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A: Yes—with preparation and adaptive mindset. I’ve done both. Safety and comfort depend on the fit of your prosthetic and communicating with activity providers.
What’s something 2025 has taught you—about life, resilience, or rest? I’d love to feature a few of your lessons in a future post. Drop a comment
