With the holidays fast approaching, you might feel a time crunch to mail off those Christmas cards, shop until you have maxed out your credit cards, get into a contest with your neighbors over who has the best dancing Santa display on their front lawn or maybe bake dozens of Gingerbread men… which the whole idea of this treat is to eat the limbs off a cookie shaped like a man. Kind of creepy, eh?
I visit my Mom and Dad in Arizona for the holiday. My mom will frantically stress herself out by making sure the decorations are perfect, the gifts are equally divided between the family… God forbid my niece gets one more gift to open than my nephew… that would be a travesty. Days before, my Mom is sterilizing house like the Ebola virus is making an appearance and if you’re not going to help, get out of her way.
We get so wrapped up in minor details, trying to get everything done by December 25th, we forget that the time is now. What I mean, is that it’s not the actual day that makes you so excited you might pee your pants… the buildup is where it’s at. If you’re present today, you can appreciate the happiness that comes with the upcoming holidays without the worry of what tomorrow holds.
I see this concept in many facets of people’s lives, like a friend getting married. All that planning just to make it to that one day. Some couples practically kill themselves trying to make sure that their sparkly silver charger plates match the fine china color pattern and don’t forget to get the matching linens. But they don’t stop for a moment and just take in the exhilaration of the months before as they prep for the big day.
Why not give it a try? Sit down on a chair in a quiet room and make sure your feet are touching the ground. Close your eyes and focus on inhaling for 5 counts and exhaling for 5 counts. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring your attention to the chair beneath you and how your body feels. Maybe your muscles are tight from bending over and wrapping all the gifts you bought or maybe your pants are a little snug because of all the Gingerbread men you have been annihilating. Be present. Don’t rush through this time just to get through the holidays. Take a moment to be present with yourself because the time is now. Cheers!
Merry Christmas, Perky! I look forward to your posts in 2020.
Thanks John! Happy holidays.
Now that you mention it, I don’t like when mom hits me with the Lysol spay. We’ll have a chat.
Ha! When she has a goal… stand back!
“…maybe your pants are a little snug because of all the Gingerbread men you have been annihilating,” You’re a wonderful writer!
Mary, thank you! Hope you have a peaceful holiday!
I love to share your blog with the support group I facilitate. Looking forward to sharing for years to come! Wishing you the best in 2020!!
Sarah
Sarah, thank you for sharing my blog! Happy holidays!
I enjoy your blog and I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas with your family. Have a
great 2020!!
Dick, thank you! And wishing you and your family the best holidays.
The mindful meditation technique you touch on is also very useful for combatting anxiety – a regular component of what I like to call the Parkinson’s Package.
Ernie
Parkinson’s Exercise Program for You (PEP4U)
Orange County, CA
Ernie, you are correct! Very helpful!
Happy Holidays to you and all of our Parky friends!
Thanks Ron! You too!
Enjoy the moment because you have no guarantee of the next one, the next day, etc. Take joy in what you have and who you have and where you are in your journey through life, whatever it looks like. It could always be worse! Once you lose hope you have nothing to fight for. Everyone needs to be a “Perky Parkie” no matter if they have PD, are a caregiver, or just another person living this thing called life! I’m new to Allison’s blog but love her optimism and positive outlook on life with young onset PD. I was diagnosed at 34 and getting ready to celebrate 39….I’m 2 months out from DBS surgery and still working on medication dosage and programming. It’s still early and I feel so much better just having the surgery even though we’re still working on some symptom management. Does anyone know of any small electric scooter that is lightweight and portable for me to take back to work with me to use on my difficult days with Dystonia in my right foot and ankle…..I literally have to walk on the side of my foot, not good or safe, and apparently it has now gone into my right knee, gives me trouble with picking my foot up when walking; all of it messes with my balance…one that insurance would cover? I can’t use a regular wheelchair because my right arm gets stiff on me, my left arm is beginning stages, and I can’t manually wheel myself….but who wants to do that and be tired and barely begun your day! If I can walk fine I’ll use it to carry my bags! Any suggestions for managing walking with Dystonia flare ups would be appreciated. The thought of returning to work still dealing with this is stressing me out and we all know how stress and PD don’t mix…..know all about the PD anxiety! Merry Christmas everyone!
Shannan, I’m sure there are scooter programs that help financially… I’m just not sure who to ask.
Some states may have ‘assistive technology’ loan programs. Ours, Pennsylvania, does: PATF. They can help with low-interest or no-interest loans. Or a state’s Department of Aging may know of something similar, even though the person is not a senior citizen or a Veteran. I hope this helps.
Great information! Thank you Karrie.