Perception 

“There is GOOD IN EVERYTHING, IF ONLY WE LOOK FOR IT.” __Laura Ingalls Wilder
(From Ryan Holiday’s blog)

” Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the classic series Little House, lived this, facing some of the toughest and unwelcoming elements on the planet: harsh and unyielding soil, Indian territory, Kansas prairies, and the humid backwoods of Florida. Not afraid, not jaded — because she saw it all as an adventure. Everywhere was a chance to do something new, to persevere with cheery pioneer spirit whatever fate befell her and her husband. That isn’t to say she saw the world through delusional rose-colored glasses. Instead, she simply chose to see each situation for what it could be — accompanied by hard work and a little upbeat spirit. Others make the opposite choice. Remember: There is no good or bad without us, there is only perception. There is the event itself and the story we tell ourselves about what it means.”

SO… before I learned my diagnosis, I was suffering with TMJ. I perceived my jaw was offset, and my teeth didn’t line up. It was painful and painfully slow eating. I solicited help from a Cranial Massage Therapist. It helped short term, but the offset and pain returned. Three adjustments… same result.

At the time, I salivated so profusely, I’d resorted to sleeping with a cloth in my mouth, to wick off the moisture, so my attemting to swallow didn’t keep me from sleeping. Additionally, the corners of my mouth had developed sores.

After receiving the diagnosis, I made an inquiry at a health food store, asking what, if any, recommendations they could make for someone with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. They said Hemp CBD oil. I resisted at first, but went back and made a purchase. Then John & I took our month long roadtrip for our 50th anniversary.

FIRST, I noticed the sores at the corners of my mouth had cleared up… which was doubly impressive, going from a humid climate to dry arrid Utah. I wondered if I took something like coconut oil, I would have the same results?

NEXT, I realized my jaw had realigned, my TMJ pain was gone and I, as a result, was able to eat more quickly. I attributed the change to the CBD oil… but also wondered … perhaps the jaw had relaxed and normalized as a result of the progression of the disease?

ADDITIONALLY, I felt like my sleep was more restful when I used the oil. My primary care doctor told me, his recommendation was to obtain a state card so I could obtain the oil from a licensed facility, where the quality and purity were guaranteed. I followed his recommendation, and have been pleasantly surprised… that the Oil I get now is no more expensive than the oil from the health food store.

The TMJ has not returned… the sores at the corner of my mouth have not returned. And now, my sloth like eating speed is related to how I handle the fork and chew… but not related to pain.

The salivating and droolong have not improved, but from the dentist’s point of view, extra saliva protects my teeth from decay. Hey, we count our blessings as we recognize them.

So… like Laura Ingles Wilder… I try to optimistically view my challenge
as an adventure. Each symptom provides a chance to try something new, to persevere with cheery pioneer spirit whatever fate befalls us. I say ‘us’, because John is such a trooper, ever mindful of my frailities, and ready to accept additional responsibilities.

Already, he prepares my breakfast, while I begin my morning exercise routine. We simply choose to see each situation for what it could be — accompanied by hard work and a little upbeat spirit.