Hey friends. Beth here. I have had a very full experience at the event this week/end, but I want to hear about you. Please tell me how you are doing. What are your plans for tomorrow? How is your family. Do you need support? Comment and let me know how you're doing. 💚

Yesterday was an amazing day for me. It was a day full of special experiences, like a private tour at Churchill Downs, where I got to see a race. (My family loves the Kentucky Derby, so this felt very much like a piece of my childhood.) And an inspiring visit to @roots101aam which I'm still thinking about and will share with you soon because you need to get to Louisville, KY and share this experience. And so many important conversations and connections. But... I didn't prepare enough or ask enough questions about what to expect from a disability standpoint and ended up getting too much sun exposure, and I didn't have food options that work for me. And why? I have lupus. I know I will need accommodations. I just posted about accommodations and using them because they level the playing field. That doesn't mean I'm perfect about it. Far from it. Even someone like me, 14+ years into my diagnosis, can sit back and think... "I won't really need that umbrella. It's too cumbersome to carry!" Or, "I don't want my umbrella to inconvenience someone else!" Or... "I'm sure there will be something I can eat!" Or my favorite: "I don't want to bother them with my dietary limitations because it's such a burden." Because my dietary limitations burden me! It's honestly exhausting to navigate what food will make me sick. If I dislike dealing with it, who else will want to deal with it? Listen, you aren't a burden. Good people, good businesses, good organizations will support you and extend the accommodations you need. Now, we're still getting to a place as a society where folks will ask if accommodations are needed. Especially if you have an invisible illness. Don't be afraid to advise people of your accommodation needs. Don't be afraid your accommodations will burden someone else. You deserve to have a full life with full experiences. If reasonable accommodations are possible, grab the opportunity. And lupies, bring the umbrella.

What an amazing first day @nomadnessfest with @nomadnesstribe here in Louisville, Kentucky. The first day was Industry Day where NOMADNESSFest fostered potential partnership opportunities between travel professionals and destinations & brands. There was also an evening event with the always entertaining @kevinfrazier and the amazing @chubbydiaries. NOMADNESSFest has me really excited for more travel. Especially domestic travel. Comment with a city that is a must-see for me. Bonus points if you direct me to the very best food to eat.

I am officially in Louisville, Kentucky for @NOMADNESSFest with @nomadnesstribe for an amazing weekend of travel and community, with a focus on cultural and conscious travel. Tell me, what's your favorite travel memory? I'll share mine via Stories today.

As someone who has what some call an "invisible disability," I used to feel a lot of shame about asking for help. I'd struggle through tasks that those around me didn't struggle through. My experience was often diminished because of things out of my control. And that was just how it was going to be. One day, my husband asked... if there are small accommodations that can be made so that your experience is closer to those around you, why wouldn't you accept them? That made me stop and think. Why? Why do I fight accommodations? Pride? Shame? Embarrassment? Judgment? All of that isn't actually about me and my disability, but instead about the very small group of people who will choose to judge instead of offer compassion. So here I am, preboarding because that accommodation helps my experience mirror the experience of those around me. And I'm not ashamed. I'm not embarrassed. I have a disability. An invisible disability that I worked for so long to keep as invisible as possible. But not for me. For other people's comfort. Yeah, I'm not doing that anymore.

So many thanks for all of your support yesterday. I have a really busy week, so it was greatly appreciated and very much needed. Sept 28 - 30, find me @nomadnessfest with @nomadnesstribe in Louisville, Kentucky, where I'm speaking on a panel all about domestic travel. Oct 1 - 3, find me @toy_fair in New York City which in an industry event for toys and collectibles (my day job). And after a number of requests, I've updated the backpack membership level on Patreon to include a private FB group, as well as photos from my travels that aren't typically posted on the grid. (Nothing scandalous, lol). Hope to see some familiar faces soon.

This is a more serious post, so definitely skip if you're mainly here for memes and travel inspo. Going to the doctor is really challenging for me for many reasons, including my previous long-term doctor being arrested for inappropriate behavior with patients. As a sexual assault survivor, I find dealing with gynecological exams particularly triggering. This is my first gynecological exam in over 5 years. I made it through it, but I'm still struggling with the experience, honestly. Your kindness and support would be greatly appreciated.

Celebrate Tolkien Week with me on a tour to different filming locations in New Zealand. Mount Doom [Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park] where the clouds like to roll in and cover the moutain tops but are also an exceptional hiking destination. Hiding from the Black Rider [Mount Victoria, Wellington] where movie magic really brings the scene alive, alongside our impeccable acting. Dimholt Road [Putangirua Pinnacles, Wellington] will require quick a hike, but it's breathtaking and lonely and very rocky, so wear sensible shoes. Rivendell [Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington] where you'll find a replica gate to live out your elf dreams while exploring a surprisingly quiet forest. Hobbiton [@hobbitontours] with 12 acres of incredibly detailed hobbit homes. Every hobbit hole is thematic and a couple even open. And a bonus, Wētā Workshop [@wetaworkshop] where you can experience pieces that were used on the set of The Lord of the Rings Trilogies. Which location do you want to visit?

This is my neighborhood boba shop, milk + tea Pflugerville. I love boba and I prefer to support local. My standard order is a classic milk tea, less ice, 30% sugar (or less if possible. Comment if you love boba. Also if you're local, help me hunt for the best boba in Austin.