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The role of positive thinking in Parkinson’s Disease

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So, they tell you that you have Parkinson’s Disease and there’s nothing you can do about it, there’s no cure and you’ll just keep getting worse and worse as the symptoms progress. What do you do about it then, just give up and let it happen or do you become a positive advocate for yourself? If you’re not totally depressed at this moment, then you probably are a person who takes the bull by the horns instead of letting it throw you.

One important thing that we can all do is practice taking a positive attitude. I’m not saying that it’s easy, but what’s the alternative?

So, you say, “How can I do that?” First, don’t let anyone talk to you who isn’t positive in what they say. Second, look at yourself and what you want and keep that in your mind. Then, look at all the things that are around you that you are thankful for. You’ll find there are many more things that you can be thankful for than those that are bothersome to you. Keep your mind on that.

For instance, if you are having a hard time walking and balancing, think of the way you used to walk, see that in your head quite clearly. In other words, visualize yourself walking like you used to walk. If you keep that vision in your mind, you’ll find that your walking does indeed improve. (Visualizing takes a lot of practice, but don’t give up.) Anything you really want, you need to visualize over and over in your mind and pretty soon you’ll find that you are doing what you want to do. You might be 100 percent the way you used to be before PD with your walking or it just might be better than it has been in a long time. Either way it’s a vast improvement over what it was.

The thing you have to be careful of is letting your mind wander to negative things or saying to yourself, “You’re just lying.” That’s your ego talking, and it’ll try to talk you out of anything you’re doing well for yourself. Your ego is your worst enemy. So, park it somewhere and tell it to shut up.

You don’t want to let other people influence how you feel about yourself unless they are positive people. Dump the negative ones. They will tell you, “You’re not strong enough to do that.” or “You’re too old for any of this stuff to work.” (I’m 84 and believe me, a few people tell me that.) Forget the naysayers. Start exercising with some of the online videos on You Tube or with the class at the college that Elaine Mooney teaches, or use the exercise room at the college, or do something else.

Also, come join our support group in the parish hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. The church is not involved, they just provide the space. Come share your experiences with us. Call me at 928-425-6218 or email at peppers@cableone.net. Together we can make a difference in our lives with Parkinson’s.