I left yesterday to start my journey to travel the USA. My first night was a bit chaotic. I parked in the lot at a state park only to be thrown out because it was against their rules to camp in the lot. So off I drove in the pitch black, slowly making my way along the dangerous cliffs of Highway One at Big Sur. I was able to sleep in my van in another state park. It took some nerves of steel to navigate to my new campsite but I did it. I went to sleep to the sound of Shakespeare, my service dog,snoring away and an owl hooting every few moments. Utter magic!
when I woke up I was able to see the splendor the dead of night had masked. I was in a redwood forest by a river! The crisp morning air was pristine. A neighbor camper fried bacon on a propane stove. It was heavenly. I never thought I would ever have good mornings again. I was wrong. It was a glorious morning.
I drove Highway One and pulled off ever few minutes to watch California grey whales migrating to Mexico. The air was filled with monarch butterflies. I felt humble and grateful for my life. Totally in awe of God’s great kingdom.
I made made it to Santa Maria, Ca. And stopped for the day. Attended an AA meeting and a kind person offered for me to follow them home and sleep in my van in front of their house. I’m typing this out curled up for the night, on my phone. Please excuse any typos
I am headed to southern ca tomorrow. Please reach out if you want me to visit. Drjenniferleigh @ gmail.com.
I’m taking it slow. Totally respecting my still fragile CNS.
I will keep you posted. I’ll be posting videos soon. I’m still settling in to my routine of taking care of myself and my dog in cramped quarters. So far, so good. I’m very happy and excited to be doing this work. Hope to put Benzo withdrawal on the map. We need our stories told and heard.
Love you all. Jennifer
I tried the gmail address but it didn’t work.
I am in Garden Grove.
I’m 35 days in benzo withdrawl, and I had a panic attack so bad sunday I thought I was gonna die… If you could please give me something that will help me make it through this I would really appreciate it… I’m 35 days in and I don’t see things getting any better… I’m getting to the point I’m ready to give up… PLZ HELP!!..,,,
Sent from my iPhone
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It’s drjenniferleigh @ gmail.com.
Type it in without the spaces.
How exciting and so thrilled to be along in your journey. Maybe we will meet in IL. I will be praying for you and so proud of all you have done for yourself and others. Have a safe strip. Xo
Thanks for the detailed account, it sounds like a great beginning .Shakespeare seems to be a great travel buddy. Looking forward to your updates !
Thanks for sharing your first day experience with us. I could just picture the redwoods, the butterfly’s, and beautiful whales. Sounds like you got off to a good start, with the exception of getting kicked out of the campground. You’ll for sure encounter some obstacles along the way, but you’ll plow your way through. Take care, and just know that you have a lot of people praying for you.
So excited to hear the stories of all of the survivors! You don’t know how good Cal. Sounds right now. I swear this bitter air in Mich. is just tightening every little sensitive nerve in my poor brain right now. Feeling quite discouraged but the normal 20’s to come next week are my little ray of hope that I can get the strength to make my next cut in dosage!
Stay warm every one!
Thrilled to be following along with you on your journey…your surroundings sound heavenly…be safe, take good care and keep us posted…
One wonders about the rules that force a single woman down a winding, dark dangerous highway in the middle of the night. But, you faced it well and seem to be doing fine with your CNS! Congratulations on this trip, you are brave and stronger than even you believe. Glad you have Shakespeare with you.
My prayers are for your continued safety and that you are able to keep pushing into your healing. Love and hugs, Karen
Sounds peaceful..<3 I still complain off n on not much sleep..Keep going. Keep healing : ) B safe and prayers.
Awesome, may God be with you. Go slow and easy and enjoy. Keep shareiing.
Thank you for getting out there spreading the word and raising awareness. As a native So Cal girl, I’ve camped and drove the 101 too. Very beautiful and magical up there. Looking forward to reading about your travels. Thank you
Amazing and thrilling report from you on the road in CA. I can hardly believe that you are the same girl who was huddled on her couch most of last summer just trying to get through the day. That is so encouraging to those of us who are still going through some of that discomfort.
I’m glad that you aren’t pushing yourself. Praying for your safety. I hope you will try to park next to friendly people when you are in the state parks.(The mother in me speaking). God is watching over you. Anxious to see the vidoes and hear more from you very soon.
Wish I was there with you as it is below 0 where I am.