When I’m Discouraged, I Seek Inspiration in Music

Some days I just want to throw my arms up in the air and give up.

We all have our crosses to bear, and I am no different. Lately, I have been challenged with some additional life stuff in addition to dealing with a progressive, incurable disease called Parkinson’s.

Stress takes an immense toll on our health, while a positive attitude potentially can improve our quality of life. But try as I might, I was unable to dig deeply enough to change my negative way of thinking. As a result, I started to spiral downward quickly into a pit of despair.

I can’t ‘find the fighter’

I am weary. Something has to change. I can’t keep living on this merry-go-round. But where do I get the strength to persevere and go on?

To help me search for my inner fighter, I have been filling my house with several genres of music. Music can be used as therapy in fighting the progression of Parkinson’s disease, as well as to improve mental health. We can sing along to improve vocal cord strength. We can dance to the music to help improve balance. A song might even bring a smile to our faces from a happy memory associated with it.

My late husband was inspired by the lyrics and meaning of songs. As a former dancer, I always related to the rhythm, which I could feel in my soul when I connected with music. I recently discovered some lyrics that inspire me in a tune that projects passion through its voices.

You may recognize some of the paragraph headings and phrases throughout this column, which come from the song “Rise Up,” by Andra Day. A cover performance of the song by Jordan Rabjohn and his mom especially resonates with me. No matter how many times I listen to them perform this song, I am always moved. It always sends shivers down my spine.

‘I’ll rise up’

I, too, will rise up, and I will persevere. This is my new mantra. I will focus less on finding the right drugs or perfect supplements for my Parkinson’s. Instead, I will look to more positive things that are within my power to control.

Working on my breath technique helps me to use my breathing to calm my Parkinson’s-induced anxiety. Also, no more TV for me, especially the news. In the past, I would watch the news when I woke up in the morning, at dinner time, and just before going to sleep at night. This was far too much negativity to start and end my day with.

There will be challenges in the future when I will start falling down again and become weary of being on the carousel of life. When that happens, I will play back this song in my mind to lift my spirits. This song gives me hope.

Yes, I will rise up.

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius 

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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.