May 14, 2025 • 32 mins
Are you navigating life with Parkinson's disease and seeking deeper meaning, renewed purpose, and unwavering hope? In this insightful episode of the Live Parkinson's - Live an Exceptional Life Podcast, we delve into the crucial aspects of finding fulfillment and maintaining a positive outlook on your Parkinson's journey. Join us as we explore practical strategies and inspiring perspectives to help you thrive.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Acknowledging the Shift: Understanding and processing the changes that come with a Parkinson's diagnosis.
- Re-evaluating Your Values: Identifying what truly matters to you and aligning your life accordingly.
- Finding New Sources of Purpose: Exploring meaningful activities and contributions beyond previous roles.
- Cultivating Optimism: Practical techniques for fostering a positive mindset and building resilience.
- The Intertwined Nature of Purpose and Hope: How finding meaning can fuel optimism and vice versa.
Ready to take a step towards a more purposeful and hopeful life with Parkinson's?
- Visit liveparkinsons.com to subscribe to our free monthly newsletter for ongoing support and valuable insights.
- Explore our website for free resources and articles designed to help you live an exceptional life with Parkinson's.
- Support the Live Parkinson's mission to empower the Parkinson's community! Visit our Kofi page at ko-fi.com/liveparkinsons to help us continue creating helpful content.
Recommended Reading: (Below Are Amazon Affiliate Links that add no cost to you)
Spectacular Life: 4 Essential Strategies for Living with Parkinson's - Chris Kustanbauter
Luck Man - A Memoir - Michael J. Fox
Always Looking Up - Michael J Fox
Happiness of Pursuit - Davis Phinney
#ParkinsonsDisease #LivingWithParkinsons #ParkinsonsSupport #MeaningfulLife #FindingPurpose #HopeAndParkinsons #PositiveLiving #ChronicIllness #Neurology #LiveParkinsons
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only is not intended to treat or diagnose Parkinson's Disease. Please ensure that you are following the treatment plan developed by your doctor. Please ensure before starting anything new you get approval from your doctor. The information being provided is based on my own personal experiences and does not guarantee that it will benefit everyone.
Disclosure: I discuss and promote products in this podcast that pay me a small commission at no cost to you. I use the commissions to help support this podcast and my website Liveparkinsons.com. I make you aware of any affiliate links by adding AFFLIATE Link right beside the link. Thank you for supporting this podcast.
To help support the podcast please visit me on my Ko-fi page and buy a cup of coffee if you feel that I am providing information that is relevant and actionable to help you live a better quality of life.
Please visit me at Liveparkinsons.com
Get my book - Spectacular Life - 4 Essential Strategies for Living with Parkinson's - My Journey to Happiness
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello and welcome to Live Parkinson's.
Live an Exceptional Life thepodcast where we explore
real-life strategies, storiesand science to help you live
your best life with Parkinson's.
I'm Chris Kustenbader and I'vebeen walking my Parkinson's
(00:23):
journey for 15 years Now.
Today's topic is Parkinson'sJourney Discovering Meaning,
purpose and Hope.
Now living with Parkinson'sraises some big questions.
What happens now?
What's my purpose?
Can I still have joy andmeaning in my life?
(00:44):
If you've ever asked yourselfthese questions or thought about
where your life path will leadyou after Parkinson's diagnosis,
then you're in the right place.
Join us as we explore howliving with Parkinson's can
become a powerful journey, notjust adapting to life living
with Parkinson's, but one ofprofound growth and discovery.
What truly matters Now?
I know from personal experiencethe initial shock of receiving a
Parkinson's diagnosis andwondering if my life is over as
(01:07):
I knew it.
Am I going to have to give upthe things I enjoyed?
Am I going to be dependent onothers and become a burden?
Those thoughts can lead to darkplaces and I didn't want to go
there, and neither do you.
I've learned over 15 yearsliving with Parkinson's that,
yes, your life will change, andI know this sounds crazy, but it
(01:27):
has changed for the better.
Using optimism and positivethinking has allowed me to
define a new meaning and senseof purpose in my life.
Since my Parkinson's diagnosis,I've made many great friends by
networking and participating inParkinson's groups.
I've taken on new and excitingchallenges, like creating the
liveparkinsonscom website anddoing this weekly Live
(01:49):
Parkinson's Live an ExceptionalLife podcast and YouTube channel
.
These give me purpose because Iwant to help as many people as
I can living with Parkinson's tolead a great quality of life
and help you find your purposeby sharing what I've learned and
sharing stories of my friendsand others living with
Parkinson's and all the greatthings they're doing to live
their best lives.
Has my life changed since myParkinson's diagnosis?
(02:12):
Absolutely, but I can honestlysay it's opened new doors and
allowed me to grow andexperience life in a whole new
way.
So in this episode I want toshare people's success stories
as well as strategies forfinding purpose and meaning in
your life after a Parkinson'sdiagnosis.
So here's a roadmap on how wecan discover meaning, hope and
(02:34):
purpose and growth afterParkinson's diagnosis so that
you can live life on your terms.
So we'll start withacknowledging the shift that
occurs and discuss navigatingchange and finding new
perspectives.
Then we'll transition toreevaluating our values and
identifying new sources ofpurpose and living in what truly
(02:55):
matters.
Then we'll discuss cultivatingoptimism and then provide some
practical strategies fordeveloping and maintaining a
positive outlook.
Then we'll share some storiesof inspiration and how you can
live a purposeful life withParkinson's.
Then it's time to apply whatyou've learned and start taking
action.
Now we'll outline the stepstoward finding purpose and
(03:18):
cultivating optimism.
Then we'll wrap it up with somehope and encouragement so you
can go and create the life youwant.
So let's dive in and getstarted on our new journey of
exploration to help us find ourpurpose.
And that begins withacknowledging the shift that
occurs after our Parkinson'sdiagnosis.
Yes, it's undeniable that thingsare going to change.
(03:39):
Speaking from personalexperience, it can feel like a
seismic event, shaking thefoundations of what you knew and
how you lived.
It's completely natural toexperience a whole range of
emotions in response to thatshift.
You may experience fear,uncertainty and even anger and
sadness, and that's okay.
(04:00):
However, no matter how youarrived at your diagnosis and
how you felt afterwards, I'msure we all felt a big change
and transition in our lives wasabout to happen.
Things that you once dideffortlessly might be more
challenging.
Activities you participated inand enjoyed without a second
thought now might require someplanning or making modifications
(04:22):
to be able to continue toparticipate in these activities.
If you had a vision of whatyour future would look like, it
may have changed after yourdiagnosis.
It's vital to acknowledge thesefeelings that you're
experiencing.
Sometimes we try to pretendeverything in life is just the
same or we try to brush it aside, and these feelings can
sometimes slow or impede ourgrowth on our journey.
(04:44):
And these feelings cansometimes slow or impede our
growth on our journey.
So allowing ourselves to grievethe loss of what was, or the
potential loss of what weimagine our life would be like,
is the crucial first step inmoving forward.
It's a sign of strength, notweakness, to recognize the
impact that this diagnosis hashad on our life, but here's
where our journey begins towardsfinding purpose and optimism.
(05:04):
While acknowledging thetransition from our
pre-Parkinson's life to our lifeliving with Parkinson's is
essential, it's also importantto understand that this change
to a new life with Parkinson's,no matter how unwelcome, can be
a catalyst for reevaluating yourlife and maybe discovering
inner strengths you didn't knowyou had, or finding new
perspectives on what trulymatters in your life.
(05:25):
Think of it like this you arenow visiting your favorite
vacation spot, but you noticethe familiar paths that you take
to the beach or the lake mightbe blocked or changed, but that
doesn't mean there weren't newtrails to explore in the first
place and new things to discoveron your way.
Trails to explore in the firstplace and new things to discover
(05:46):
on your way.
You may even surprise yourselfand find some hidden gems that
you wouldn't have experienced ifyou stayed on the familiar path
.
Though this new life living withParkinson's can offer
unexpected opportunities forgrowth and deeper understanding
of yourself, one of the mostpowerful things to help us on
our transition from living withParkinson's is our perspective.
How we choose to view ourcircumstances can significantly
(06:12):
impact our emotional well-beingand our ability to find meaning
in our lives.
Now, I'm not saying that wedeny that our daily challenges
exist, because they're real, butit's about consciously looking
what new opportunities mightexist to help us grow and learn.
I remember sitting in aParkinson's support group
meeting once, and a man namedTom said, after receiving his
(06:32):
Parkinson's diagnosis, he had toleave his demanding, high
stress career because it wasunsustainable, so he decided to
reevaluate what was important inhis life and Tom rediscovered a
childhood passion for painting.
He said painting wasn'tsomething he ever saw as being a
central part of his life beforeParkinson's, but Tom said it
(06:52):
gave him a profound sense ofaccomplishment and purpose.
In fact, it even allowed him toconnect with the local art
community.
It was because Tom had a shiftin perspective that opened up a
whole new sense of purpose inhis life.
Now I'm not saying thateveryone's going to become a
renowned artist, but itillustrates the potential for
unexpected paths to emerge whenwe step back and allow ourselves
(07:14):
to look beyond the initiallimitations and open ourselves
to new ways of findingfulfillment and meaning in our
lives.
So remember that acknowledgingthe shift is the first step.
It's about honoring yourfeelings and recognizing the
changes in your life, but it'salso about opening yourself to
the possibilities that withinthis new landscape there lies
(07:35):
the potential for profoundgrowth, a renewed sense of
purpose and a brighter, moreoptimistic outlook.
Okay, we talked aboutacknowledging the shift that
comes with Parkinson's diagnosis.
Now let's talk about identifyingnew sources of purpose in our
life, finding out what trulymatters to us.
Think about it.
Life often has us focused onthings that are impacting our
(07:58):
lives as we progress throughdifferent stages of our lives
Career goals, familyresponsibilities, societal
expectations.
However, life can also tap youon the shoulder and say, hey,
it's time to move in a newdirection.
A Parkinson's diagnosis candefinitely be an awakening
experience, but it can also be atime for us to hit the pause
(08:21):
button and allow us some timefor introspection.
A time for us to look inwardand ask ourselves some
fundamental questions aboutwhat's truly important to us.
We might ask ourselves what aremy core values?
What really brings me joy andfulfillment in my life?
What kind of impact do I stillwant to have on the world?
(08:42):
Are there new things I want tolearn and experience?
I know after my diagnosis, I wasable to work for a few more
years until my symptoms made itunmanageable.
After I'd stopped working, Ifelt a loss of my sense of
purpose.
At family get-togethers I wouldhear my family members talking
about things they were doing atwork and I felt I really wasn't
(09:03):
making a contribution toanything in the community.
Sure, there was the support ofmy family, but I still felt like
I lost a piece of who I was.
I did oral care sales and lovedcalling on the dental offices
and interacting with the staffand discussing how the products
I was promoting can help theirpatients.
So I did some self-reflectionand, instead of feeling sorry
(09:24):
for myself, I decided to takeaction and really spend some
time self-reflecting.
I asked myself the questionsfrom above what are my core
values?
Are there new things that I canlearn or revisit things that I
had done in the past?
It became crystal clear thatone of the things I loved was
helping other people andwatching them succeed.
(09:45):
So I told my mentor what I wasthinking and she suggested that
I write a book about what Ilearned living with Parkinson's
and how to live a great qualityof life and share it with others
.
She said that that would helpother people.
So I wrote a book entitledSpectacular Life Four Essential
Strategies for Living withParkinson's my Journey to
Happiness, which is stillavailable on Amazon if you're
(10:06):
interested.
After the book, we talked aboutother ways to continue helping
others with Parkinson's and wecame up with the idea of a
website where I could writearticles helping people improve
their quality of life and thendoing a podcast.
So, with no experience doingeither, I did a few months of
(10:26):
research and developed anddesigned the website
liveparkinsonscom and thenlaunched the Live Parkinson's
Live an Exceptional Life podcast, and I can honestly say it's
been a great experience.
I found a sense of purpose bysharing what I've learned, and
learned from others, to helpother people live their best
life with Parkinson's.
I've met so many great peoplealong the way who have supported
my efforts and given meguidance.
(10:47):
I'm touched by the successstories I've heard from others
living with Parkinson's.
I've also learned to playguitar post-Parkinson's
diagnosis, because that'ssomething I've always wanted to
do.
So to bring it back to findingjoy and happiness.
Remember the things that gaveour life meaning.
Before might still be important, like in my case, helping
others, but how you engage inthem might be different.
(11:10):
Maybe new passions andpriorities will emerge as we
adapt to our changing abilitiesand circumstances.
Now, this reevaluation processis personal and there's no right
or wrong answers.
It's about finding out what'simportant to you.
Where does your internalcompass point you?
You may find a whole new worldof possibilities.
All right, now let's brainstorm.
(11:32):
I certainly have a lot of thoseNow, some potential means for
finding purpose.
These are just some strategiesand starting points to consider.
Personalize them, to make themyour own, but here are a few
things to consider when tryingto find your purpose.
Look to advocacy and awareness.
Many people with Parkinson'sfind purpose and fulfillment in
becoming advocates for thecommunity, raising awareness and
(11:55):
supporting research efforts.
Sharing your personalexperience with others can be
incredibly powerful and help youstay connected with others who
are on a similar path.
Then there's creativeexpression.
Parkinson's can sometimesunlock unexpected creative
talents, whether it's painting,writing, music, poetry, pottery
(12:17):
or any other art form.
Engaging in creative expressioncan be very fulfilling and
offer new ways to connect withyourself and with others in the
community.
Now let me share a story of myfriend, joan.
We met in a Parkinson'sexercise group.
Joan was quiet and reserved atfirst, but once you got to know
her, she had a strongdetermination to live her best
(12:37):
life with Parkinson's and shebecame a person everybody looked
up to in the class because ofher hard work and determination.
One day, joan walked up to meand said I read your book and it
inspired me to want to shareone of my passions with others,
which was writing short stories,poems and articles.
I was so happy for Joan becauseit gave her the chance to share
(13:00):
one of her passions.
Now, to make this a reality.
I told Joan that I would loveto create a page on the
liveparkinsonscom website wherewe can post all of our writings
to help inspire others.
So in the very near future,expect to see Joan's page called
Parkinson's Posts and Poetry.
I hope you'll check it out.
(13:20):
I'm going to be postingprobably this week her first two
articles.
Now the next idea is mentorshipand support.
Your lived experience withParkinson's holds immense value
for others who are newlydiagnosed or navigating similar
challenges.
Becoming a mentor or offeringpeer support can provide a
(13:42):
strong sense of purpose andconnection to others.
And then here's one of myfavorites learning and growth.
Maybe there's a subject you'vealways been interested in but
never had the time to explore.
Now might be the time to delveinto a new hobby, gain some new
knowledge, take some onlinecourses or join some study
groups.
The intellectual stimulationcan both be helpful and
(14:03):
rewarding.
For me, learning guitar wassomething new and something that
was on my bucket list.
Now, in addition, I love totake online learning classes.
I usually go to Udemy to learnnew things.
You know I typically pay about$10 to $15 per course when
they're on sale, and I've takencourses from everything from
cryptocurrency to website designand computer coding to
(14:27):
songwriting, rhythm guitar andbusiness.
I just love to learn new thingsand online courses enabled me
to do that.
I can learn a wide range of newthings right from my computer.
Finally, strengtheningrelationships.
Sometimes a significant lifeevent like Parkinson's can bring
us closer to our loved ones,focusing on nurturing and
(14:48):
deepening these connections withfamily, friends or within
support groups, this can give apowerful sense of meaning and
belonging to your life, orwithin support groups.
This can give a powerful senseof meaning and belonging to your
life.
Some people even take upgenealogy and build a family
tree and learn more about theirfamily history and its roots.
So, as an example ofstrengthening relationships for
me is my relationship with mybrother Bud, since my
(15:10):
Parkinson's diagnosis and caringfor our mother who has dementia
.
We've been very close Since weboth enjoy similar hobbies and
interests.
We've been spending a lot oftime together doing the
activities we both enjoy, one ofwhich is fly fishing.
We do an annual pilgrimage tothe Delaware River in New York
(15:34):
to fish the east and westbranches in search of big, brown
and rainbow trout, and wepractice catch and release.
So this is an ideal spot for usto fish because that's the
regulations there.
We've been to Montana and thisyear we're going to Michigan to
fish the Asobel and the PerMarquette rivers.
Now we also spend a lot of timeat my cabin in the mountains in
northern Pennsylvania.
He even puts up with my guitarplaying when I take that along
and we're sitting out on theback porch.
(15:57):
So, to wrap up this segment, Iencourage you to take time to
reflect on your values, whattruly matters to you, what kind
of impact you want to have andwhat avenues of purpose might be
waiting for you to discover inthis new chapter of your life.
This time of self-reflectioncan be a powerful step for not
just living with Parkinson's,but towards living a happy,
(16:18):
fulfilled life with Parkinson's.
Okay, we spent timeacknowledging the shift that
comes with a Parkinson'sdiagnosis and how to re-examine
our values and identify a newsense of purpose.
Now let's turn our attention toa crucial tool in helping us
navigate our Parkinson's journey, and that's cultivating
optimism.
Let's be clear optimism isn'tabout ignoring the challenges we
(16:41):
deal with with our daily motorand non-motor symptoms.
We're pretending everything iseasy and nothing is bothering us
.
Instead, optimism is aboutchoosing to focus on the
possibilities of what you can doand accomplish the strengths
you possess and the potentialfor positive experiences even
during your most difficult times.
It's about creating a belief ina brighter future and actively
(17:05):
searching for the good in eachday and in each person we meet
Now.
We talked about finding oursense of purpose, but did you
know that finding purpose andcultivating optimism are often
intertwined and go hand in hand?
When we feel like we havesomething meaningful to
contribute and when we'reengaged in activities that align
with our values, it naturallyhelps us foster a more positive
(17:28):
outlook.
Having a sense of purpose givesus a reason to keep going, to
overcome obstacles andchallenges that we face, and to
believe that our efforts reallymatter.
Nothing's more dishearteningthan feeling that what you're
doing really doesn't matter andthat you're just going through
the motions.
A more optimistic mindset orbelief can make it easier for us
to identify and pursue thethings that give us meaning in
(17:50):
our lives.
It helps us create a positivefeedback loop where purpose
fuels optimism and drives us tofind more purpose.
Okay, this sounds wonderful,chris, but how do we incorporate
this sense of optimism in ourdaily lives, especially when
facing the realities ofParkinson's?
You know that's a greatquestion, so let's provide some
(18:10):
practical strategies to help usaccomplish this, and let's lead
it off with gratitude practices.
Yes, I know this sounds simpleand you may be thinking what is
he talking about?
Gratitude practices?
Yes, these involve regularlyacknowledging the good things in
your life, no matter how small,because they can have a
profound impact on your life.
Think about it for a second.
(18:32):
We're often bombarded withnegative stories from the news,
gossip from others, etc.
But do we really take the timeto appreciate the good things
that we have in our lives?
The more we can focus ourattention on the blessings and
good things we have in our lives, the better we're going to feel
about ourselves and our lovedones.
Now, I try to surround myselfwith positive people and
(18:55):
positive things because theymake me feel good.
I try to avoid negativethoughts, negative people and
negative things, because theycan really bring you down and
make your life miserable.
So, chris, how do we do this?
Well, one of the things I startby doing is keeping a gratitude
journal.
Take a few minutes each day andwrite down the things that
(19:15):
you're grateful for.
It could deal with people,places, events, experiences.
For example, you're gratefulfor your supportive spouse or a
friend, a beautiful sunset,something that makes you laugh
and happy, an experience you had, or looking forward to.
The gratitude journal helps youshift your focus from what's
(19:36):
lacking in your life to what youalready have and experience Now
.
I like to write in my gratitudejournal in the morning because
it sets a positive tone for theday Now.
Another strategy to consider ismindfulness and presence.
Now.
I've talked about mindfulnessin a few of my other podcasts,
and we know that Parkinson's cansometimes cause anxiety about
(19:58):
the future.
Now we may think about what'sgoing to happen to me and my
family.
Am I going to become a burden?
Mindfulness can help usovercome these anxieties by
focusing on the present moment,by using techniques like
meditation, deep breathingexercises, paying attention to
your breathing.
These can reduce worry andcultivate a sense of calm.
(20:19):
So try sitting for 5 to 10minutes in a comfortable
position, with your eyes closed,and just focus on your
breathing.
Focus on the cool air runningthrough your nose as you inhale
and your warm breath as youslowly exhale through your mouth
.
If a thought comes into yourhead, acknowledge it and return
to the focus on breathing.
(20:39):
I think that you will find thatyou feel so much better Now.
There are a number of apps thatcan help you with some of these
practices.
Just search for calm,meditation and mindfulness when
looking for apps on your phoneor your computer.
Next up is positive self-talkBecome aware of how you talk to
yourself.
Now, one of the things I didwhen I was doing cognitive
(21:02):
behavioral therapy was to writedown my negative thought or my
what if, like what if thishappens, and turn it into a
positive thought or statement.
I was amazed at how much Italked to myself in a negative
way and by writing it down andchanging it to a positive
statement or thought helped mechange my thought patterns and
(21:23):
pretty soon I automaticallybegan replacing negative
thoughts with positive ones.
Remember, treat yourself withthe same kindness and
understanding you would give toa friend you're trying to
encourage.
Now the next strategy I touchedbriefly on before is
surrounding yourself withpositivity.
The people you spend time withand the places and environments
(21:44):
you spend time in can have asignificant influence on your
mood.
Seek out supportive anduplifting individuals.
Engage in activities you enjoy.
Spend some time in places thatmake you feel good.
Engage in activities you enjoy.
Spend some time in places thatmake you feel good.
Read books about positivepeople and how they overcame
their challenges, watch positiveand uplifting movies or TV
shows.
They're really going to helpand they'll make you feel better
(22:08):
.
Now the next strategy is a keyone, and that's setting
achievable goals, because biggoals can seem overwhelming,
especially when we're facinghealth challenges, so the key is
to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps.
So when you achieve thesesmaller goals, you get a sense
of accomplishment and you feelgood about yourself, and then
that can build momentum to keepyou pushing toward your big
(22:31):
objective or big goal.
It gives you the optimism andbelief in yourself that you can
overcome obstacles and anychallenges that get in your way.
And then, tied to this is ournext strategy, which is focusing
on your strengths and abilities.
It's natural to acknowledge thechallenges Parkinson's presents
because, honestly, we deal withthem on a daily basis.
(22:51):
But instead of saying toyourself I can't do the things
that I used to do anymore,instead focus on what you can
still do and learn and do newthings that you're able to do.
You might surprise yourself andfind lots of positive, exciting
things you can do that younever thought you were able to
try before.
(23:16):
Next strategy, which is learningand growth mindset.
Now, as I mentioned earlier.
I love learning new things andI do a lot of online adult
learning classes, so view someof the challenges you face not
as limitations, but asopportunities to learn and grow.
Every time you overcome anobstacle, it builds resilience
and fosters more belief inyourself.
So think about things thatyou'd like to learn more about
and go, experience it.
(23:37):
You may surprise yourself onwhat's out there waiting for you
to learn.
Finally, and last but not least, is self-compassion.
Be kind to yourself, especiallyon the difficult days.
Recognize it's okay to struggleand treat yourself with the
same compassion you would offersomeone else you care about.
So cultivating optimism is anactive practice, a conscious
(24:02):
choice you make every day.
It's about training your mindto see the possibilities, to
appreciate the present andbelieve in your ability to
navigate the challenges aheadability to navigate the
challenges ahead.
By incorporating thesepractical strategies and
actively pursuing your sense ofpurpose, you can nurture a more
positive and hopeful outlook onyour journey with Parkinson's.
(24:24):
All right, I wanted to sharewith you some real-life examples
of people with Parkinson's whoare finding, or have found,
purpose in their lives and areliving fulfilling lives despite
living with Parkinson's.
First up is Michael J Fox.
Now we all know from his lifeas an actor starring as Alex P
Keaton on the show Family Tiesand the Back to the Future
(24:46):
movies and many more movies thathe's been in, as well as TV
shows like Spin City.
Michael J Fox was diagnosedwith Parkinson's at a young age
I believe it was 29.
Instead of retreating, hebecame a prominent advocate for
Parkinson's research by startingthe Michael J Fox Foundation.
(25:09):
His tireless work has raisedhundreds of millions of dollars
for research and significantlyraised the awareness of
Parkinson's.
His purpose is clearly rootedin finding a cure and supporting
others living with Parkinson's.
He continues to be a publicfigure, sharing his experience
with humor and resilience.
If you haven't seen his latestmovie, still check it out.
It's very inspiring.
And to learn more, visit themichaeljfoxorg website and also
(25:35):
on my Liv Parkinson's valuableresources page or a list of
books that are available fromMichael J Fox that I've
personally read and highlyrecommend.
Next up is Kirk Gibson, a formerMajor League Baseball player.
Kirk was diagnosed withParkinson's.
Despite the physical challenges, he remained involved in
baseball as a broadcaster forthe Detroit Tigers.
(25:57):
His presence and commentaryprovided inspiration to many,
showing that even with aprogressive neurological disease
, one can continue to contributetheir expertise and passion.
His purpose shifted fromplaying to sharing his love of
the game and demonstratingresilience.
Next up is Thomas Isaacs,co-founder of the Cure
(26:21):
Parkinson's Trust.
Thomas Isaacs, co-founder ofthe Cure Parkinson's Trust.
Before his passing, tom Isaacswas a tireless advocate and
fundraiser for Parkinson'sresearch.
Diagnosed at a young age, heco-founded the Cure Parkinson's
Trust, a charity focused onfinding a cure.
He participated in incrediblephysical challenges, like
walking across Britain to raiseawareness and funds.
(26:43):
His purpose was unequivocallycentered on finding a cure and
empowering the Parkinson'scommunity.
Next we have Sonia Mather, md, aformer family physician
diagnosed with Parkinson's.
Dr Mather found a new purposeeducating and empowering others
with Parkinson's.
She speaks at conferences,writes articles and runs
(27:06):
workshops focused on strategiesfor living well with Parkinson's
.
Her medical background,combined with her personal
experience, gives her a uniqueperspective and allows her to
connect with others on a deeplevel.
Her purpose lies in empoweringothers to navigate their
Parkinson's journey.
Next is Omatala Thomas, avibrant individual living with
(27:27):
Parkinson's.
Omatala actively shares herjourney on social media and
through speaking engagements.
She focuses on raisingawareness, challenging
misconceptions about Parkinson'sand inspiring others to live
fully Parkinson's.
And inspiring others to livefully.
Her purpose centered onvisibility, education and
(27:52):
fostering a supportive community.
She demonstrates that aParkinson's diagnosis doesn't
mean the end of an active andengaged life, but just the
beginning.
And then Davis Finney, a formerprofessional and Olympic cyclist
, has become a beacon of hopefor those living with
Parkinson's.
After being diagnosed, herefused to let the condition
define him.
Instead, he embraced aphilosophy of celebrating small
(28:13):
victories, which led to thecreation of the Davis Phinney
Foundation, an organizationdedicated to helping people with
Parkinson's live well.
His journey is one ofresilience, positivity and
purpose, proving that in theface of adversity, one can find
joy and fulfillment.
Now I was fortunate to meetDavis and talk with him and
(28:34):
listen to him speak.
He's very encouraging anduplifting and to learn more,
visit the website atdavisfinneyfoundationorg.
They have a lot of greatresources, as well as the
Michael J Fox Foundation.
These examples highlight themany ways people are finding
purpose while living withParkinson's.
Now, it's not always aboutgrand gestures.
(28:55):
Sometimes just making adifference in your local
community and connecting withothers or finding joy and
meaning in creative expressionare what really matters.
The common thread with allthese people is a proactive
approach to life, a focus onwhat they can do and using their
strengths and abilities and adesire to contribute and connect
(29:18):
with others that gave thempurpose and meaning.
They serve as powerfulreminders that Parkinson's
diagnosis doesn't define thepotential for purpose and
meaning.
They serve as powerfulreminders that Parkinson's
diagnosis doesn't define thepotential for purpose and a new
meaning of life.
So, as we draw to a close onthis episode Parkinson's Journey
, discovery, meaning and Hope Ihope our conversation today has
(29:38):
resonated with you.
We've explored the importanceof acknowledging the shifts that
come with Parkinson's diagnosisa powerful process of
reevaluating your values touncover new sources of purpose,
and the vital role ofcultivating optimism in
navigating our Parkinson'sjourney.
Now remember, living withParkinson's is a unique path for
(29:58):
each individual, but it doesn'thave to be a journey devoid of
meaning or hope.
By actively seeking out whattruly matters to you, by
embracing new possibilities andby nurturing a positive outlook,
you can continue with a lifefilled with purpose and joy.
If you'd like to delve deeperinto these topics and find even
(30:19):
more support and resources, Iencourage you to visit my
website, liveparkinsonscom.
There you'll find a wealth ofarticles, practical tips and
inspiring stories to guide youon your journey.
To stay connected and receiveregular insights, be sure to
subscribe to the free monthlynewsletter directly on the
website.
It's packed with valuableinformation and encouragement,
(30:40):
delivered straight to your inbox.
Now we also have a growinglibrary of other free resources
and articles available onliveparkinsonscom.
They're all designed to empoweryou and help you lead a great
quality of life with Parkinson's.
Now, this podcast and theresources on Live Parkinson's
are fueled by my passion to helpand support the Parkinson's
(31:01):
community.
If you find value in what I doand would like to help me
continue this mission, I wouldbe incredibly grateful for your
support.
Visit my Ko-fi page at ko-ficom, slash liveparkinsons to
contribute in any way you can.
Your generosity helps me keepthis podcast going and allows me
to continue providing valuableresources to those who need them
(31:21):
.
Thank you so much for joiningme today.
Remember you're not alone onthis journey.
There is strength in connection, power in purpose and enduring
hope to be found every day.
So until next time, take care,stay healthy, stay hopeful and
keep discovering the meaning andpurpose that makes your life
(31:43):
uniquely yours.
Thanks again, and thanks somuch for listening.
Hello and welcome to Live Parkinson's.
Live an Exceptional Life thepodcast where we explore
real-life strategies, storiesand science to help you live
your best life with Parkinson's.
I'm Chris Kustenbader and I'vebeen walking my Parkinson's
(00:23):
journey for 15 years Now.
Today's topic is Parkinson'sJourney Discovering Meaning,
purpose and Hope.
Now living with Parkinson'sraises some big questions.
What happens now?
What's my purpose?
Can I still have joy andmeaning in my life?
(00:44):
If you've ever asked yourselfthese questions or thought about
where your life path will leadyou after Parkinson's diagnosis,
then you're in the right place.
Join us as we explore howliving with Parkinson's can
become a powerful journey, notjust adapting to life living
with Parkinson's, but one ofprofound growth and discovery.
What truly matters Now?
I know from personal experiencethe initial shock of receiving a
Parkinson's diagnosis andwondering if my life is over as
(01:07):
I knew it.
Am I going to have to give upthe things I enjoyed?
Am I going to be dependent onothers and become a burden?
Those thoughts can lead to darkplaces and I didn't want to go
there, and neither do you.
I've learned over 15 yearsliving with Parkinson's that,
yes, your life will change, andI know this sounds crazy, but it
(01:27):
has changed for the better.
Using optimism and positivethinking has allowed me to
define a new meaning and senseof purpose in my life.
Since my Parkinson's diagnosis,I've made many great friends by
networking and participating inParkinson's groups.
I've taken on new and excitingchallenges, like creating the
liveparkinsonscom website anddoing this weekly Live
(01:49):
Parkinson's Live an ExceptionalLife podcast and YouTube channel
.
These give me purpose because Iwant to help as many people as
I can living with Parkinson's tolead a great quality of life
and help you find your purposeby sharing what I've learned and
sharing stories of my friendsand others living with
Parkinson's and all the greatthings they're doing to live
their best lives.
Has my life changed since myParkinson's diagnosis?
(02:12):
Absolutely, but I can honestlysay it's opened new doors and
allowed me to grow andexperience life in a whole new
way.
So in this episode I want toshare people's success stories
as well as strategies forfinding purpose and meaning in
your life after a Parkinson'sdiagnosis.
So here's a roadmap on how wecan discover meaning, hope and
(02:34):
purpose and growth afterParkinson's diagnosis so that
you can live life on your terms.
So we'll start withacknowledging the shift that
occurs and discuss navigatingchange and finding new
perspectives.
Then we'll transition toreevaluating our values and
identifying new sources ofpurpose and living in what truly
(02:55):
matters.
Then we'll discuss cultivatingoptimism and then provide some
practical strategies fordeveloping and maintaining a
positive outlook.
Then we'll share some storiesof inspiration and how you can
live a purposeful life withParkinson's.
Then it's time to apply whatyou've learned and start taking
action.
Now we'll outline the stepstoward finding purpose and
(03:18):
cultivating optimism.
Then we'll wrap it up with somehope and encouragement so you
can go and create the life youwant.
So let's dive in and getstarted on our new journey of
exploration to help us find ourpurpose.
And that begins withacknowledging the shift that
occurs after our Parkinson'sdiagnosis.
Yes, it's undeniable that thingsare going to change.
(03:39):
Speaking from personalexperience, it can feel like a
seismic event, shaking thefoundations of what you knew and
how you lived.
It's completely natural toexperience a whole range of
emotions in response to thatshift.
You may experience fear,uncertainty and even anger and
sadness, and that's okay.
(04:00):
However, no matter how youarrived at your diagnosis and
how you felt afterwards, I'msure we all felt a big change
and transition in our lives wasabout to happen.
Things that you once dideffortlessly might be more
challenging.
Activities you participated inand enjoyed without a second
thought now might require someplanning or making modifications
(04:22):
to be able to continue toparticipate in these activities.
If you had a vision of whatyour future would look like, it
may have changed after yourdiagnosis.
It's vital to acknowledge thesefeelings that you're
experiencing.
Sometimes we try to pretendeverything in life is just the
same or we try to brush it aside, and these feelings can
sometimes slow or impede ourgrowth on our journey.
(04:44):
And these feelings cansometimes slow or impede our
growth on our journey.
So allowing ourselves to grievethe loss of what was, or the
potential loss of what weimagine our life would be like,
is the crucial first step inmoving forward.
It's a sign of strength, notweakness, to recognize the
impact that this diagnosis hashad on our life, but here's
where our journey begins towardsfinding purpose and optimism.
(05:04):
While acknowledging thetransition from our
pre-Parkinson's life to our lifeliving with Parkinson's is
essential, it's also importantto understand that this change
to a new life with Parkinson's,no matter how unwelcome, can be
a catalyst for reevaluating yourlife and maybe discovering
inner strengths you didn't knowyou had, or finding new
perspectives on what trulymatters in your life.
(05:25):
Think of it like this you arenow visiting your favorite
vacation spot, but you noticethe familiar paths that you take
to the beach or the lake mightbe blocked or changed, but that
doesn't mean there weren't newtrails to explore in the first
place and new things to discoveron your way.
Trails to explore in the firstplace and new things to discover
(05:46):
on your way.
You may even surprise yourselfand find some hidden gems that
you wouldn't have experienced ifyou stayed on the familiar path
.
Though this new life living withParkinson's can offer
unexpected opportunities forgrowth and deeper understanding
of yourself, one of the mostpowerful things to help us on
our transition from living withParkinson's is our perspective.
How we choose to view ourcircumstances can significantly
(06:12):
impact our emotional well-beingand our ability to find meaning
in our lives.
Now, I'm not saying that wedeny that our daily challenges
exist, because they're real, butit's about consciously looking
what new opportunities mightexist to help us grow and learn.
I remember sitting in aParkinson's support group
meeting once, and a man namedTom said, after receiving his
(06:32):
Parkinson's diagnosis, he had toleave his demanding, high
stress career because it wasunsustainable, so he decided to
reevaluate what was important inhis life and Tom rediscovered a
childhood passion for painting.
He said painting wasn'tsomething he ever saw as being a
central part of his life beforeParkinson's, but Tom said it
(06:52):
gave him a profound sense ofaccomplishment and purpose.
In fact, it even allowed him toconnect with the local art
community.
It was because Tom had a shiftin perspective that opened up a
whole new sense of purpose inhis life.
Now I'm not saying thateveryone's going to become a
renowned artist, but itillustrates the potential for
unexpected paths to emerge whenwe step back and allow ourselves
(07:14):
to look beyond the initiallimitations and open ourselves
to new ways of findingfulfillment and meaning in our
lives.
So remember that acknowledgingthe shift is the first step.
It's about honoring yourfeelings and recognizing the
changes in your life, but it'salso about opening yourself to
the possibilities that withinthis new landscape there lies
(07:35):
the potential for profoundgrowth, a renewed sense of
purpose and a brighter, moreoptimistic outlook.
Okay, we talked aboutacknowledging the shift that
comes with Parkinson's diagnosis.
Now let's talk about identifyingnew sources of purpose in our
life, finding out what trulymatters to us.
Think about it.
Life often has us focused onthings that are impacting our
(07:58):
lives as we progress throughdifferent stages of our lives
Career goals, familyresponsibilities, societal
expectations.
However, life can also tap youon the shoulder and say, hey,
it's time to move in a newdirection.
A Parkinson's diagnosis candefinitely be an awakening
experience, but it can also be atime for us to hit the pause
(08:21):
button and allow us some timefor introspection.
A time for us to look inwardand ask ourselves some
fundamental questions aboutwhat's truly important to us.
We might ask ourselves what aremy core values?
What really brings me joy andfulfillment in my life?
What kind of impact do I stillwant to have on the world?
(08:42):
Are there new things I want tolearn and experience?
I know after my diagnosis, I wasable to work for a few more
years until my symptoms made itunmanageable.
After I'd stopped working, Ifelt a loss of my sense of
purpose.
At family get-togethers I wouldhear my family members talking
about things they were doing atwork and I felt I really wasn't
(09:03):
making a contribution toanything in the community.
Sure, there was the support ofmy family, but I still felt like
I lost a piece of who I was.
I did oral care sales and lovedcalling on the dental offices
and interacting with the staffand discussing how the products
I was promoting can help theirpatients.
So I did some self-reflectionand, instead of feeling sorry
(09:24):
for myself, I decided to takeaction and really spend some
time self-reflecting.
I asked myself the questionsfrom above what are my core
values?
Are there new things that I canlearn or revisit things that I
had done in the past?
It became crystal clear thatone of the things I loved was
helping other people andwatching them succeed.
(09:45):
So I told my mentor what I wasthinking and she suggested that
I write a book about what Ilearned living with Parkinson's
and how to live a great qualityof life and share it with others
.
She said that that would helpother people.
So I wrote a book entitledSpectacular Life Four Essential
Strategies for Living withParkinson's my Journey to
Happiness, which is stillavailable on Amazon if you're
(10:06):
interested.
After the book, we talked aboutother ways to continue helping
others with Parkinson's and wecame up with the idea of a
website where I could writearticles helping people improve
their quality of life and thendoing a podcast.
So, with no experience doingeither, I did a few months of
(10:26):
research and developed anddesigned the website
liveparkinsonscom and thenlaunched the Live Parkinson's
Live an Exceptional Life podcast, and I can honestly say it's
been a great experience.
I found a sense of purpose bysharing what I've learned, and
learned from others, to helpother people live their best
life with Parkinson's.
I've met so many great peoplealong the way who have supported
my efforts and given meguidance.
(10:47):
I'm touched by the successstories I've heard from others
living with Parkinson's.
I've also learned to playguitar post-Parkinson's
diagnosis, because that'ssomething I've always wanted to
do.
So to bring it back to findingjoy and happiness.
Remember the things that gaveour life meaning.
Before might still be important, like in my case, helping
others, but how you engage inthem might be different.
(11:10):
Maybe new passions andpriorities will emerge as we
adapt to our changing abilitiesand circumstances.
Now, this reevaluation processis personal and there's no right
or wrong answers.
It's about finding out what'simportant to you.
Where does your internalcompass point you?
You may find a whole new worldof possibilities.
All right, now let's brainstorm.
(11:32):
I certainly have a lot of thoseNow, some potential means for
finding purpose.
These are just some strategiesand starting points to consider.
Personalize them, to make themyour own, but here are a few
things to consider when tryingto find your purpose.
Look to advocacy and awareness.
Many people with Parkinson'sfind purpose and fulfillment in
becoming advocates for thecommunity, raising awareness and
(11:55):
supporting research efforts.
Sharing your personalexperience with others can be
incredibly powerful and help youstay connected with others who
are on a similar path.
Then there's creativeexpression.
Parkinson's can sometimesunlock unexpected creative
talents, whether it's painting,writing, music, poetry, pottery
(12:17):
or any other art form.
Engaging in creative expressioncan be very fulfilling and
offer new ways to connect withyourself and with others in the
community.
Now let me share a story of myfriend, joan.
We met in a Parkinson'sexercise group.
Joan was quiet and reserved atfirst, but once you got to know
her, she had a strongdetermination to live her best
(12:37):
life with Parkinson's and shebecame a person everybody looked
up to in the class because ofher hard work and determination.
One day, joan walked up to meand said I read your book and it
inspired me to want to shareone of my passions with others,
which was writing short stories,poems and articles.
I was so happy for Joan becauseit gave her the chance to share
(13:00):
one of her passions.
Now, to make this a reality.
I told Joan that I would loveto create a page on the
liveparkinsonscom website wherewe can post all of our writings
to help inspire others.
So in the very near future,expect to see Joan's page called
Parkinson's Posts and Poetry.
I hope you'll check it out.
(13:20):
I'm going to be postingprobably this week her first two
articles.
Now the next idea is mentorshipand support.
Your lived experience withParkinson's holds immense value
for others who are newlydiagnosed or navigating similar
challenges.
Becoming a mentor or offeringpeer support can provide a
(13:42):
strong sense of purpose andconnection to others.
And then here's one of myfavorites learning and growth.
Maybe there's a subject you'vealways been interested in but
never had the time to explore.
Now might be the time to delveinto a new hobby, gain some new
knowledge, take some onlinecourses or join some study
groups.
The intellectual stimulationcan both be helpful and
(14:03):
rewarding.
For me, learning guitar wassomething new and something that
was on my bucket list.
Now, in addition, I love totake online learning classes.
I usually go to Udemy to learnnew things.
You know I typically pay about$10 to $15 per course when
they're on sale, and I've takencourses from everything from
cryptocurrency to website designand computer coding to
(14:27):
songwriting, rhythm guitar andbusiness.
I just love to learn new thingsand online courses enabled me
to do that.
I can learn a wide range of newthings right from my computer.
Finally, strengtheningrelationships.
Sometimes a significant lifeevent like Parkinson's can bring
us closer to our loved ones,focusing on nurturing and
(14:48):
deepening these connections withfamily, friends or within
support groups, this can give apowerful sense of meaning and
belonging to your life, orwithin support groups.
This can give a powerful senseof meaning and belonging to your
life.
Some people even take upgenealogy and build a family
tree and learn more about theirfamily history and its roots.
So, as an example ofstrengthening relationships for
me is my relationship with mybrother Bud, since my
(15:10):
Parkinson's diagnosis and caringfor our mother who has dementia
.
We've been very close Since weboth enjoy similar hobbies and
interests.
We've been spending a lot oftime together doing the
activities we both enjoy, one ofwhich is fly fishing.
We do an annual pilgrimage tothe Delaware River in New York
(15:34):
to fish the east and westbranches in search of big, brown
and rainbow trout, and wepractice catch and release.
So this is an ideal spot for usto fish because that's the
regulations there.
We've been to Montana and thisyear we're going to Michigan to
fish the Asobel and the PerMarquette rivers.
Now we also spend a lot of timeat my cabin in the mountains in
northern Pennsylvania.
He even puts up with my guitarplaying when I take that along
and we're sitting out on theback porch.
(15:57):
So, to wrap up this segment, Iencourage you to take time to
reflect on your values, whattruly matters to you, what kind
of impact you want to have andwhat avenues of purpose might be
waiting for you to discover inthis new chapter of your life.
This time of self-reflectioncan be a powerful step for not
just living with Parkinson's,but towards living a happy,
(16:18):
fulfilled life with Parkinson's.
Okay, we spent timeacknowledging the shift that
comes with a Parkinson'sdiagnosis and how to re-examine
our values and identify a newsense of purpose.
Now let's turn our attention toa crucial tool in helping us
navigate our Parkinson's journey, and that's cultivating
optimism.
Let's be clear optimism isn'tabout ignoring the challenges we
(16:41):
deal with with our daily motorand non-motor symptoms.
We're pretending everything iseasy and nothing is bothering us
.
Instead, optimism is aboutchoosing to focus on the
possibilities of what you can doand accomplish the strengths
you possess and the potentialfor positive experiences even
during your most difficult times.
It's about creating a belief ina brighter future and actively
(17:05):
searching for the good in eachday and in each person we meet
Now.
We talked about finding oursense of purpose, but did you
know that finding purpose andcultivating optimism are often
intertwined and go hand in hand?
When we feel like we havesomething meaningful to
contribute and when we'reengaged in activities that align
with our values, it naturallyhelps us foster a more positive
(17:28):
outlook.
Having a sense of purpose givesus a reason to keep going, to
overcome obstacles andchallenges that we face, and to
believe that our efforts reallymatter.
Nothing's more dishearteningthan feeling that what you're
doing really doesn't matter andthat you're just going through
the motions.
A more optimistic mindset orbelief can make it easier for us
to identify and pursue thethings that give us meaning in
(17:50):
our lives.
It helps us create a positivefeedback loop where purpose
fuels optimism and drives us tofind more purpose.
Okay, this sounds wonderful,chris, but how do we incorporate
this sense of optimism in ourdaily lives, especially when
facing the realities ofParkinson's?
You know that's a greatquestion, so let's provide some
(18:10):
practical strategies to help usaccomplish this, and let's lead
it off with gratitude practices.
Yes, I know this sounds simpleand you may be thinking what is
he talking about?
Gratitude practices?
Yes, these involve regularlyacknowledging the good things in
your life, no matter how small,because they can have a
profound impact on your life.
Think about it for a second.
(18:32):
We're often bombarded withnegative stories from the news,
gossip from others, etc.
But do we really take the timeto appreciate the good things
that we have in our lives?
The more we can focus ourattention on the blessings and
good things we have in our lives, the better we're going to feel
about ourselves and our lovedones.
Now, I try to surround myselfwith positive people and
(18:55):
positive things because theymake me feel good.
I try to avoid negativethoughts, negative people and
negative things, because theycan really bring you down and
make your life miserable.
So, chris, how do we do this?
Well, one of the things I startby doing is keeping a gratitude
journal.
Take a few minutes each day andwrite down the things that
(19:15):
you're grateful for.
It could deal with people,places, events, experiences.
For example, you're gratefulfor your supportive spouse or a
friend, a beautiful sunset,something that makes you laugh
and happy, an experience you had, or looking forward to.
The gratitude journal helps youshift your focus from what's
(19:36):
lacking in your life to what youalready have and experience Now
.
I like to write in my gratitudejournal in the morning because
it sets a positive tone for theday Now.
Another strategy to consider ismindfulness and presence.
Now.
I've talked about mindfulnessin a few of my other podcasts,
and we know that Parkinson's cansometimes cause anxiety about
(19:58):
the future.
Now we may think about what'sgoing to happen to me and my
family.
Am I going to become a burden?
Mindfulness can help usovercome these anxieties by
focusing on the present moment,by using techniques like
meditation, deep breathingexercises, paying attention to
your breathing.
These can reduce worry andcultivate a sense of calm.
(20:19):
So try sitting for 5 to 10minutes in a comfortable
position, with your eyes closed,and just focus on your
breathing.
Focus on the cool air runningthrough your nose as you inhale
and your warm breath as youslowly exhale through your mouth
.
If a thought comes into yourhead, acknowledge it and return
to the focus on breathing.
(20:39):
I think that you will find thatyou feel so much better Now.
There are a number of apps thatcan help you with some of these
practices.
Just search for calm,meditation and mindfulness when
looking for apps on your phoneor your computer.
Next up is positive self-talkBecome aware of how you talk to
yourself.
Now, one of the things I didwhen I was doing cognitive
(21:02):
behavioral therapy was to writedown my negative thought or my
what if, like what if thishappens, and turn it into a
positive thought or statement.
I was amazed at how much Italked to myself in a negative
way and by writing it down andchanging it to a positive
statement or thought helped mechange my thought patterns and
(21:23):
pretty soon I automaticallybegan replacing negative
thoughts with positive ones.
Remember, treat yourself withthe same kindness and
understanding you would give toa friend you're trying to
encourage.
Now the next strategy I touchedbriefly on before is
surrounding yourself withpositivity.
The people you spend time withand the places and environments
(21:44):
you spend time in can have asignificant influence on your
mood.
Seek out supportive anduplifting individuals.
Engage in activities you enjoy.
Spend some time in places thatmake you feel good.
Engage in activities you enjoy.
Spend some time in places thatmake you feel good.
Read books about positivepeople and how they overcame
their challenges, watch positiveand uplifting movies or TV
shows.
They're really going to helpand they'll make you feel better
(22:08):
.
Now the next strategy is a keyone, and that's setting
achievable goals, because biggoals can seem overwhelming,
especially when we're facinghealth challenges, so the key is
to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps.
So when you achieve thesesmaller goals, you get a sense
of accomplishment and you feelgood about yourself, and then
that can build momentum to keepyou pushing toward your big
(22:31):
objective or big goal.
It gives you the optimism andbelief in yourself that you can
overcome obstacles and anychallenges that get in your way.
And then, tied to this is ournext strategy, which is focusing
on your strengths and abilities.
It's natural to acknowledge thechallenges Parkinson's presents
because, honestly, we deal withthem on a daily basis.
(22:51):
But instead of saying toyourself I can't do the things
that I used to do anymore,instead focus on what you can
still do and learn and do newthings that you're able to do.
You might surprise yourself andfind lots of positive, exciting
things you can do that younever thought you were able to
try before.
(23:16):
Next strategy, which is learningand growth mindset.
Now, as I mentioned earlier.
I love learning new things andI do a lot of online adult
learning classes, so view someof the challenges you face not
as limitations, but asopportunities to learn and grow.
Every time you overcome anobstacle, it builds resilience
and fosters more belief inyourself.
So think about things thatyou'd like to learn more about
and go, experience it.
(23:37):
You may surprise yourself onwhat's out there waiting for you
to learn.
Finally, and last but not least, is self-compassion.
Be kind to yourself, especiallyon the difficult days.
Recognize it's okay to struggleand treat yourself with the
same compassion you would offersomeone else you care about.
So cultivating optimism is anactive practice, a conscious
(24:02):
choice you make every day.
It's about training your mindto see the possibilities, to
appreciate the present andbelieve in your ability to
navigate the challenges aheadability to navigate the
challenges ahead.
By incorporating thesepractical strategies and
actively pursuing your sense ofpurpose, you can nurture a more
positive and hopeful outlook onyour journey with Parkinson's.
(24:24):
All right, I wanted to sharewith you some real-life examples
of people with Parkinson's whoare finding, or have found,
purpose in their lives and areliving fulfilling lives despite
living with Parkinson's.
First up is Michael J Fox.
Now we all know from his lifeas an actor starring as Alex P
Keaton on the show Family Tiesand the Back to the Future
(24:46):
movies and many more movies thathe's been in, as well as TV
shows like Spin City.
Michael J Fox was diagnosedwith Parkinson's at a young age
I believe it was 29.
Instead of retreating, hebecame a prominent advocate for
Parkinson's research by startingthe Michael J Fox Foundation.
(25:09):
His tireless work has raisedhundreds of millions of dollars
for research and significantlyraised the awareness of
Parkinson's.
His purpose is clearly rootedin finding a cure and supporting
others living with Parkinson's.
He continues to be a publicfigure, sharing his experience
with humor and resilience.
If you haven't seen his latestmovie, still check it out.
It's very inspiring.
And to learn more, visit themichaeljfoxorg website and also
(25:35):
on my Liv Parkinson's valuableresources page or a list of
books that are available fromMichael J Fox that I've
personally read and highlyrecommend.
Next up is Kirk Gibson, a formerMajor League Baseball player.
Kirk was diagnosed withParkinson's.
Despite the physical challenges, he remained involved in
baseball as a broadcaster forthe Detroit Tigers.
(25:57):
His presence and commentaryprovided inspiration to many,
showing that even with aprogressive neurological disease
, one can continue to contributetheir expertise and passion.
His purpose shifted fromplaying to sharing his love of
the game and demonstratingresilience.
Next up is Thomas Isaacs,co-founder of the Cure
(26:21):
Parkinson's Trust.
Thomas Isaacs, co-founder ofthe Cure Parkinson's Trust.
Before his passing, tom Isaacswas a tireless advocate and
fundraiser for Parkinson'sresearch.
Diagnosed at a young age, heco-founded the Cure Parkinson's
Trust, a charity focused onfinding a cure.
He participated in incrediblephysical challenges, like
walking across Britain to raiseawareness and funds.
(26:43):
His purpose was unequivocallycentered on finding a cure and
empowering the Parkinson'scommunity.
Next we have Sonia Mather, md, aformer family physician
diagnosed with Parkinson's.
Dr Mather found a new purposeeducating and empowering others
with Parkinson's.
She speaks at conferences,writes articles and runs
(27:06):
workshops focused on strategiesfor living well with Parkinson's
.
Her medical background,combined with her personal
experience, gives her a uniqueperspective and allows her to
connect with others on a deeplevel.
Her purpose lies in empoweringothers to navigate their
Parkinson's journey.
Next is Omatala Thomas, avibrant individual living with
(27:27):
Parkinson's.
Omatala actively shares herjourney on social media and
through speaking engagements.
She focuses on raisingawareness, challenging
misconceptions about Parkinson'sand inspiring others to live
fully Parkinson's.
And inspiring others to livefully.
Her purpose centered onvisibility, education and
(27:52):
fostering a supportive community.
She demonstrates that aParkinson's diagnosis doesn't
mean the end of an active andengaged life, but just the
beginning.
And then Davis Finney, a formerprofessional and Olympic cyclist
, has become a beacon of hopefor those living with
Parkinson's.
After being diagnosed, herefused to let the condition
define him.
Instead, he embraced aphilosophy of celebrating small
(28:13):
victories, which led to thecreation of the Davis Phinney
Foundation, an organizationdedicated to helping people with
Parkinson's live well.
His journey is one ofresilience, positivity and
purpose, proving that in theface of adversity, one can find
joy and fulfillment.
Now I was fortunate to meetDavis and talk with him and
(28:34):
listen to him speak.
He's very encouraging anduplifting and to learn more,
visit the website atdavisfinneyfoundationorg.
They have a lot of greatresources, as well as the
Michael J Fox Foundation.
These examples highlight themany ways people are finding
purpose while living withParkinson's.
Now, it's not always aboutgrand gestures.
(28:55):
Sometimes just making adifference in your local
community and connecting withothers or finding joy and
meaning in creative expressionare what really matters.
The common thread with allthese people is a proactive
approach to life, a focus onwhat they can do and using their
strengths and abilities and adesire to contribute and connect
(29:18):
with others that gave thempurpose and meaning.
They serve as powerfulreminders that Parkinson's
diagnosis doesn't define thepotential for purpose and
meaning.
They serve as powerfulreminders that Parkinson's
diagnosis doesn't define thepotential for purpose and a new
meaning of life.
So, as we draw to a close onthis episode Parkinson's Journey
, discovery, meaning and Hope Ihope our conversation today has
(29:38):
resonated with you.
We've explored the importanceof acknowledging the shifts that
come with Parkinson's diagnosisa powerful process of
reevaluating your values touncover new sources of purpose,
and the vital role ofcultivating optimism in
navigating our Parkinson'sjourney.
Now remember, living withParkinson's is a unique path for
(29:58):
each individual, but it doesn'thave to be a journey devoid of
meaning or hope.
By actively seeking out whattruly matters to you, by
embracing new possibilities andby nurturing a positive outlook,
you can continue with a lifefilled with purpose and joy.
If you'd like to delve deeperinto these topics and find even
(30:19):
more support and resources, Iencourage you to visit my
website, liveparkinsonscom.
There you'll find a wealth ofarticles, practical tips and
inspiring stories to guide youon your journey.
To stay connected and receiveregular insights, be sure to
subscribe to the free monthlynewsletter directly on the
website.
It's packed with valuableinformation and encouragement,
(30:40):
delivered straight to your inbox.
Now we also have a growinglibrary of other free resources
and articles available onliveparkinsonscom.
They're all designed to empoweryou and help you lead a great
quality of life with Parkinson's.
Now, this podcast and theresources on Live Parkinson's
are fueled by my passion to helpand support the Parkinson's
(31:01):
community.
If you find value in what I doand would like to help me
continue this mission, I wouldbe incredibly grateful for your
support.
Visit my Ko-fi page at ko-ficom, slash liveparkinsons to
contribute in any way you can.
Your generosity helps me keepthis podcast going and allows me
to continue providing valuableresources to those who need them
(31:21):
.
Thank you so much for joiningme today.
Remember you're not alone onthis journey.
There is strength in connection, power in purpose and enduring
hope to be found every day.
So until next time, take care,stay healthy, stay hopeful and
keep discovering the meaning andpurpose that makes your life
(31:43):
uniquely yours.
Thanks again, and thanks somuch for listening.
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