Happy Anniversary

Anniversaries are usually happy and joy filled. They are also times for reflecting back over the past year. Well here it is. I am coming upon the second anniversary of my PD diagnosis. That day two years ago was anything but happy and joy filled. It was terrifying and fear filled.

My first year of PD was a very bumpy rollercoaster with many more out of control twists and turns than I would have liked but this second year has leveled out and there have even been some very happy high points.

During this past year, I became a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach and a Parkinson's Ambassador. I also started this website and blog. I have embarked on a mission to let others know that having PD isn't the end of the world and you CAN do something about it. I did not choose to get on this rollercoaster but I am on it anyways so I am going to make the most of it. Although I am still fairly early on in my journey, here are a few things that I have learned (so far) along the way:

You can only help others if you help your self first. Self-care is not self-ish.

Smiling feels awesome! (Not only is it contagious but it is really good for your facial muscles!!!). Try it right now...see, don't you feel better?

Hard work is hard work! Do it anyways, you will feel better after.

Hold on tight. Life with PD is bound to have its speed bumps. Slow down when you need to.

Build a tribe of support. Help others in your tribe when you are able and don't be afraid to let them help you.

Food is fuel and food is medicine. Treat it as such.

I always say God makes cool stuff...and he made me, so therefore, I must be cool. (My kids may not agree with this one). I will embrace my cool factor by being silly and having fun and not taking life too seriously.

Every day is a gift. Treasure each and every moment.

Comments

Self Advocacy in a World of Red Tape

In a perfect world, a person with an illness or a disability would easily be able to get needed services and treatments. We do not live in a perfect world and often the healthcare system is littered with red tape. Patients or their care partners are tasked with jumping through hoops, waiting countless hours on hold with pharmacies or insurance companies, and waiting months to see specialists. I wish I had the solution to this problem but unfortunately, I only see it getting worse. You need to be an advocate for yourself. Here’s what has helped me: · Be persistent, be firm and be polite. · Call often. A squeaky wheel gets attention. · Stay on hold. It is frustrating but sometimes it is the only way. · If someone doesn’t have the answer you need, ask to speak with someone who does. · ...

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I jest. You have to keep a sense of humor when you are living with a condition like Parkinson's. I am actually very thankful for new treatments even if they aren't pink and pretty.

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Anytime PMD Alliance comes to town, I am happy to jump in and help. I have been an ambassador for them for over 7 years now. Recently, Parkinson's Orange County (POC) partnered with PMD Alliance for a Community Connection event hosted at Capriana Senior Living in Brea. The event included a networking reception on Friday evening, followed by a full day workshop on Saturday. Not wanting to travel back and forth from South OC, my husband, Jeff, and I stayed the night in a local hotel. The weekend started out great at Friday's reception. I was back at my hotel and in bed early so I could be back at Capriana in the morning with plenty of time to unload my car and get our vendor table set up. Since I was staying in Brea, I had assured Erin Angelo, POC's Executive Director, that I could get there before her, so I had all our supplies in my car. As many of you know, Parkinson's often throws a wrench into the best laid plans, I woke up on Saturda...

Rock Steady Fighter

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