Big events, holidays and anything that requires a little extra effort can feel like climbing a mountain when living with a chronic illness, and is something Dizzy and I try and avoid at all costs! 

Luckily Dizzy and I manage to avoid these most of the time (although we do love a little holiday), but we have been thinking about the times when we may not be able too! And seeing other people with MS having to plan big events recently has made us think about tips for helping to make these times a little easier. 🙂

Leave lots of time

Dizzy and I do have a little habit of leaving things to the last minute, but this does sometimes lead to a little stress (well for me, Dizzy just goes to bed…). And there have been a couple of times where we’ve been left with very little donkey holidaying cottage options.

Use the internet to get an idea of what you want 

You can decide what you would like for an event or holiday from your own bed. A big bonus for Dizzy and I! There are loads of websites and videos (Youtube literally has a video on everything) to help give you ideas. 🙂 There are also lots and lots of blogs, which can help with having a look to see where people have booked accessible venues or if you’re planning something really big, like a wedding, you can find wedding-related blogs to browse by checking here.

The donkeys do love go round all the sites! They do seem to have rather expensive tastes though…

Include sleepy times and breaks in your planning

If you have got a big event to plan, make sure that you include some time-off from it (including lots of time for naps). Try not to let it take up all your spoons, and make sure that you save enough spoons to use for the other tasks that also need to be done. 🙂

Research other options

Take the time to research different options. It can be rather tempting to go for the first option to help save some spoons, but it is usually worth spending that little extra time finding the perfect option. And there are lots of places where you can find different options all in one place. For example, we love sites like airbnb where you can find view loads of different places go stay, or you can go here to look through different wedding bands. 

Ask for help

Our number one tip for living with a chronic illness is to ask for help when needed. Doing anything with MS is rather tiring, and just having a small amount of help can make all the difference. 🙂

Do you have any exciting events coming up and what are your top tips for helping to plan a big event or holiday? xxx

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24 Replies to “Dizzy’s Tips for Planning Big Events”

  2. These are good tips. I always like to make sure I have left enough time: time for planning, time for packing, time to get to the airport and so on. Asking for help is such a good tip. There is no shame in asking for help and there are people who are happy to give that help.

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    1. I must admit I am terrible at that. I always leave everything to the last minute! But I do think it’s really important to ask for help, and even a little help can make such a difference. xx

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  4. Every donkey needs help now & then. Learning to ask for it takes a lot of courage! The world normally changes the BEST made plans, unfortunately. Dizzy will have to use many spoons of patience!

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  6. Okay. this isn’t about planning for trips, but asking for help:

    When I worked retail at a fabric store chain, a woman with a cane walked partway through the entryway and just stood to where the door stayed open. I approached her and before I could ask her if I could help her with something she immediately smiled and said, “I have MS and this is a good day, but I will still need some help…”
    I liked her straightforwardness and whenever I was on the floor during her infrequent visits to the store, I would go right up to her and be her personal shopper-helper.

    So never hesitate to ask for help, even if Dizzy gets embarrassed at times.
    🙂

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    1. Aww, I love that story, and what an amazing way to approach asking for help! And most people don’t seem to evem mind helping, it’s just being brave asking for it! Thank you for sharing this. 🙂 xxx

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  7. I think researching different options is something I do a lot of, whether that’s for a bigger event, a small day out, or even when it comes to buying something or grocery shopping. Although too many options can be a bit overwhelming (especially if you’re indecisive) it can be helpful to have enough leeway to find something suitable, to be able to save money, or to find things that are more manageable and doable, so it’s also important to allow yourself enough time as you’ve mentioned. Great tips as always, you & Dizzy are very smart! xx

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  8. My mother suffers from COPD and at the young age of 84 is always up for an adventure…we recently jumped on transit and made our way to a small seaside village to feast on halibut and chips and wash it down with a chilled ginger beer! We made sure we got good directions (we were meeting up with a friend!) and gave ourselves lots of time…it would’ve been such fun if Dizzy had joined us!

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  9. You are always resourceful and full of hints Heather – good thing you are diligent about making us knowledgeable since Dizzy decides to go to bed and makes you do all the work. 🙂

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  10. Dizzy knows how to do things right. Dotty says hello and is hoping the heat of summer will soon be over and the cooler breezes of autumn will soon be here. Just sad the summer is flying by. Best wishes to the both of you.

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    1. It is now becoming much cooler here, even though it is still only the middle of August. Is it any cooler for the both of you there? Dizzy sends big donkey hugs to you both. 🙂 xxx

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Let us know your thoughts, they always make for a very happy Dizzy :)