Tag / travel

by Erin Nowicki

Ouch! It’s Been A Long Time…

Can you believe I haven’t posted on here since 2020…I literally think about this blog every week so I didn’t realized that it had been quite that long. 🤭 My life has changed a lot since 2020, except for the fact that I still live with SPD, so I thought I would update you a bit and share some thoughts I have on the future of this blog.

Farewell Chi-Town!

After 7 years of living up north in Chicago, Illinois, Jon, Macaroni and I decided to move to Florida, to start a new adventure. We really enjoyed living in Chicago, made life-changing relationships, and made amazing memories that will always live in our hearts. There were many factors in our decision to move, but the main reason was because of our mental health. The winters in Chi-town can be grueling and each year we could see that our mental health was getting worse and worse during those dark, cold months. With the pandemic and other major life changes on top of those long winters, it was only right for us to go somewhere new and sunny to continue our journey in this life.

Why Florida?

Jon grew up in Florida, so we initially thought we’d land in Orlando, especially since his parents and a lot of friends are there. A month and a half after living with his folks and both of us not finding jobs we wanted, Jon got a job offer as a golf instructor for a company called GOLFTEC down in St. Petersburg, Florida. The day before Thanksgiving, with the help of Jon’s parents, we loaded up a U-Haul and drove to our new apartment. That same day, I had an interview with an amazing family for a nanny position, which I accepted and have been with ever since.

The west coast has always called our names and we really wanted to try and move out that way, but the timing wasn’t right. St. Pete, also known as “Sunshine City,” has really captured both of our hearts. We live 10-15 minutes from the most beautiful beaches and 10 minutes from a really fun downtown. There are tons of outdoorsy things for us to do and it’s been a great city to live in. It has a California vibe but on a smaller level, which for right now is totally great for us.

The Blog

In the past, when I was trying to collect info and write blog posts, I kept noticing that my sensory would always be heightened..so… I just stopped writing all together. Honestly, I put so much pressure on myself to get posts out that my body would shut down. Then I’d put so much guilt on my shoulders because I was “failing” at this blog or letting the world down.

The whole purpose of this blog was to share a glimpse into my life as a person living with Sensory Processing Disorder, possibly to help others with their own SPD journey, and to help bring an awareness to people who aren’t familiar with this disorder. If that was the goal, which it 100% still is, then there doesn’t need to be any room in my brain for guilt or fear. So, as of April 23, 2023, I give myself permission to write when I want, to be guilt free, and to let the pressure dissipate. Done and done.

All of that to say: I will still be writing blog posts, but I’m not going to put any pressure on myself or body to do it with a deadline. I’m going to be “free-blogging” a.k.a. writing when I feel inspired to. When I’ve done something like this with other things in my life, I have felt more fulfilled, so it’s only natural for that to be the case this time around. As a reader, I know that you want someone who’s writing with passion, a purpose and true authenticity, not someone who’s writing to just write. So, that’s what you’re gonna get!

Your Turn

I don’t want this blog to be all about me. There is a world out there filled with others just like me…I want to hear from you! Family’s or friend’s of people with SPD, I want to hear from you! If you have any questions or are interested in wanting to know something specific, I want to hear from you!

What do you want me to write about? As a reader, what are you wanting to read? Drop a comment on this post or if you want to keep your thoughts/questions anonymous, fill out the form on my contact page.

Over and Out

Thank you for choosing to use your time to catch up with me. I hope this post finds you pursuing a healthy, whole life, because you deserve that and SO much more. Stay magical. 🦄

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess Chronicle vol. 4

I’m back from California! Wow, what a trip that was!! I had such a blast tagging along with Jon and his band, as well as hanging out with my in-laws.

After the tour, Jon and I were able to spend two days in Venice Beach just exploring, eating delicious food, relaxing and crossing things off our bucket lists. It was dreamy and pure magic.

Journal Entry

This last Sunday, as Jon and I were driving to church, there was a car behind playing music EXTREMELY LOUD. He had the bass cranked and oh my goodness, because of my SPD, it was hurting my ears so much.

We had to sit through two lights with this car behind is. I was starting to panic because it was hurting so badly. When I was about to break down, he actually pulled up next to us and I decided to do something about the situation.

**Now, let me set this straight- never in a million years would I have done what I did next… I honestly think because of me starting this blog and no longer being ashamed of my disorder is why I did this.**

I rolled down the window and waved him down, with a smile of course. With hand signals, I motioned for him turn down the music. —->

He turned his music down and asked what was up. So I kindly asked him if he could turn it down just a little bit because it was physically hurting me.

Honestly, I thought he wouldn’t care because it seemed like he wasn’t caring about anyone when he had his music so loud that it was affecting everyone…but he COMPLETELY surprised me!

He then responded with a sincere apology and said that he didn’t realize that it was painful. SAY WHAT!?

Sometimes people just aren’t aware of how things affect you and honestly, they might not ever be aware unless you advocate for yourself with kindness & confidence.

What You Missed Last Time

I had so much fun writing my last blog post, but if you missed it, click the link above to go check it out. I wanted to share my go-to’s when packing for an out of town trip as someone with SPD. If you have SPD, you probably have some go-to things that you bring to help ease your sensory while you are away from home. I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below!

In my packing list, you might’ve noticed that I mentioned something called “deep pressure.” The product they’ve created is pretty neat too…maybe I’ll try it someday. 😉 I wanted to send you over to an article that explains it in a good way. ⬇

Deep touch pressure refers to a form of tactile sensory input which is often provided by firm holding, firm stroking, cuddling, hugging, and squeezing.

Excerpt from Tjacket

Come back next week to read about how I attempted an experiment for my sensory and how I failed. 😀

by Erin Nowicki

Packing List- SPD Style

For someone diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, going on a trip away from the comforts of home can be stressful. Now, I love to travel and I find it exhilarating, but that’s because I make sure to be prepared.

This list I’ve compiled is specific to my needs, but I bet some of them will be helpful for you:

1. Compression Socks

I would say this is the most important thing to bring. My feet are the most sensitive part on my body, so making sure I have a good pair of socks is clutch. When traveling, I never know what kind of sheets I will be sleeping on; having socks makes sure to protect my feet from any uncomfortable textures as well as giving me deep pressure. Compression socks are the best choice not only for sleeping, but they also help if I get overloaded with my sensory.

2. Superman Blanket

I get cold easily which in turn spikes my SPD so I always make sure to bring my superman blanket. I’ve had it since I was in high school (I think) and it’s gone with me all over the world. It’s a kid size blanket and the texture isn’t too bad, so it’s perfect for travel.

3. Hoodie

You never know if it’s going to rain (because rain=needles for me) or be chilly so I make sure to always bring a hoodie. Of course I bring a cute one but it also needs to be comfy. 😉

4. PJ Pants

Like I mentioned with the socks earlier, I don’t ever know ahead of time whether or not I’m going to be comfortable where I sleep. Making sure I have comfortable PJ’s at least protects my skin for the most part from uncomfortable fabrics.

5. Fingernail Clippers

If I let my fingernails grow out too long, it really triggers my sensory in my hands. I can’t stand the feeling after I take a shower and I have long fingernails. I get the chills just thinking about it now. So, before a trip, I always cut my fingernails. I still bring the clippers just in case for some reason I didn’t cut my nails well enough or if I accidentally break one. A broken fingernail is a no-no for this sensory princess.

6. Baby Wipes/Dry Shampoo

I never know what the water will feel like in the different places I travel to. If it’s too soft, I will most likely not take a shower more than once when I’m at that location. So, that’s where the baby wipes and dry shampoo come in. The wipes help keep me somewhat fresh and the dry shampoo tames the hair.

7. Shaving Cream

Shaving cream comes in really handy if I really have to take a shower and the water texture brings me a lot of pain. When I’m ready to get out of the shower, I wash my hands with the shaving cream. It helps take away the soft feeling of water or shampoo/conditioner from my hands. It’s been a lifesaver!

8. Lavender Oil

Sensory overload happens and can feel like you can’t get away from the pain. Something that I’ve adapted into my packing list the past couple years is Lavender Essential Oil by DoTerra. Lavender is a natural calming agent, so I’ll put a little on my neck and it helps remind me to take deep breaths and calm down. I won’t put it on with just my fingers because the texture of oil actually hurts my skin too, so I use a cotton swab or tissue.

Another thing this oil helps with is mosquito bites. You never know if you are going to get bit on vacay! No one likes a mosquito bite, but add a sensory disorder on top of it which makes the pain even worse. Thankfully, lavender takes away the itching which in turn takes the extra pain away too.

9. Chapstick

Traveling via car or plane, it’s inevitable that my lips will get extremely dry and chapped. If I get stressed out, I tend to pick at my lips, so chapstick is a must bring.

10. Converse

My favorite pair of shoes are my raspberry pink colored, low top Converse. When I was in high school, my mom bought me my first pair. When those died, she got me another pair. 😀 Thanks Mom!

I bring these specific shoes because they are comfortable, provide my feet with deep pressure and are reliable. If it rains, these shoes hold up very decently, which is helpful for me because I don’t particularly like my feet getting wet if I don’t have to.

Alrighty, that’s my list! I hope you enjoyed it! If you have any packing musts, please share them in a comment below! I’d love to see if any of your things would be helpful for me too! 😀

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess Chronicle vol. 3

California here I come!!

On Thursday, I will be flying out to Cali with my hunky and his band, Flatfoot 56, for a week filled with music, adventure and of course other dreamy things.

This trip is super important to me because I have been dreaming of going to California ever since I was a kid. I’m so excited to check this off my Dream List!!!

All that to say, in honor of my trip, my next post will be a fun one for yall; I’m going to do a Sensory Processing Disorder Travel Packing List. Check back next week!

Bi-Weekly Journal Entry

I went rollerskating this weekend and had a bad fall. Luckily I had my helmet on, because it would’ve been brutal. My head has been killing me and my lower back is extremely sore.

Last night, Jon put some ICY HOT on my back and let me tell you…it was SOOOOOOO painful! Not only applying it hurt, but the entire hour after putting it on hurt, because I could feel the cream on every inch of my skin. It felt like little pinches and burns all over my back. Geesh.

For the record- I love rollerskating and definitely had a blast before I fell! SPD isn’t gonna stop me from going out again this week! 😉

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

-Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

I’m currently reading Little Women and I thought this quote would be perfect for today. Sometimes, I think SPD feels like a storm… and unending one at that, but I think there are ways to help manage the storm. I want this blog to be a place for you to come when you are ready to learn how to sail your ship.

One of my dreams is to start a review section, where I review different products, coping mechanisms, and really anything that might help you (and me) to learn how to sail our ship better. The goal for this is so that YOU don’t have to endure the pain of trying something blindly. I’m willing to do this and I want to do this. I want to see the world of SPD changed for the better. If you know any entrepreneurs or companies that would want to partner with me, please send them my way!

What You Missed Last Week

With SPD, rating pain accurately can be quite difficult. Last week, I talked a little bit about how I’ve managed to go about that. I even shared my most embarrassing story, so you want to make sure to check it out! 😀

I know that blogs can be daunting for some people, but that’s why I have a Twitter account! I want everyone to be able to have access to this blog. ❤

by Erin Nowicki

The Prince

I don’t think Charles Perrault, the Brother’s Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, or even J.K. Rowling could’ve created a better prince than the prince who was put into my story. Jon Nowicki is his name and Prince Charming has nothing on him…sorry Char. :p

Here’s a little background on hunky and then I will ask him some questions for you to get a glimpse into what it’s like being married to someone with Sensory Processing Disorder.

Jon was born in Wisconsin and moved to Florida in 5th grade. He has a degree in Music Ministry with an emphasis in percussion and is an incredible drummer. Not only do I get to have him as my drummer for Hello Wonder, he also drums for another awesome band called Flatfoot 56. H enjoys golfing (any Chicago golfers looking for a golfing buddy??), traveling, camping, and cooking.

The thing I love most about him is how much he cares about me. He has never pressured me to do anything I didn’t want to do, he always makes sure I’m comfortable (or at least as comfy as I can be), makes me laugh, feeds my unicorn obsession and is the most selfless person I know. Living with someone who has SPD, can be extremely difficult and I appreciate him so much because he’s patient, always willing to learn, and loves me for me.

♕Interview with a REAL prince♕

Were you aware of Erin having SPD before you got married?

Prince:

I found out about her SPD while we were getting to know each other. I went along and asked and did all the things people do when they find out about it (sorry Erin :)). During the first few months, it was hard to disconnect my fear of “hurting” her or causing her pain.

In the end, it came down to the fact that sometimes the emotional pain of SPD can be harder than the physical pain. Treating her like a “sick” person or steering clear of any physical contact can be just as hard. It took a long time for me to fully process it, but I’ve come to a point where I can be aware of her SPD, but it doesn’t control how I treat her. 

How do you support Erin when she is in a flare up?

Prince:

The best thing I’ve found is to ask what she needs. Communication is a big aspect of steering through the waters of SPD. It’s something we continually try to improve. I can assume that I know what may help, and sometimes I’m lucky, but other times the things that sometimes help could actually make the scenario worse.  Always ask what you can do before you assume what’s best.  

What’s the hardest part of living with someone that has severe SPD?

Prince:

One of the hardest parts for me is not being able to fully relate to her when she is in pain.  Sometimes I feel completely useless when she is flaring up, because I literally can’t do anything to help. That feeling of not being able to do anything for her is always the hardest part. 

How do you cope with the lack of intimacy?

Prince:

There is no real easy answer for this.  It is difficult. As Erin previously said, physical touch is one of my main love languages. The first years of our marriage have been tough. Learning how to live together, become adults, and manage all of it with SPD as well as processing her trauma has been a challenge.

If you know me, I am a fairly easy going, laid back individual. This along with the blessing of patience has helped me a lot with the intimacy aspect of our marriage.  Through the years I’ve also had great friends/mentors alongside of me who have been there for me.  It never hurts to have someone to be able to talk to, even if they don’t fully understand the scope of SPD. Personal honesty and open communication will give you the best chance for success. 

Erin is great about pushing through the pain to meet my needs. An extra hug/kiss/holding hands moment means so much to me. 

Do you have another question for Jon that you’d like answered? Please feel free to leave a comment below or direct message me on the Contacts page. No question is too awkward or uncomfortable, so be free. If I get enough questions, I will drop another blog post with his answers for you all to have.

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess

Hi there, my name is Erin and I am a 30-year old, blue haired, unicorn-believin’ girl and the princess in this tale (aka my blog).

I was born in Würzburg, Germany, to the most incredible parents. My dad was in the Army my entire life, hence why I wasn’t born stateside. While growing up, we lived in Germany twice, Georgia and Tennessee. I have 2 birth sisters and 5 adopted siblings (3 girls, 2 boys).

In 2007, I moved to Memphis, TN, to go to a music college and that is where I met my hunky husband, Jon. After we graduated in 2010, with Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Ministry, we got married that following Fall. About 2 years after that, we moved to Belgium to be full-time missionaries. It was the most life-changing time of our married life. We got to travel, gain lifetime friends, train musicians, and just be adventurers. Unfortunately, we were only there for 15 months because we ran out of money (for the record…MONEY SUCKS). Those 15 months flew by, but we will never forget our time there and we still miss Belgium and the people there every single day.

Jon and I then moved to Illinois, which is where we are now. We live right outside the city of Chicago with our adorable pup, Macaroni. Currently, I am a full time nanny and I absolutely love my job. I chose to be a nanny because I love being around kids- they help keep my imagination young and keep my creativity flowing.

Speaking of creativity; MUSIC is what I am most passionate about in the entire world. I am a singer and a songwriter as well as a worship leader. I have a band called, Hello Wonder, and it is a dream come true. The ultimate dream is to do that full time, but for now, I’m thankful for what I have and that goal I’m working toward.

Alright, that’s it for now. This is your last chance to turn back from reading this blog. 😉 The posts from now on will be diving into more vulnerable, uncomfortable (but necessary), subjects pertaining to my Sensory Processing Disorder, mental health, sex, and some other things. I ask you to open your mind and leave judgment outside. I also invite you to come along with me to learn and to be enlightened. BUT—only come along on your own terms. You know what you can and can’t handle-so be free.