The Brightest Stars

Good morning to all my wonderful Parkinson's friends and family.

I know it is sometimes hard to find positives that may arise from this PD monster that has sideswiped us and almost succeeded in knocking the air from our lungs, but I have found it to be most worthwhile. 

Looking for positive, as trite and as hard as that may seem, can even help miraculously to take my mind off all those niggling negatives that tend to fill my mind as I face each day's many challenges that arise from this unwanted companion. Inevitably, at times I will become frustrated and let off steam, and this seems to help momentarily, but I know, for me, this can dramatically increase my symptoms.

I try not to let this become my default. If not careful, it would be so easy to give in and sink into a state of despair. Stress, as we all know will exaggerate all of our PD symptoms a thousandfold, so I make every effort to protect myself from it. I know we cannot totally avoid it but we always have control over how we react to it. It is this choice that I find so vital. "Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”~ Willie Nelson I have spoken before about a really simple way to begin to focus on positives. Finding things to be grateful for gives me a real lift. 

Today I would like to say one of my favourite outcomes of succumbing to ( I hate that word....it implies giving into, and we NEVER roll over and give PD control) this illness is most definitely the many, many beautiful souls I have had the privilege of coming across as a result of having PD. My life is certainly far richer as a result and I cannot now imagine my life without these extraordinary, special people in it. 

The many ways they have met PD full on and continue to live such full and active lives, with good humoured acceptance of their new direction is always a source of inspiration. And last week, I was surprised , and quite humbled, by how many among us are living with more than one major health issue, not just Parkinsons! 

Not only are they meeting these extra challenges, but they are maintaining a very positive approach as they do! Wow! In my simple mind, Parkinson's Disease is enough. I am in awe of the strength and resilience often demonstrated. by those living with more than one major illness. I take my hat off to you . 

You are all absolute stars that glitter sofly through the night and still have enough left to glow gently in the daylight. 

Thank you for the people you are, filling our world, sometimes unwittingly, with a little extra light. You remind us "....that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." ~ Peter Marshall.