“My actions are my only true belongings.” Nhat Hanh
“Today is the most important day of our lives.” Nhat Hanh
Introduction: There are many types of people-with-Parkinson’s (PwP), different stages of progression, numerous motor and non-motor symptoms, there is early onset, and typically one is 65 years old when diagnosed. And I realize there are many moods and medical issues associated with such a disorder; one may have a gait problem with severe leg pain, another may have anxiety, and another is depressed. Another person may have difficult “off-on” periods with their carbidopa/levodopa, while another has sudden-sleep episodes every afternoon from their dopamine agonist. Still, another with a tremor-dominant form of Parkinson’s is contemplating DBS surgery.
I understand the severity and chronic progressing nature of our disorder. However, I feel that a positive and hopeful approach to surrounding Parkinson’s is my preferred view. It is not sugar-coating the depth and disrepair that can appear in someone over their time with Parkinson’s. It is simply a glass half full versus a glass half empty analogy. In my mind, the benefits are substantially better being hope-filled and positive.
The following 11 quotes in this blog post have been written for all PwP, especially those who would benefit from such reassuring comments. The words below are derived directly from the blog posts or statements written down separately.
NOTE: To download a 1-page handout/display containing the 11 quotes, click below:
“There is no way to happiness – happiness is the way.” Nhat Hanh
Hope is a Complicated Word
Hope is defined in the Cambridge dictionary as “the feeling that something desired can be had or will happen.” I like to use “HOPE” as an acronym for Parkinson’s. HOPE stands for H = Health(y); O = Optimistic; P = Persistent; E = Enthusiastic for life, family, career, and exercise. May these words below reinforce hope in your battle against Parkinson’s.
Stay Focused and Go Forward
“With Parkinson’s, we can reflect on today, remember yesterday, and plan for tomorrow; however, it matters more just to stay positive and go forward.”
Life is a Challenge
“Challenging times lead to challenging decisions. Embrace the challenge and trust your instincts to make the best decision.”
Remain Authentic
“The song of the journey ahead for us is about living authentically in the presence of Parkinson’s.”
Live Positively
“We stay positive, we remain determined, and always with perseverance, we stand firm. Finally, combined with hope, we continue, we live, we continue to live, and we continue to live well and strong in the presence of Parkinson’s.”
Balance Your Life
“Stay balanced in thought and footwork as you navigate this unstable life path with Parkinson’s.”
Live a Full Day
“Wake up each morning full of hope. Finish each day full of gratitude.”
Living With Parkinson’s
“Our most difficult life challenges could create the greatest time of our lives. No doubt this is a tough situation having Parkinson’s but being persistent is not giving up without trying.”
Hope Has Not been Canceled
“Keep dreaming, keep hope alive. Try to reflect on what is positive in your life. Don’t get bogged down by the small stuff; yes, Parkinson’s will want you to focus on the little mundane things to keep you confused. Hope has not been canceled.”
Take the Bad Days with the Good Days
“You will have good and bad days, happy and sad moments, and feel healthy and sick at times, whether or not you have Parkinson’s.”
No Matter What, You Are Still You
“Always remember your life matters now with Parkinson’s as much as it did before Parkinson’s. So stay hopeful as you navigate adversity. Stay you despite your Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s Does Not Own You
“Live each day; your disorder does not own you. Make every new day better; remember, you are still in charge.”
“There are many ways to calm a negative energy without suppressing or fighting it. You recognize it, you smile to it, and you invite something nicer to come up and replace it; you read some inspiring words, you listen to a piece of beautiful music, you go somewhere in nature, or you do some walking meditation.” Nhat Hanh
Cover Photo Image by Antonio López from Pixabay
Journey with Parkinson's 
