In the American mindset, most of us associate the accumulation and increase of rewards to being a positive endeavor. When it comes to Parkinson’s disease, more can mean an array of new challenges. Parkinson’s doesn’t have to get worse, but it can, and if so, it forces you to work harder and put forth more effort in maintaining your well-being.
What was once second nature may not be second nature farther down the road. Movement, speech, or balance which you once took for granted, may now take concentration and real focus. The workload doesn’t lighten. Should the illness decide to move forward, that is our calling to put forth an even more diligent retaliation.
Life maintenance is enough of a challenge without an obstacle like Parkinson’s in your life. Throw in the turmoil and anxiousness of an unexpected health roadblock and you just may feel like the rug got pulled from underneath you. Surprise!
This is the fork in the road where you make the choice to let fear and despair win over, or you make the effort to continue your life by making adjustments and allowing for flexible changes in your life. Some alterations in your life may seem like sacrifices but give yourself some leeway and remain hopeful. Going to the dark side will only make you bitter and demand greater effort.
Karl Robb is the Author of the book A Soft Voice in a Noisy World: A Guide to Dealing & Healing with Parkinson’s Disease. Available in most electronic formats and paperback.
