If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do you ever feel like you have become a different person since you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s? I recently spoke to a group on Zoom about how my life has changed for the better in many ways. Yes, I know some of you are looking at this and thinking: Has she gone out of her mind? There is nothing good about having Parkinson’s. 

Let’s see……..

Here are just a few things that you may agree with:

1. I exercise more than I did pre-PD and am in the best shape ever.
2. I have met some great new friends through my PD exercise classes, support groups, etc.
3. I have learned to speak up for myself when I see my doctors.
4. I have learned how to use technology in ways I never dreamed of.
5. I am not afraid to try new things, even some that were scary to me before Parkinson’s.
6. It is not selfish to take care of myself first and it is ok to have family or friends help me when necessary.
7. I like to try learning new things such as another language, playing piano or another musical instrument, painting……..the list is endless.

Write it down

I am sure you can come up with some other positive things that Parkinson’s has brought to your life. Once you start making a list (write it down), you will find that in spite of the tremors, stiffness, dyskinesia and other bothersome symptoms, there some good things that have come your way.

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop

Confucious

My List

Here are some of the things that I have done because of PD:

1. Boxing! I never would have done this before PD. It is so much fun and a great way to meet other People with Parkinson’s.
2. Writing – I never considered myself a writer. I avoided it whenever possible. When I started this blog, I had no idea that I would get hooked on the process of writing. After all, I grew up with typewriters,not computers.. Editing and rewriting and retyping were tedious at best. Computers make it so much easier.
3. Running twice monthly webinars since March 22, 2020. Given that I had never done anything even remotely like this before, this was a huge step outside of my comfort zone. Yes, I was literally clueless. But I knew a lot of people who I could ask to speak to the women attending the webinars. Fortunately no one ever turned me down, I stumbled through some of the presentations and finally hired someone to help smooth the way so that I could do my part better.
4. Learning to become an advocate for myself and for all People with PD. (Read my post The Accidental Advocate)

These are just a few things that Parkinson’s has given to me. Please share at least one positive thing that PD has gifted you. We all want to know.

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Gadget of the Week

I am going to try to feature some tool or gadget each week that is helpful for people with PD. Please send me your suggestions of items that have helped you.

I don’t remember who told me about this, but it is a great thing to have at home or take with you when traveling to massage your sore muscles.  This massage stick is actually a Deep Tissue Foam Roller that is small enough to fit into most suitcases or totebags. It helps relieve minor muscle knots, aches, and soreness. You can get it on Amazon * for $39.95

Have a great week!

*Twitchy Woman is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates programs and may earn compensation through links on this page.