What I hope to gain by publicly sharing my journey with Parkinson’s disease is to connect with people… i.e both those with a diagnosis or their caregivers. I hope to have the privilege of interacting with people who see opportunity in adversity and refuse to be negatively defined by their circumstances. People who push hard against the boundaries of limitations – limitations imposed on them by sickness and disease. People who, simply by sharing their daily routines, inspire others to exercise more and lead a healthier lifestyle.
We each find ‘our way’ to cope. Here are a couple examples that have been shared …
” I cope by exercising DAILY. It’s not easy because I’m still in pain and the left side of my body does not cooperate like the right; but exercise ALWAYS makes me feel better.”
“I cope by listening to personal development talks DAILY, and this has had a profound impact on my mindset. It was after listening to “The Positive Dog” that I understood that I had to turn this obstacle into an opportunity. To do this, I share my story (struggles and successes) on social media in the hopes of inspiring others to find ways to turn their obstacles into opportunities.”
Note:
The Positive Dog is an inspiring, heartwarming story that not only . reveals the strategies and benefits of being positive but also an essential . truth for humans: Being positive doesn’t just make you better. . It makes everyone around you better.
I borrowed these insights from Perky Parkie… she says it how it is: A healthy Parkie gets involved in their own treatment. They don’t just sit back and let Parkinson’s take over. They fight it. How? They educate themselves on the disease. They will learn about the treatment options and programs that provide support to Parkies. They seek out resources that will help them.
Thinking that you have become a burden or have become inadequate since your diagnosis is just as useful as a pogo stick in quicksand. Don’t let Parkinson’s define you! You are not your illness. Healthy Parkies understand that they can still do things that they used to do, but they might have to modify it.
But healthy Parkies are grateful for many things that Parkinson’s has brought into their world. Besides being able to do a spot-on imitation of a sloth… a great party trick.
My goal is to turn obstacles into opportunities. Life is defined for us. It is our duty to take whatever that may be and make the most of that situation, not only for ourselves, but for others that may be going through similar situations. I may be diagnosed with PD but it does NOT define me. I am grateful that I am able to use social media as an outlet to strive to inspire others as it helps me to say… “You are not alone in this.:
[I also testify that Heavenly Father is aware of each of us, on a very personal level, and is with us EVERY STEP of our journeys]
I believe this is my calling… MY OPPORTUNITY TO ENCOURAGE everyone to NOT use PD (or any adversity, in general) as an excuse. Please share your struggles, your successes, your goals with me through my email:
. grandma.connection@gmail.com
. So I may share your insights on my blog… and perhaps say of you:
“I think Parkinson’s disease has, in some ways, defined him/her; and that definition screams strong, smart, handsome/beautiful, resilient, and resourceful.”
Standing up to Parkinson's 