Be an Encourager Today

Sometimes we don’t want to go another day trapped inside a body that seeks to control our thoughts, moods, and feelings. If we need to have Parkinson’s, we want to be the one in charge.

As long as possible, we want to have the final say. After all, it is our body. These are our thoughts, moods, and feelings. We have already given away enough of ourselves to this disease; we’ve wallowed in deep sorrow, counted the stages of grief. Enough is enough!

There are days we feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. There are moments when we feel like withdrawing from these things called life and living and Parkinson’s. We want to abandon all we have known to be good and true in this life. We want to resign from it, call it a day, admit defeat, throw in the towel and surrender. We want to raise the white flag and be done with it. 

We can’t quit!

Too many people observe us, hoping to glean inspiration or direction for their own journey with Parkinson’s disease.

Others depend on us, whether we realize it or not. I know people who wake early every morning to check their Facebook account, to check for a new joke of the day from the person they follow for a daily laugh. I’m sure people do the same to check on another’s disease journey.

Some people with Parkinson’s have been inspired by others with this disease to take up a new hobby, like painting. It is quite possible we encourage others with Parkinson’s disease through our personal blogs that talk about exercising or finding a new doctor. Perhaps our words and experiences encourage others to find a boxing or tai chi class, or a better-suited doctor for a strange health situation.

We can all be encouragers who inspire another through our words or actions. The more we make the most of our circumstances, the more we will enjoy our life. We need to remember that what we put into life is what we will get out of it. The “you reap what you sow” principle can be applied here. When we become part of a group by sharing our struggles, we soon realize we are not all that alone on this journey after all. 

Maybe we begin each day in pain and end each day the same way with no reprieve in between. That can be an extremely hard spot to be stuck in. Maybe the extent of our encouragement is merely a smile or a hello … but don’t think a smile or a hello is to be scoffed at!

Not too long ago, I went to the grocery store. My day wasn’t going all that well. As I walked into the store, a woman passed me with a winsome smile and a warm hello. I knew she had smiled, even with a mask covering most of her face. I saw it in her eyes. I smiled back and as I walked to my car, a tear ran down my cheek. I needed that smile that day.

Don’t ever think you have nothing to give. Trust me. An impromptu smile can work wonders and turn someone’s day completely around. For the better.

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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, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.