Celebrating my ‘stupid human tricks’ is all about staying positive
They might not be big things, but they're meaningful to me
Some of you may recall a recurring bit from the old David Letterman show called “Stupid Human Tricks.” The segment aired from time to time and featured people performing bizarre and downright silly party tricks — like the man who put a tarantula in his mouth and blew bubbles or the girl who blew up a balloon with her nose.
Oddly, it was a compelling premise, and I found myself watching people perform these tricks that had absolutely no value yet were still celebrated by the show and its audience.
Since my Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013, my husband and I have repurposed the phrase “stupid human tricks” in our household. We use it whenever I accomplish something minor or simple that’s made difficult by the many motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
I don’t remember when it started, but in the years since my diagnosis, I’ve found myself announcing or narrating my actions, saying things like, “I was able to fasten this necklace clasp all by myself!” or “I got the twist-off cap off my water bottle all by myself!” I’d say it in a tone that clearly expected praise for my silly accomplishment.
Sometimes these things are possible because I’m having a day with fewer off periods. Sometimes they’re things I can do again after having deep brain stimulation surgery. However it happened, somewhere along the way, we started saying “Stupid human trick!” whenever I made these announcements. It’s shorthand for “I’m proud of you!” or “I’m proud of myself!”
Parkinson’s disease is a big deal. But most days, I don’t think about the big stuff. I don’t think about the days to come when I may be unable to work any longer, when my speech might deteriorate, or when I might suffer from dementia.
Most days, it’s all about the little things. I think about having a good day when I can shuffle and deal a deck of cards or chop veggies for dinner. Most people take these things for granted, and they certainly won’t win me any awards, but it’s important to recognize and celebrate them regardless.
Declaring my accomplishments isn’t really about obtaining praise from my husband. It’s more about reminding both of us to pay attention to the little things and be glad for what I can do. Because there are days when I can’t even twist off the cap on my water bottle.
I’m grateful that my husband is around for those moments when I have to ask for help. But it makes me feel good when I can do things. They aren’t always big or important things, but they are meaningful to me.
My husband is a kind and generous person, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner to battle this awful disease with. But I feel good about myself when I can do things for myself that I may not have been able to do before. When I can take things, even small ones, off his plate, it’s a little victory.
I imagine many of you accomplish “stupid human tricks” every day. I encourage you to celebrate them, even if it’s by yourself. There are enough tough days and things we have to give up with this blasted disease. Take all the wins you can.
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.
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