Practising self acknowledgement
Good morning to all of you inspirational Parkinson's friends and familyI write this with tears today as I have just read of the loss of the oldest member of my old SupportGroup. Laraine was an original group member. Diagnosed in her early 20s, Laraine lived with PD for over 56 years.
She was one of the first members I met, when I first attended the group and she was memorable, not only an original group member but an 'original' human being!Laraine was an absolute "giant " in that Parkinson's community. She was honest and "no nonsense" with a wonderful sense of fun and a wicked sense of humour.
She had an enormous lived experience which she shared with all, from group members to doctors to any medical person who came into her life.
She took pride in educating them! Lorraine was so real and we all admired her as she tackled the daily ìmpacts of this condition yet remained so involved.For me personally, even though I left the area eight years ago, Lorraine has remained a person who has continued to inspire me as I face my own Parkinson's journey.
When down, I often thought of Laraine and she gave me hope. I wonder if she ever really knew how much she inspired so many of us?
You, dear friends, who also manage these hurdles every day, just to navigate each day, to attend a meeting, attend an exercise class, to simply go for a walk, or even to continue working, or venture overseas, are also an inspiration and I am guessing many of you, too, are totally unaware of the effect you are having on those around you. Today I would love you to think about that.
Those I have had the pleasure of growing to know personally are always humble and unassuming and have little idea that others see their courage, positive outlook, and strength in the face of the impact of ParkInson's. I am in awe of many of you.
No one needs a cheer squad, I know, but today give yourself a little acknowledgement. So many of you are doing amazing things irrespective of the fact that you live with PD. You deserve a giant pat on the back.Like Laraine you are survivors who day-after-day still get on with things and often find reason to smile.After hearing that Laraine had gone a friend wrote "I’m sorry to hear another warrior has fallen, but didn’t she give it a red hot go!!" She surely did.
There are hundreds of Laraines in our world. Thoughts of Laraine will continue to give me hope and I am very grateful to her. If you are like me, you will find it far easier to acknowledge others you meet and often find self acknowledgement a far more challenging prospect.
We have , in many cases, been conditioned to thrust back the tiny tendrill of positivity that struggles to be free, that thought that whispers "You are doing a great job. "
"When you acknowledge something or someone, it is a high form of respect."~ Stanley R. Saunders. By practising self acknowledgement, you are able to focus more fully on your positive attributes and build self confidence.
You can practise this each day, taking a moment to reflect and building your self respect.
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”~ Buddha
