Mary Beth Skylis

Beryl,

I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles. My Dad was diagnosed in 2013 and sometimes I still have a hard time getting him to talk about it. It makes it really difficult to find solutions when the problems aren’t super obvious.

Patricia, thank you for your thoughts. I agree that motivation is a complicated subject. And sometimes we have to go through a bit of trial and error before that balance starts to happen. What are you favorite RSB exercises?

Jacque – it sounds like you’re doing the best you can. I’m glad to hear that you’re finding ways to adjust to a Covid-19 world. Are any of the local businesses starting to open up yet?

Helen, have you been able to find any virtual support groups?

Helen, have you been able to find any virtual support groups?

Rev. Charles D. Good, do you think that some of the changes relate to your medications?

Sharon – I’m sorry to hear that it’s hard to be honest. I find that my Dad is rather quiet about his day-to-day struggles too. But I think he benefits from having a community of friends who have Parkinsons too. Sometimes he doesn’t have to express himself because they understand.

Sharon,

Thank you for your wisdom. I don’t have PD but I think that’s a relevant concept across the board. I was recently learning that in the areas of the world where life expectancy is over 100 years, community is a large factor. Being supported as we age seems to play a role in our actual lifespan.

My Dad (diagnosed in 2013) has found comfort…[Read more]

Hello everyone!

I’m finding this idea to be rather interesting. My Dad hums quite often. But  I come from a musical family and I always assumed it was intentional. Do you hum particular tunes? Or does it seem to happen at a specific time?

Marlene – I’m so glad to hear that you’ve found ways to cope with some of the symptoms. I need to work on balance a little bit myself. I seem to chronically sprain my ankles. Like a  proper klutz. Maybe it’s time to revisit some yoga and Tai chi!

StanTheMan- Yes! It’s difficult to stay accountable when adjusting to online classes. I believe that…[Read more]

Robert- As difficult as a topic as this is, you managed to make me laugh with your response. Yes, I think you’re right. Many people don’t really want an answer. But I love that you seem to have found a happy medium where you’re not being dishonest. But maybe you’re not going into all the details either. Do you feel that you can be honest with…[Read more]

Toni- I’ve been working on that process with my therapist as well. Why is it that the most difficult work is the work that always has to be done? Hah! I do find that I feel a little bit lighter and more enthusiastic after I travel through these dark places. Is that how it works for you too?

Robert,

Thank you so much for sharing that story. I found a tremendous amount of wisdom in those words. And I think they can be applied everywhere. How often do you suppose we need to “defrost the refrigerator”? I think that I try to do difficult things every day. But they do tax you in other ways. Still, as a writer and an athlete, I see the…[Read more]

Timothy, thank you for sharing your thoughts. My Dad was diagnosed in 2013. And he’s 67 now. I’ve had the chance to see him go through quite alot of different chapters in his life. And yes, depression is a normal part of the process. But it sounds like you’ve found good ways to stay rooted and connected to the communities that count.

In addition…[Read more]

Thank you for those tips, Joyce. I’ve used a pair of compression socks, myself. It does seem to make a difference. Do you find that under-doing your salt intake has strange effects, too?

Marlene,

I know what you mean about wanting to interact with the instructors and students who have become your friends. That’s an element that I’ve been missing too. One of my favorite yoga instructors has been offering weekly classes, and all of the people that usually attend her classes in the flesh have been on zoom too. So there is some…[Read more]