Gardening and Writing Bring Healing to Parkinson’s

I love gardening. Besides writing, it is what I most enjoy.

I have learned so much from digging in the dirt, whether I am planting something into freshly cultivated soil or digging up something that has recently withered away. No matter what task I do on any particular day, I always end up with lessons gleaned from my time there.

I was mulling over what to plant this year and deciding what I had the energy to do. I don’t have a huge front or back yard by any means. However, it feels like it has become larger each year as I have become weaker and more tired.

It wouldn’t be as cumbersome if I had the energy I once had. I remember when I was younger, I literally worked outdoors from sunup to sundown, and I never grew tired of it.

But I am older now, and I have this disease called Parkinson’s, which can and does limit what I can do. When I go outdoors to work in my garden, I have to do so with a physical or mental checklist of what I most want to accomplish on that particular day. I know I only have a limited amount of time I can give to my flower and vegetable beds before the pain sends me back into the house.

Once I am inside, I turn to my keyboard and I begin to type. 

I began writing when I was a young girl. I found comfort and joy in the process, whether writing poems, children’s books, devotionals, journal entries, or other things. I found — and still do — that writing brings healing to my spirit, even if it has become a slower process as of late.

Whether I am feeling down or confused, I can usually write or dig myself out of the negative feelings I may be struggling with. If my fingers refuse to cooperate, I go back outside after my medication has kicked in and the pain is more tolerable, and I pull some weeds.

Or better yet, I’ll cut some flowers and bring a bouquet of sunshine indoors with me, which is a sure way to bring a smile to my face.

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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.