Episodes

  • Review of the Great Lakes Cruise on Victory I

    Review of the Great Lakes Cruise on Victory I
    May 6 2026
    Part I - The Itinerary In this episode, we share our opinions of Victory I as she plies the Great Lakes. We pay particular attention to accessibility. Living The Could Life contains affiliate links. They don’t cost you anything, but we may earn a small commission if you use them. We may have been hosted on a trip, excursion or other travel-related event. We may have received or experienced a product for review. Any opinion is our own. Transcript Click Here for Transcript Hi, welcome to living the good life. I'm Theresa and I'm Robert. We are sadly on the last day of our Victory One cruise along the great lakes. We started in Toronto where Victory includes the first night at a hotel, which makes a lot of sense because many people travel, a lot of our fellow cruisers are from California and areas far away areas that aren't on the great lakes. Robert: Although there are a few of us from the Midwest, we landed in Toronto and we want to focus a little bit on the accessibility needs or if there were any problems along the way. And we found navigating the Toronto airport was fairly easy. A bit of walking to finally get to the Uber pickup. Theresa: There was a lot of construction in Toronto. The Gardiner Highway was close, so it took us a little longer, but we did research the Westin Harbourfront Castle, which is where we stayed. It was a great location. We did find an accessible entrance. It's around if you're facing the front and you are on the street because it's a very strange entrance, like you go into a parking garage and there's an entrance. But if you're on the street facing the parking, you just head to the right. And there is a sign there. But unfortunately, they want you to have a room key. If you don't just hit the intercom button and somebody will let you in. Robert: The main entrance to the hotel was actually two stories up from the street level. So you had to drive up a reasonably steep driveway, I guess, up to the front doors. And that was easy enough to do. And that's where you would also pick up your Ubers or taxis or any other transportation if you needed to get down to the street level on the inside, you could take an elevator down two levels and then come out again, the accessibility door that's on the, as Theresa said, on the right side, and it takes you right out to the street. Theresa: And we had looked for it and had a little problem. It looks like a door for the staff or unaccessible, you know, do not go beyond here. So just look when you get off the elevator. You turn left and then it will be on your right. It's like double doors. It is not Walmart. Nothing says accessible. Robert: Once we got outside and the sidewalks were pretty clear, there were curb cuts at all of the intersections and all the crosswalks. The one thing is you really have to watch out for the bicyclists, because when you're going across a crosswalk, there are bicycle lanes that are also going perpendicular to the crosswalk. So you have to look both ways because the bicyclists come in both directions. And there were enough e-bikes that were moving along at a good clip. Theresa: Right. So that all worked out. There was a registration desk with some people representing Victory who gave us the plan. And there were some changes. One thing about cruising anytime is be aware that flexibility is key. And I will say on this particular sailing, and this is the first one of the year, that's always a good time for better rates. But the weather may not be perfect. I have to say that the staff has been amazing. I would say maybe 25 to 30 percent of our fellow cruisers use some kind of mobility aid and they are well accommodated. Many of them said they are living the good life. They've had hip surgery, knee surgery, health issues, and they've adapted. So that they can continue to travel. Robert: The crews provided umbrellas when we needed them, when the weather was bad. The getting onto the ship and getting off the ship required a gangway. Sometimes it was just a flat ramp. Other times it was a stairway that was adjustable to the level of the ship down to the dock. And so and there were often an additional step or something at the bottom. The crew was extremely alert to anyone who was who had some difficulty getting on and off the ship. And we even saw wheelchairs being carried down the ramp. So it was it was just amazing how helpful they were. Theresa: Yes. And there's even wheelchairs on board the ship for your use. But it is very nice. They have this. But never assume that you will have the same experience as we did. I mean, crews change, fellow passengers change, and fellow passengers were very helpful as well. But always remember, it's up to you to research. Come with the right equipment. One woman we spoke with said she usually travels with a regular rolling wheeler, the rectangular shape for traveling on a ship. She has a foldable triangular that has a little place for her to put her things and she can fold it. So ...
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    31 mins
  • Toronto to Chicago, Cruising on Victory

    Toronto to Chicago, Cruising on Victory
    Apr 29 2026
    Alternatives to Ocean Cruising. In this episode we focus on a voyage that visits all five Great Lakes. For some the idea is curious and unusual. Others understand the draw of these great lakes. Living The Could Life contains affiliate links. They don’t cost you anything, but we may earn a small commission if you use them. We may have been hosted on a trip, excursion or other travel-related event. We may have received or experienced a product for review. Any opinion is our own. Transcript Click Here for Transcript Theresa: We are currently in Toronto and about ready or getting ready to board the Victory One. Robert: We're on Ward's Island on a dock that's actually facing the Victory One, the ship that we're going to be on. It's docked next to the Viking Octantis. Theresa: And I don't know if you can hear in the background, there are a lot of birds. And I don't know if this is on any flyway. I do know that, well, I guess south of here is Rochester, New York, but when you go west in Ontario, there is a flyway that I believe goes across Pelee Island and then to the south shore of Lake Erie, where there is a very large birding and migratory area. They have a big birding event every year near, well, it's not Fort Clinton, but it's very close to one of Ohio's nice state parks with lodges called the Maumee Bay State Park. Robert: I remember coming here during the 1960s when we would come up for the summers to visit relatives in Toronto. And we're standing on the dock that we often visited and we'll be going back, back into the center part of Ward's Island to the cafe, the Island Cafe. Theresa: Which supposedly now sells beer, which wasn't allowed before. There's Ward's Center and those two connect. And Hanlan's Point. And then Hanlan's Point. We took a ferry right from near the Weston Harbourfront Castle, where we stayed last night. And on Victory, your cruise starts the night before. And that makes a lot of sense, especially if you're flying in, because we know how flights work. And we talked to a few fellow guests at registration. It seems some have come from Central California and they're surprised at how cold it is here. I think it's 50 today and we're thinking that is warm. Robert: It's a nice blue sky. Yeah, nice blue sky, 50 degrees, a very light breeze. Theresa: We've seen one of my favorite birds, but didn't hear it. That is the common loon. And maybe mallard duck, but I don't own my birds so well, especially my ducks. Looks to be that this part of the island is a wetland. So I think if you were a birder, this might be, or a ducker, I don't know. But I think this could be good for birding. Are there a lot of cottages here? Robert: And they've been here for a very long time. I remember when I was 8, 9, 10 years old, we'd come here. This was always a high point of our summer vacation when we visited relatives to come to the islands and the cottages were always there. Robert: We're on Ward's Island on a dock that's actually facing the Victory 1, the ship that we're going to be on. It's docked next to the Viking Octantis. Theresa: And I don't know if you can hear in the background, there are a lot of birds. And I don't know if this is on any flyway. I do know that, well, I guess south of here is Rochester, New York, but when you go west in Ontario, there is a flyway that I believe goes across Pelee Island and then to the south shore of Lake Erie, where there is a very large birding and migratory area. They have a big birding event every year near, well, it's not Port Clinton, but it's very close to one of Ohio's nice state parks with lodges called the Maumee Bay State Park. Robert: I remember coming here during the 1960s when we would come up for the summers to visit relatives in Toronto. And we're standing on the dock that we often visited. And we'll be going back, back into the center part of Ward's Island to the cafe, the Island Cafe. Theresa: Which supposedly now sells beer, which wasn't allowed before. There's Ward's Center and those two connect. And Hanlan's Point. And then Hanlan's Point. We took a ferry right from near the Westin Harbourfront Castle, where we stayed last night. And on Victory, your cruise starts the night before. And that makes a lot of sense, especially if you're flying in because we know how flights work. And we talked to a few fellow guests at registration. It seems some have come from Central California, and they're surprised at how cold it is here. I think it's 50 today, and we are thinking that is warm. Robert: It's a nice blue sky. Yeah, nice blue sky, 50 degrees, a very light breeze. Theresa: We've seen one of my favorite birds, but didn't hear it. That is the common loon. And maybe mallard duck, but I don't own my birds so well, especially my ducks. Looks to be that this part of the island is a wetland. So I think if you were a birder, this might be a, or a ducker, I don't know. But I think this could be good for birding. Are there a lot of cottages here? Robert: And ...
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    11 mins
  • Cruising The Great Lakes

    Cruising The Great Lakes
    Apr 21 2026
    Freshwater Adventures In this episode we focus on cruising the large inland lakes of the US - the Great Lakes. The ports are fascinating and the ships are smaller and ideal for those whose bodies have been disrupted. You may be surprised by what there is to discover while Cruising the Great Lakes! Living The Could Life contains affiliate links. They don’t cost you anything, but we may earn a small commission if you use them. We may have been hosted on a trip, excursion or other travel-related event. We may have received or experienced a product for review. Any opinion is our own. Transcript Click Here for Transcript Theresa: Welcome back to Living the Good Life, where we explore real world travel for real bodies. Adventures that are meaningful, doable, and full of wonder. Today, we're heading somewhere unexpected, the Great Lakes. Not the ocean, not the Caribbean, but a freshwater cruising region that's older than the pyramids and bigger than many countries. Robert: And if you're thinking, wait, cruises? On the Great Lakes? Oh yes, not only do they exist, they've been around for over a century and now they're having a major renaissance. Theresa: And I have always lived in a state with the Great Lakes, so we're fairly familiar with them and have visited all five. So today, we're diving into the history, the ships, the cruise lines, the ports, and the surprising magic of these inland seas. Robert: Let's start with the basics. The Great Lakes, Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. They hold 20% of the world's fresh surface water. That's wild. Theresa: And when I was in school, to remember the names of them, we remembered the word homes. Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior. So we could get them all. And some people are really surprised when they see the Great Lakes, but we'll go into that a bit later. And they are enormous. Lake Superior is the size of Austria. Lake Michigan is bigger than Croatia. These are not ponds. You can look at them and think you're on the ocean. The lakes, these are inland seas with their own weather systems. And we can tell you up in our part of Michigan all about lake effect weather. They have their own weather systems, their own tides, even their own maritime culture. Robert: And their own shipwrecks, thousands of them. The lakes have been major shipping routes since the 1800s, and storms here can be brutal. The most famous wreck is the Edmund Fitzgerald, lost in 1975 on Lake Superior. Theresa: Which is why lighthouses in this area are such a big part of the Great Lakes identity. In fact, Michigan, and this may be surprising to some people, it has more lighthouses than any other state. Robert: And that sense of maritime history is part of what makes Great Lakes cruising so different. You're not just island hopping, you're time traveling. Theresa: Right, and there are so many interesting maritime museums along the coast of the lakes. Most of them have a different focus. Some focus on shipwrecks, others focus on trade, some on sports, and some on cargo, ferries, car ferries, moving railroads, etc. Cruising the Great Lakes actually goes back to the late 1800s when steamships carried wealthy travelers between Chicago, Mackinac Island, and Canadian ports. Robert: By the early 1900s, the lakes had full-on floating hotels. Think chandeliers, ballrooms, and multi-day itineraries. Theresa: Then came the decline because highways, air travel, and even railways ended the big steamship era. For decades, Great Lakes cruising was mostly ferries and day boats. Robert: But around 2015, everything changed. Expedition cruise lines realized the lakes were perfect for small ship, high-touch travel, and suddenly the region exploded. Theresa: I will say that it was the Germans, Popeye Bloyd, who have been cruising the Great Lakes for 30 years. The Germans are still intrigued by these lakes. Today, the Great Lakes are one of the fastest-growing cruise regions in North America. Robert: Let's talk cruise lines because this surprises people. Theresa: And right now, there are several players here. Viking has expedition-style ships, the Octantis and the Viking Polaris. Pearl Sea's cruises, they've been coming here a long time. We often see the Pearl Miss dock in Mackinac Island. Victory Cruise Lines, they are a small ship classic cruising company. Of course, Popeye Bloyd, the German cruise ship, still comes, and we have seen that in port several times. Also new to the Great Lakes is American Cruise Line, which we have sailed with them before and totally enjoyed it. We did a Cape Cod cruise and that was fascinating, lots of history, water, sand, so some similarities, really, to the Great Lakes. And we are looking forward to sailing with them in the future, as well as with Victory, so we can do a comparison because each cruise line is different, and the itineraries are also different. And there are some that don't cruise here regularly, but do make appearances. Robert: These are not megaships. ...
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    26 mins
  • Traveling With Your Special Needs Person

    Traveling With Your Special Needs Person
    Apr 14 2026
    HAVE A BACKUP PLAN FOR WHENEVER YOU TRAVEL!

    In this episode, we share our Plan Z strategy for traveling with a person with special needs. Making a few adjustments helps your travel go smoother. Remember that it is the smiles that count.

    Living The Could Life contains affiliate links. They don’t cost you anything, but we may earn a small commission if you use them. We may have been hosted on a trip, excursion or other travel-related event. We may have received or experienced a product for review. Any opinion is our own.

    Transcript Click Here for Transcript : Robert: Show Notes
    Music
    Opening Theme “Carpe Diem” by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: incompetech.com Interlude: "Ascending the Vale" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Closing Theme “Bloom” via Pixabay CC0 License (No attribution required) Source: pixabay.com/music 
    Mentioned in Living the Could Life

    Cambria Suites
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    27 mins
  • Amsterdam and Muiderslot

    Amsterdam and Muiderslot
    Apr 7 2026
    Exploring the Low Country With Ease In this episode, we share tips and tales for exploring Amsterdam and Muiderslot. Amsterdam recently celebrated its 750th anniversary. And that connects nicely with Muiderslot. Do you know the connection? Living The Could Life contains affiliate links. They don’t cost you anything, but we may earn a small commission if you use them. We may have been hosted on a trip, excursion or other travel-related event. We may have received or experienced a product for review. Any opinion is our own. Transcript Click Here for Transcript : Robert: Welcome back to Living the Could Life, the podcast where we explore the world at a pace that honors your body, your energy, and your curiosity. I'm glad you're here. I'm Robert and I'm Theresa. Theresa: Today we are taking you to one of Europe's most enchanting cities, Amsterdam, and then on a slow scenic day trip to one of the best preserved medieval castles in the Netherlands, Muiderslot, and I don't speak Dutch, so... Robert: This episode is especially for travelers with disabilities, chronic illness, mobility limitations, or anyone who prefers a gentler, more accessible way to explore. We're talking public transportation, accessibility, highlights of the city, and how to reach Muiderslot by train, bus, or ferry. Theresa: And we'll get into the castle's history as well. It's surprisingly dramatic, plus we'll also talk about what's accessible and what's not at the castle, and where to eat in the charming little town of Muiden. Robert: So, settle in. Let's start in Amsterdam. Theresa: Picture this. You're crossing a 17th century cobblestone bridge while simultaneously eating a cone of hot fries and dodging speeding bicycles. You're not in a museum. You're standing inside an open-air museum. A 750-year-old experiment that's still unfolding. Robert: That's Amsterdam. Living history with momentum. Theresa: You aren't just observing the past. You're actively trying not to get run over by it. Robert: The city is ancient, but wildly forward-thinking. To understand it, you have to start with the ground, or really the water, it's built on. Theresa: Right, and we want to understand how a city built entirely on water mastered its incredibly challenging environment, created world-class art, and and just threw a massive year-long birthday party just to celebrate its own survival. Robert: This isn't just a travel itinerary. It's a look at urban evolution. How does a place go from a muddy swamp to a global powerhouse without losing its soul along the way? Theresa: And it's a fundamental rule of urban design. Geography is destiny, and Amsterdam's geography is its most defining feature. Robert: You get this immediate sensory picture when stepping into the city. It's the narrow cobblestone streets and the trams rumbling by. Theresa: And the bicycles. That's how people get around. Many people do not own cars. There's limited parking, and when there is, it's expensive. So bicycles are everywhere, whether parked in large structures or whizzing past pedestrians. Exercise extreme caution when crossing roads, as most have dedicated bicycle lanes. The locals know the rules, and they know the hazards. We're both experienced cyclists. We would never bike in the central area. If you want to do a bike ride, maybe ride out to Muiderslot or into the suburbs, but the locals will be cussing you out if you're stopping every two seconds to look at a map to see where you're going. And if you step into that bike lane, you'll hear their bells ringing. Listen for the bells. By doing something like stepping in front of a bike, you are disrupting their perfectly calibrated journey and the flow of traffic that has been literally negotiated over the decades. Robert: Let's get back to the water. The canal system is iconic. Theresa: Exactly. From above, it looks like the top half, depending where you are, of a spider's web. Concentric rings radiate outward, and those are the four main waterways in the web. And again, excuse my pronunciation, the Singel, the Herengracht, Kaisersgracht, and Prinzengracht. You're literally reading the city's age and development in its rings. Robert: As the population swelled over the centuries, they essentially just dug new layers outward to accommodate the growth. And within those rings, you have this incredibly complex infrastructure, where canal boats navigate smaller connecting waterways and nearly 3,000 houseboats are docked. Theresa: They even have a dedicated houseboat museum so that you can see what living on the water actually entails. Robert: And the bridges. There are 160 of them crisscrossing the water, including the famous Skinny Bridge, which was originally built so narrow that it barely allowed two pedestrians to squeeze past each other. Theresa: Amsterdam is built on water after all, so let's talk about those famous leaning houses. Robert: Since Amsterdam sits on a swampy peat, the Dutch drove ...
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    32 mins
  • Cruising in Alaska

    Cruising in Alaska
    Mar 31 2026
    Getting Ready to Travel In this episode, we share tips and tales for cruising in Alaska. There are many options for those of us with body changes. This is the foundation of the Living the Could Life approach. Transcript Click Here for Transcript : Theresa: Welcome back to Living the Good Life, where we talk about travel, change, and what it means to build a life that fits the body you have today, not the one you used to have or the one you wish you had. I'm Teresa. Robert: And I'm Robert. Today we're diving into a bucket list giant, Alaska, but we're doing it through a lens that doesn't get talked about often enough. What it's like to cruise the last frontier when you're navigating mobility challenges, low vision, chronic illness, or other challenges. Theresa: We often talk about the two meanings of could. There's the polite permission, could I sit here? And then there's the possibility I still could see the world. Alaska is just the perfect could destination. Robert: Exactly. It's about the science of the could. We've talked about the McGill University studies on neuroplasticity, how our brains can rewire to find new ways to navigate the world. Alaska cruises are built for that. The scenery comes to you. You can sit on a balcony or in a lounge with floor to ceiling windows and have a front view seat to a glacier without taking a single step. Theresa: People often ask, can I really do Alaska with a disability? Robert: And the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, Alaska is arguably the best accessible wild destination on earth because the cruise ships act as mobile base camps. You get the glaciers and the grizzly bears without the vertical hikes. Theresa: Use the 70-day workbook or calendar that is listed in the show notes to practice before your cruise. If you aren't used to a scooter, practice in a local grocery store. If you have low vision, practice using your assistive tech in new environments. Maybe you're on a new med or digestive schedule. See how that works best for you before hopping on a cruise ship. By the time you hit the gangway in Alaska, your brain has already done the could work. Robert: Just a bit of housekeeping before we start. Mainstream cruises in Alaska start at four different ports. Seattle, Vancouver, Seward, and Whittier. The last two are near Anchorage and are usually one way. The others can be either one way or round trip. We will be focusing on round trip Seattle for today. Seattle has many daily flights. It's a great city to visit and the port is convenient to access from downtown. Actually, there are two ports there. Be sure you know which one you're going to. Theresa: What we like to do when in Seattle is grab a city pass and explore Seattle either before or after the cruise. Another thing I really like about the port of Seattle is that when your ship returns to Seattle, you can send your luggage for free from the ship to the airport. All ships do not seem to advertise that, so be sure to ask. That way you are left unencumbered with luggage, so it's perfect for exploring Seattle. Many flights leave late at night on disembarkation day, so there's often plenty of time to discover more of Seattle rather than more of Seattle's airport. Who wants to sit the airport for hours? We use their city pass at the end of cruises. Robert: The city pass is great. It was so easy to go and explore the aquarium after we had checked into the ship. Of course, we always recommend arriving in port at least a day prior to departure. It's more relaxing and if you're coming from the east, it gives some time to adjust to the three hour difference in time. You want to be well rested for your cruise. Theresa: That is so true. You know, just talking about this Alaska cruise and prop brings back so many memories. I'm ready to go right now, but before we get started, let's talk about a few considerations before booking the cruise. Robert: Like which ship to sail? Theresa: Not yet. You're getting ahead of yourself. Even before that, there are a few things to think about, like your ability to do this. Of course, we'll add a reminder about that 70 day change workbook and calendar again. With a few adjustments, the good news is that Alaska has many options to fit your travel needs. Robert: But first, you need to honestly consider a few things before embarking on an Alaska or any other cruise for that matter. And if there are a few things that you think that might provide some challenges, look for alternatives like excluding an activity or excursion and substituting or finding assistance. This will help you determine if Alaska is right for you. Theresa: And I should mention right here, regardless of your body changes, if you don't enjoy nature and are looking for shopping museums and big cities, Alaska may not be for you. If you're a beach bum, you will find a beach in Juneau, but that probably isn't what you are used to. No palm trees, no beach cabins, no warm water. Of course, you will find shopping ...
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    30 mins
  • 70-Days to Change

    70-Days to Change
    Mar 25 2026
    Getting Ready to Travel In this episode, we walk through the 70‑Day Change Plan — why it works, how it supports slow, sustainable change, and what it looks like to rebuild your life one honest day at a time. This is the foundation of the Living the Could Life approach. Transcript Click Here for Transcript Disclaimer: Before we dive into today's episode, a quick but important note. The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only. We love sharing our insights, but please remember, this content does not constitute medical, health, or professional advice. Every body and every situation is unique. You should always consult with a qualified medical specialist or healthcare professional before starting any new program, making lifestyle changes, or acting on any information you hear today. Your health is your responsibility, so let's keep it safe. Theresa: Welcome back to Living the Good Life, the podcast where we talk about rebuilding a life after change, the kind of change that shifts your energy, your identity, your body, or your sense of what's possible. Today, we're diving into something that sits at the center of this entire project, the language of good, the science of neuroplasticity, and a 70-day rhythm that helps your brain adapt to a new reality. Be sure you listen to the disclaimer. At the beginning, everything here that we say is just for education and entertainment. We're not doctors, lawyers, medical professionals. Oh, and by the way, I'm Teresa. Robert: And I'm Robert. This isn't just theory. This is lived experience, neuroscience, aging research, and the kind of gentle, sustainable change that actually works, especially for people navigating body changes, chronic illness, or later life transitions. We're going to talk about Helmstetter, McGill, Yale, habit formation, and the two very different meanings of could. Theresa: And this is a bit of a review. We did talk about the meanings of could last week, but they fit in again with the 70-day change plan. There's probably a point that we all had where we realized we weren't going back to who we were and how our body was before it changed. Your energy changed, your capacity changed, and you kept waiting for the old version of yourself to come back online, kind of like a system reboot that just needed one more time. But it didn't. And eventually, we all have to face the truth. We weren't going back. We had to learn to build a new life from where we were and where we are now in this body with this energy and with this reality. And that's where this whole 70-day idea started to take shape. For example, we recently built a house and are still building it. And my vision changed during that period. So although we were already building a house for aging in place. Robert: And that included things like 36-inch-wide doors to accommodate a wheelchair if that was ever necessary, lighting so that there were no dark areas in the house. Theresa: Walk-in shower, vanities where a wheelchair could fit under, and extra handrails, like double railings on any stairs. I found the basement stairs created a lot of psychological friction, like it was a magnet pulling me into the space. So we just extended a wall or a half wall so that I didn't feel like I was being pulled down the steps. Robert: And we also made the surfaces between the entryway and the basement steps, we made them very different so that they're visually distinctive. Theresa: That's right, and that helps me a lot. We also put tape on every other step because stairs for me look like they could be flat. And I am aware those are going to the basement. Robert: And this is what we're talking about today, neuroplasticity. If you've never heard that word before, it simply means this, your brain is capable of change, real change, structural change, even after illness, even after trauma, even after years of feeling stuck or slowed down or shut down. Theresa: Neuroplasticity is a science that proves your brain can form new pathways, not through force, not through willpower, but through small, repeated signals. Signals like noticing what felt easier today and signals like paying attention to what surprised you, what's given your body a moment of awareness instead of judgment. Robert: And here's the hopeful part. Your brain doesn't need perfection to rewire itself. It needs consistency, it needs gentleness, it needs repetition. Theresa: Think about somebody recovering after a stroke. In the beginning, they might only be able to move a finger or lift a spoon and with help, but with repeated tiny movements, the same motion, practice again and again, the brain starts building new pathways around the damaged ones. Over weeks and months, those small signals add up. A hand that couldn't grip begins to hold, a leg that couldn't step begins to walk. Robert: Not because the person tried harder, but because the brain responded to repetition. That's neuroplasticity in action...
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    26 mins
  • Could Has Two Meanings

    Could Has Two Meanings
    Mar 17 2026
    The active could helps us travel with body changes Living the Could Life focuses on the meanings of "could". One is polite or passive while the other "could"results in action. Learning to travel with a compromised or changed body takes some adjustments, but with small steps, there is still the possibility of being able to travel in an acceptable manner. Traveling with body changes will become the new norm. Living The Could Life contains affiliate links. They don’t cost you anything, but we may earn a small commission if you use them. We may have been hosted on a trip, excursion or other travel-related event. We may have received or experienced a product for review. Any opinion is our own. Transcript Click Here for Transcript one selected Robert: Welcome to Living the Could Life. Today we are discussing the two definitions of could and how it applies to adaptation. I'm Robert. Theresa: And I'm Theresa. In linguistics and behavioral psychology, there's a well-documented distinction between the two ways could is used. It essentially comes down to modal strength, which we will call possibility, and the direction of the focus, which we will call agency. This takes me back to many years ago when I studied linguistics and actually Robert and I were in the same class. Robert also continued on with linguistics. Robert: Yes, I did. I actually minored in linguistics with a specialty in algebraic linguistics. But back to the topic at hand. There's a moment in every reinvention when you realize you're not trying to go back anymore. You're trying to go forward. And that shift doesn't happen all at once. It happens in small, meaningful increments. Theresa: Today we're talking about how all those pieces come together. Through the way our brains store meaning, through the way we adapt over time, and through the power of one small word, could. Robert: We're bringing in some ideas that help explain why could works so well. That's the fuzzy trace theory. How we remember the meaning of things, not the details. We'll get to that a little bit later. Theresa: Okay, so we are now going to discuss the two different coulds. And we'll be talking a lot about the two different versions of could. There's the polite, hesitant could. The one that avoids commitment. And then there's the possibility could. The one that opens a door. Robert: The possibility could is the one that helps us rebuild after life changes. It's the one that says, I could try this, instead of I should be able to do this. Research, particularly in the fields of neurolinguistics and cognitive psychology, categorizes these coulds as follows. First, the possibility could. The suggestion. It highlights that an option exists in the external world, but doesn't necessarily link it to the person's internal drive. The research on linguistic hedging shows that this type of could creates a mental safety net, because it implies something might not happen as much as it might. The brain processes it as a hypothetical or a gist. The effect is excellent for brainstorming or reducing pressure. If you tell someone, we could try this, it lowers their threat response, because it feels like a low stakes choice, rather than a command. This polite, past, softened could is the could people already know. What it does, it softens a request. Could you pass the salt? Makes a suggestion without pressure. You could try this route. Describes past ability. I could run five miles when I was younger. It frames a hypothetical. We could go if the weather clears. Its emotional tone is gentle, noncommittal, optional, often used to avoid imposing. This is a could that feels small, polite, nostalgic. The one that makes people think could is passive or uncertain. Theresa: Then there is the forward-looking, agency-restoring could. This is the could that is reclaiming. The one that describes a present or future possibility. What does this could do? It opens the door to what's still possible. You could rebuild. You could try again. It signals potential, not pressure. Life could look different from here. And it creates space for adaptation. You could become someone new. It also acknowledges limits while still offering direction. You could do this at your own pace. Its emotional tone is expansive. It's future-facing. It's permission-giving. And it's grounded in reality, not fantasy. This is the could that aligns with disability, adaptation, reinvention, and emotional honesty. It's not about politeness. It's about possibility. Robert: Let's compare the suggestion versus the action. The could, as suggestion, implies hedging or possibility. Theresa: Whereas, the action could implies ability or agency. Robert: As suggestion, I'm thinking this is one option among many. Theresa: And as action, I can say I am capable of this. Robert: The psychological state of suggestion is curiosity or exploration. Theresa: And the action could, its psychological state is competence and mastery. Robert: So, the best usage of ...
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    29 mins