A new year brings new hope

Having consistently blogged every day for two and a half years, it feels awfully strange, not being tied to this computer night and day. Making the decision to blog once a week on a Friday has given me more time to concentrate on taking care of myself. Any sort of exercise or physical activity, as any Parkinson's patient can attest, is vital in maintaining one's range of movement and mobility and slows down the progression of the disease. Along with spending more time with my family which is priceless, I have made drastic changes to my priority list.

It's Friday and I'm here, just where I said I would be, touching base with you. I hope you enjoyed your New Year's celebrations wherever you may be. We were invited to a party which I know was a huge success, a lot of fun and great food, but regrettably had to decline the invitation, realising it would all be just too much for me and I'd never make it till midnight. These dear friends who always put such thought and preparation into their marvellous parties, understood after I explained why we wouldn’t be going. Instead we stayed home, and I barely made it to 10:00 p.m. - how pathetic is that? Even Cinderella made it to midnight, dancing in the arms of Prince Charming, but she had a little magic help and a pair of glass slippers (which sound most uncomfortable, I'll happily stick to my orthopaedic shoes thank you very much). Instead of going out, I made a delicious dinner, and we opened a bottle of Merlot, and to some soft music I clung to my darling husband in a very very slow dance. I closed my eyes in our embrace as I imagined for one moment that I was young and healthy, dancing the night away at some grand ball.

For two weeks I have been doing Yoga breathing exercises, and as little as this may sound, I can feel a slight improvement. I do these exercises when I first get up in the morning as its peaceful and quiet, and also last thing at night which is calming before  preparing to sleep. If I get a chance during the day, where ever I may be, I make use of the time and do these exercises. I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. I was given some very useful tips, and although I knew these things, seeing them written down and explained in a simple manner by a professional Yoga teacher, their importance was enhanced. We've all heard a million times, "bend or hinge at the hips, not the waist" but do we really practice what we know? "Keep a wide stance when standing for steadiness" - again plainly obvious, but now I pay close attention to how I stand. I can certainly see the benefits of learning Yoga, but I would highly recommend that if you are a complete novice like myself, ensure you find a qualified teacher who knows about Parkinson's.

This week's article in The Huffington Post is entitled "Life Is Not Black &White" which I was inspired to write and dedicate to a woman who has had a great affect on my life, and is always there for me.