Freedom To Travel with Cyndi Smith
Cyndi Smith was born and raised in California. At the age of 18 she was involved in a serious car accident; breaking her neck in 3 places, her lower back in two, her pelvis and femur. An experience in the light was her saving grace and literally changed her entire view on life. With a great desire to live more fully, she has traveled extensively and lived in New York City, London England and currently resides in Connecticut.
She attended Richmond University in London for a degree in Psychology and Communication and many years later completed her degree as a Holistic Health Counselor with the Integrative Institute of Nutrition in New York City.
As a Mother of twin boys, she managed to make the most of her spare time and volunteered with the National Spinal Cord Injury Association Connecticut Chapter and Branford Hospice in the Spiritual Care Department.
Taking her dreams one step further, Cyndi created and developed a television series show, which she hopes to air nationwide called the Freedom to Travel Show.
Cyndi Smith
Biography from: http://www.freedomtotravelshow.com/about.htm
When I was 18, I heard the dreaded words, “you may never walk again”. Many of you understand what that feels like, while others simply wonder in awe about the impact of those words.
Let me tell you, it was no picnic. I had to face fears and issues that I thought I would never overcome but today I can honestly say - I would not change any of it. Not one bit. I firmly believe that with pain there is growth - and that “growth” is not exclusive to me. I happen to think that the majority of the largest minority in America would agree with me.
The minority I am referring to, is the 54 million Americans that are “registered’ as disabled (and that was as far back as the year 2000). That number is much greater today with additional ‘new’ injuries and people that have still not registered as disabled. (I know it took me well over 10 years to register!).
Least we forget about the wounded American soldiers returning from war and the increasing aging population. That is more then every one in five people. That is the LARGEST minority group in America and unfortunately the majority of people are not aware of this.
There are many of us in the United States alone that have learned to overcome diversity and successfully redefined who we are and what we want from life. Sadly, there are many who haven’t yet achieved this and that is where I come in.
One of the things I learned in my growth process is that being “disabled” isn’t as bad as I imagined. I still have needs, dreams and desires just like always! I still want happiness. Being disabled doesn’t have to be the most HORRIBLE worst fated, feared thing that could happen to a person.
Simply put, my limitations were just that, “mine”. Regardless of the social stigma that I had inadvertently been taught around disabilities, I could feel differently about it. In fact the more comfortable I became with my disability the more positive a response I received from others within the general public.
About 3 years ago my prayers were answered to raise awareness for people with disabilities in a positive and loving way. It was right in front of me all along. Who doesn’t love to travel? My problem while traveling is that I am consumed with accessibility issues! So, facing my fear I took a leap off the edge of the cliff of safety, to a much larger purpose that has been screaming out to me.
Get out and see the world because you can! There’s a whole world waiting for you, what are you waiting for?
