The unexpected gifts that Parkinson’s has prompted

A couple of years ago, one of the Parkinson’s organizations asked: “What good things have happened to you because of your Parkinson’s diagnosis?”

I found this question really interesting, because I think most of us with this disease think that if anything good happens to us, it’s despite our Parkinson’s diagnosis, not because of it.

When anyone asks me how I am, my knee-jerk reaction is to say, “Good!” Often, their response is something along the lines of, “How are you so positive despite having Parkinson’s for 10 years?”

Anyway, this question got me thinking, so I made a list of good things I never would’ve experienced if I hadn’t been diagnosed. I was surprised at the number of items on the list.

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First of all, it brought us closer as a family. The unwavering support and encouragement from my husband and daughters make me feel grateful and reassured. My husband truly is my personal exercise cheerleader, and my daughters’ efforts to show their appreciation remind me how vital family support is in living well with Parkinson’s disease. They’ve also helped raise thousands of dollars over the years for our local Parkinson’s society.

Also, there are the friendships! I’ve met so many people with Parkinson’s in the past decade, including my BFF. Would I have met them if I didn’t have Parkinson’s? I doubt it.

It’s also rekindled some old friendships, as old friends have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, too, so we’re in touch with each other more often. During our boxing class, one of our coaches usually tells us jokingly to stop socializing and get exercising. That makes me laugh, as we all have so much to say to each other.

Then there’s the fitness. If someone had told me 20 years ago I’d still be running, boxing, and spinning, I wouldn’t have believed it. Now, I feel proud and motivated, knowing that I’m probably in the best physical shape of my adult life.

I also have great medical support. I really like my neurologist, and overall, I’ve felt very supported by my medical community. When I had deep brain stimulation four years ago, I realized I was way braver than I ever imagined.

Finally, writing this column has given me purpose and joy. Being able to share my story with others has reignited my spirit.

There you have it, the unexpected gifts of having Parkinson’s disease. Am I happy to have this disease? That’s a big, fat “NO!” But I believe in being honest about my feelings, and I focus on living my best life. I hope you can do the same. Why not start by making a list of your own?

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.