I carry the worry about the disease with me around the clock. Not in the sense that I actively worry all the time, but the worry is there in the background and is part of my life. When something “glitches” — for example, when a symptom worsens — I am immediately reminded that I live with a progressive disease. Then the worry becomes active, a worry that can easily escalate, because the disease is real, it is there in the brain and it causes problems.
When this happens, it is easy to get stuck in the worry and let it take over life, causing everything to stagnate. But imagine, in the best of worlds, the worry about the disease could become a strength and make you dare to love life, to become really good at living. Living in the present.
I believe that changing perspective and daring to let the worry pass when it comes can make us feel better. Not allowing ourselves to get stuck in negative thoughts, but instead filling up with positive energy and positive experiences.
But does it work? Perhaps not for everyone.
What do you do? How do you do it? Probably in a personal way, like most things.
Is it worth trying? Of course. You hardly have anything to lose by doing things you enjoy and that make you feel good.
I imagine that positive energy is first and foremost found in the joys that exist around us, as part of our everyday lives. Things we may not notice, but take for granted. Often small, simple things that make life a little more beautiful when we become aware of them.
Here are some of my joys that fill me with positive energy every day:
Spending time with people I love is another source of joy in my life. It may be a quiet coffee break with a friend or a laughter-filled conversation with family. These are moments that give me energy from the power found in shared joy, togetherness and love.
I believe it is important to remind ourselves now and then that the joys that fill us with positive energy do not always have to be grand or extraordinary. They can be as simple as the smell of freshly cut grass, the taste of a cup of coffee in the morning, a gentle touch on the cheek, walking hand in hand, or the feeling of the sun’s rays on your skin. Often, the small joys are all around us; we just need to allow ourselves to become aware of them.
Actively daring to see and experience the joys of everyday life gives me strength and a more positive outlook on life with Parkinson’s. Life is not about surviving each individual day, but about truly living the days we have; being present and appreciating the small joys that exist.
So pause and reflect on your own joys. What makes your heart feel lighter? What fills you with positive energy? Find your joys, and let them give you strength. Life is a journey, and every moment, no matter how small it may seem, is something you deserve to experience.
Thoughts on life written by Cecilia Qwinth, on the West Coast in February 2024. You are welcome to follow me on my blog: My life with Parkinson’s.