How I’m finding my voice and using it to help others

As a young girl growing up in the 1970s, reading was my favorite pastime. We had no cellphones, internet, or Snapchat then, and only three TV channels via a rabbit-ear antenna. So I read a lot. I loved Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary and read almost any book I could find at the library.

When I had children of my own, reading to them was my top priority. We’d cozy up under blankets and read together every chance we had. I’d hoped to pass on my passion for reading to my kids as they grew up in our complicated digital world.

Because of my love for reading, I’ve always wanted to try my hand at writing, too. After my husband, Arman, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, I figured it was time to begin writing a book, as I finally had an interesting topic to write about. After completing the first few chapters, however, I realized that writing a book wasn’t so easy. I eventually abandoned my so-called “book” and saved the file on my computer, hoping to return to it later.

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Exploring my voice and message

Years later, I stumbled upon a writing opportunity at my favorite Parkinson’s disease resource: Parkinson’s News Today. Before my interview, they asked me for a writing sample. So I dusted off my old, retired laptop and found the “book” I’d begun nearly 10 years before. I used the introduction to it as my writing sample and managed to snag the job.

While I was excited about the opportunity, I was also feeling skeptical about opening up to the world about my family’s experiences with Parkinson’s disease. I didn’t want my husband or children to feel like their lives were on display. I try to be mindful of this concern when writing my column, “The Bright Side.”

I had a few goals when I began. The first was to give all columns a positive spin, which is how we live our lives. For us, it’s the only way to live. I know that this attitude will become more challenging as Parkinson’s progresses, but we’ll do our best. Being positive and looking for the bright side of every situation are the keys to our happy existence. I want to inspire others to look for the bright side, too.

I hope to help others by providing useful information about caregiving. I’ve learned a lot in the 15 years since Arman’s diagnosis, and I want to share my insights and experiences. Some of my tips and tricks might work for some and not for others, but I feel that if I can help out one person, that’s worth its weight in gold.

Being a young family dealing with an early-onset diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is particularly difficult, and I hope to be a resource and support for struggling families. When Arman was diagnosed at the young age of 38, I recall feeling hopeless, helpless, and very alone. I hope that young individuals and families who read my column know they’re not alone, and that others are struggling with similar issues.

I recently read a quote by Stephen R. Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” that helped me reflect on my current path as a writer and my journey that lies ahead: “Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.”

I’ve found my voice, and I’m lucky to share my experiences with the world through Parkinson’s News Today. (Yes, I have readers from all over the world!) Thanks for reading, and I hope that I can inspire you to find the bright side of every day.

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.