If someone asked you, “Tell me about your Parkinson’s disease”, what would you say? Would it be something optimistic, inspirational or motivating? Or maybe it would be something fearful, angry, or sad? There is no right answer… just as long as it comes from the heart.
One of the main reasons people read my blog… other than the fact that I’m incredibly witty and charming… is because I’m sharing moments of my life challenged by Parkinson’s disease. It’s a story that people can relate to. I feel honored that my blog can encourage Parkies to keep pushing forward. To not let their illness define who they are. To find strength in the difficult times and to reaffirm that they’re not alone. This sharing becomes extremely powerful. So when I heard about “The Forging Resilience Art Project”, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to help others share their story.
“The Forging Resilience Art Project” has a mission to bring together inspiring quotes, stories, texts, wordplay and photography to highlight and share the many journeys of resilience from the global Parkinson’s community into one installation that will take the shape of a tree with thousands of leaves. Each leaf will have the quote or message of someone living with or touched by Parkinson’s from around the world.
The first international exhibition will then open at the 4th World Parkinson Congress (WPC) from September 20th-23rd at the Oregon Convention Center, OCC in Portland, Oregon. If you haven’t registered to go to the WPC… Well chop chop! You don’t want to miss one of the most life-altering Parkinson’s experiences you can have. Plus, I will be there… how much cooler can it get! How do I turn my story in you ask? Click this line… to share your adventures… you know you want to! So be sure to submit your quote or story and I’m looking forward to reading them all in Portland at the WPC!
Couldn’t agree more Annie, seems like every time something weird happens I’ll look it it up and its controlled by the autonomic nervous system. As if the regular stuff wasnt enough!
That’s a great idea..I will conjure up something that goes along with my response when asked. that question. Normally, I respond that it is the most interesting and unique diseases I’ve ever known about.. I have studied PD passionately for over ten years and I love finding new symptoms. Is that weird? Now, even the doctors agree that non motor symptoms are vast, as well as the autonomic nervous system (sweating anyone?).
Getting Parkinson’s disease opened up new worlds for me. I now more about the brain, and for that matter, cellular life than I ever otherwise cared to know. It’s like exploring the world (which I have done) but without the hassle of airports. Also, it has made me prioritize activities. I don’t have a formal ‘bucket list’ but there a few things a might not have done, but for Parkinson’s. We all die, so, does it really make a difference how? “I don’t mind being dead, it’s the dyin’ that’s killin’ me” – from my latest song “I Want To Rest In Pieces.”
Please tell me that you submitted that Peter. That was beautiful!
HI Peter,
Yes, I agree with Perky. “That was beautiful!” Please submit that on http://www.forgingresilience.com
Thank you,
Carolyn
Forging Resilience