How are you living above the adversity?

They didn’t ask for this. Parkinson’s was not on their bucket list, or anywhere on their life map for that matter. They are just as frustrated as anyone else about the bothersome symptoms.

But.

Everyone should have a but in their story.

But, he takes piano lessons at age 89 and jokes with people every time he enters our office.

But, he brings vegetables from his garden to share and more importantly shares encouragement in his energetic fashion.

But, she continues to come to speech therapy even while on Hospice.

But, she brings salsa and cookies and other goodies for the group each week.

But, he teaches other people how to exercise with Parkinson’s disease.

But, he continues to write poems and wield his lively humor everywhere he goes.

In my position as Executive Director of the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma, I have the privilege of meeting patients and caregivers who are transcending their circumstances. This does not mean that their experience with illness is any less frustrating or problematic. What it does mean is that they refuse to be defined by a condition. They are more than a disease label. They are vibrant, resilient, determined people, who happen to have a disease.

What’s your but? Everyone should have a big but  in their story that leads to humor and hope and persistence.

Worth Repeating

Focus on what you have and can do, rather than what you don’t have and can’t do.

-Jerry Gill, co-author of Parkinson Positive