John P. Creveling is a retired business and career consultant. Since his diagnosis, John has participated in Parkinson's Disease research and volunteers in the Parkinson’s community. In his own words he draws from his experiences to share his reflections on love, challenges, spirituality, and aging through his photography, writings and song lyrics.
It’s been twelve years since my Parkinson's Disease (PD) diagnosis. While this time has gone quickly, every day I strive to live with mindfulness, with my intentions and vision on the present and future, not on the past.
As PD patients, consider these steps that may lead you to discover a full, rich, and meaningful life, filled with joy and happiness. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned on my journey living with Parkinson's Disease.
Focus on One Day at a Time
It didn’t take me long to realize that if I didn’t focus on one day at a time, I wouldn’t be able to do all that I told myself was important to me. While we are able, we get to decide how we choose to live this day, the one that is here now. What will you focus on, what will you do with this time, this gift of today? Now (the present) is much more of value to us than our yesterdays, and yes, even our tomorrows.
Be Thankful
Having PD has enabled me to be more mindful of things that I used to take for granted. Each day, we have something to be thankful for: the sunrise, the beautiful sky, the clean air we breathe, the water we drink, the bed we sleep in. Every day, before you get out of bed, acknowledge three things you are grateful for. In the unlikely event that you have difficulty identifying these items, there are actually free computer “apps” to help guide you.
Help Others, Make Friends
I can recall my mother telling me when I was a child, making purposeful eye contact, “There are a lot of people in the world, Johnny, and you should always remember that not everyone has as much as you do. We have abundance while there are others who, from time to time, may need some help.” My mother clearly knew the value of helping others. While we with PD have specific medical challenges and needs that cannot, and must not be ignored, when we share ourselves, we gain new friendships. Our energy may also be boosted through these positive interactions.
Knowledge is Power
As my awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s increases, so, too, has my confidence and interaction with others, including my doctors and healthcare partners. I empower myself when I’m asking questions specific to me, and that’s what I need to continually remind myself. When you are going to the doctor, optimize your time and understanding by taking notes. If your handwriting isn’t up to the task, and you don’t feel you will be able to capture everything on paper, ask a friend or loved one to write for you.
Exercise Your Body and Mind
My oldest son reminds me frequently, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” He’s right, especially because he doesn’t want to see his father unable to get up from a chair! Read this sentence twice: Research is continually reinforcing the value of sustained exercise for people with PD. Although I’ve made some accommodations to my advancing age, the value of physical exercise and mental stimulation, including reading, writing, singing (preferably in the shower, according to my wife), puzzles, and numerous other activities are a must.
If you haven’t worked out in a long time, consult with your family physician or physical therapist before beginning. Start with slow and easy stretching and work up to more strenuous activities. The more you enjoy exercising, the more likely you are to stay committed to it. Pick up a book on a new topic, or learn to play an instrument or study a new language.
Don't Stop Laughing
Humor, used appropriately, can provide us with moments of frivolity, a respite from the crazy world in which we live, reduce stress levels and high blood pressure, and provide much-needed endorphins.
Participate in Research
PD was first mentioned in 1917 in a scholarly work by Dr. James Parkinson called “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” He was the first to describe “paralysis agitans,” a condition that would later be renamed Parkinson’s disease by Jean-Martin Charcot. More than 200 years later, there is still no cure. The most critical need is evidence-based research and people with PD who are willing to participate in it.
Through research we are inspired and have HOPE for a future when there will be no PD.