The CHRONDI Creed: A Guide for Parkinson’s Warriors

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by Dr. C |

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The challenges of any chronic disease require the mental attitude of a warrior. Like the code of the samurai, the CHRONDI Creed is both a guide for battle and for living.

CHRONDI is an acronym from the first letters in the words chronic disease. The letters stand for each part of the creed as follows: C – compassion, H – happiness, R – rehabilitation, O – others, N – nature, D – death, and I – individuality.

Following is the CHRONDI Creed and its self-affirming dialogue. This is followed by a description of each self-affirming statement in this chronic disease warrior’s creed.

C – Compassion: I will act compassionately toward others and find gentleness toward self.

H – Happiness: I will seek the inner bliss of happiness that is not material in nature.

R – Rehabilitation: I will apply courage and mindfulness to my part in fighting the disease.

O – Others: I will genuinely communicate to others my experiences and maintain an attitude of gratitude for their help.

N – Nature: I will take time to embrace nature and all its beauty.

D – Death: I will find the courage to face the terror of “death” (loss) and not let it control me.

I – Individuality: I will continue to express my individuality and my purpose, beyond the disease.

These CHRONDI Creed statements are short “I” statements that not only can be self-affirming, but also they can change how a disease affects one’s life. If these statements become an inner dialogue, a way of thinking and acting, then they can contribute to quality of life.

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Compassion as a way of thinking and acting is the foundation of the CHRONDI Creed. It is a state of being that is expressed both externally and internally. In the face of chronic disease, this is certainly difficult. But it doesn’t have to be perfect saintly compassion. It can start with small steps, such as taking the time each day to do something for someone else. In addition, this sense of a gentle kindness can be applied with a kind word to self, such as: “You did well today.”

Happiness is not tied to material things, although it may appear to be. Rather, happiness is tied to an internal state of being often connected to events, not possessions. We are happy because we feel happy. A state of bliss can accompany times when an event generates ecstasy — a bliss of happiness. Happiness is an important part of well-being in the face of chronic disease. Returning to the bliss can be as simple as finding things we enjoy and taking time to laugh out loud.

Rehabilitation means that we will do our part to support all treatment modalities that are used to fight the chronic disease.

The term others stands for all relationships in our lives. The statement is a promise to speak in an authentic manner with a sense of gratitude.

Nature, and all its beauty, when incorporated into life can make a difference in our well-being. A stroll through the woods or a park while maintaining a quiet mind can add to our quality of life. Gardening is also therapeutic.

Death” has quotes around it because it refers to the death of those things the disease has taken and will continue to take. There is “terror” in facing this “death.” Terror management takes courage and practice to find a calm center in the middle of the storm.

Expressing individuality is balanced against the time used by the chronic disease, the thought and emotion that the chronic disease consumes. Find your inner voice, your unique identity, and your purpose. Let that light that is you continue to shine forth.

The CHRONDI Creed is a list of statements I have used to help me as a warrior against the ever-worsening effects of Parkinson’s disease. Not for a single day can I achieve a level of perfection with all aspects of the creed. Perfection is an illusion, perhaps a nightmare. Rather, I hold these statements as an inner dialogue, a path to follow, a gentle guide for living. It is in this way that the CHRONDI Creed improves my quality of life.

How does the CHRONDI Creed sit with you?

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.

Comments

robert A heston avatar

robert A heston

Dr.C must be a very busy man. He is probably too busy to communicate directly with people like me who are very impressed with his credentials and his work.

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Dr. C avatar

Dr. C

Lately, I have been real busy and haven't been keeping up with responding to folks. Also, there is a glitch in the system here that caused a communication issue. But, I am back to sharing this journey with all of you. Your positive comments keep me going. Please know that they are greatly appreciated - from the depth of my soul.

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Laurel Saville avatar

Laurel Saville

Could you please contact me? I am writing an article for a senior magazine about living with chronic disease and I'd like to chat with you, if you are interested.

Thank you.

[email protected]

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Dr. C avatar

Dr. C

You can go to www.DrC.life and send me an email. I'd love to help out in any way I can.

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Martin Bee avatar

Martin Bee

As one Nam vet with PD to another I LIKE your creed and your posts!

keep it up!

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Dr. C avatar

Dr. C

I wonder if I should do a "Nam Vet PD" experience post? I was asked once from VA docs if I had signs of PTSD from my combat experiences. I said, "I never had PTSD signs until I had to deal with the VA". I was a tough road for me because of how "invisible" my PD symptoms appear. I kept at it with the VA and kept looking for top quality providers - they do exist inside the VA. After that happened everything has been great, with excellent service. Thanks for the positive post.

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zahira avatar

zahira

i like this approach to be practised

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Dr. C avatar

Dr. C

Yeah - regular practice - for sure!

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Jean A Murdock avatar

Jean A Murdock

Hi,I am Jean and I was DX with MS 01/06/1972. It has been a difficult path in many ways, and five years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson's.
An amazing combination to be sure, but with the assistance of my doctor's assistant I have been able to determine what is causing different problems. I have a son who is now 54, he and the rest of my immediate family live nearby and are a great support to me. I live in a retirement village, have transportation when I need it, and plenty of things to do. I am able to walk and take care of myself.

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Allyson Bowen avatar

Allyson Bowen

Thank you for this. Although I already practice much of this I had never really considered putting them all together as something to practice.

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Dr. C avatar

Dr. C

It used to be easier for me to generate a calm state. You could say it was how I was known by others. But PD changed that. There are many hours in a day when I am dealing with off period issues. It's tough to stay connected to the tools which promote well being when I am in the middle of all that noise (body, mind, heart, soul, environment). So (sigh) I have to practice now, often, to keep the skills stronger for when I need to call on them during the difficult times. Thanks for posting.

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Robyn Laurenson avatar

Robyn Laurenson

A great creed to aspire to. Thanks!

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