Listen to your body

You know yourself better than anyone, but occasionally, like a horse wearing blinkers, only able to see what is straight ahead, we all need a loved one, someone who really cares, to point out things we may not be able to see. As a patient, seeing the entire picture isn't always possible and Parkinson’s, like so many other diseases, presents many symptoms and complex problems. Advice from those who are walking the same path, either as a patient or a caregiver, can offer invaluable insight. I was diagnosed five years ago with PD, and feel I am on a constant learning curve, always gleaning new information, tips and thoughts of how to improve my quality of life. There are sometimes people that know nothing about PD but simply want to give advice, so I politely listen, and only take note of input I consider worthy. My spirit still feels young, able to battle and conquer anything, yet my body is not willing, and try as I might I cannot keep up the pace I have been running at during the past year. The most important thing to me is my family and friends, whom I hold dear, and I want to be here for them. So I have made a decision to cut back on some of my activities that have spiralled into a sort of crusade since my book came out. I will continue to write my blog, for I know this is being read around the world, and I shall complete writing my third book which I am three quarters of the way through writing. I think we all have to make decisions in life to focus on what is important, and where ones energies and time are best spent. Being in hospital recently was a wakeup call for me, so my blinkers are off and I can see the entire picture much clearer now.