Editor’s Note: John M. Baumann is a motivational speaker and lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife Bernadette. He also just so happened to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2002 at age 41.
I have had Parkinson’s disease for more than 15 years, and this is what I know to be true:
- Time is precious.
- Each of us (with and without Parkinson’s) needs to build our team.
- It takes work, but tapping into your inner strength to eat healthy, exercise beyond your comfort zone, and stay engaged with what and who you love has true health benefits.
- Every day we must remember to uncover our purpose, discover our joy and believe in human kindness. These are keys to happiness,
- Most importantly, we can be Parkinson’s proud!
I’m sure you get the same often — “So, you have Parkinson’s?” Then the awkward next sentence: “How are you doing?”
We all have bad days, but my first response is, “I am great.” Why not have an EXTRA-ordinary life with
Parkinson’s? Easier said than done, but it CAN happen.
What does it take? Using every ounce of discipline, energy, resilience, intensity, power, inner strength, fortitude and life force that you have. These words can be the “nouns into verbs” of your life. I know each of us possesses great strength. In the face of our bodily challenges, create the intention and vision of yourself healthier and stronger.
I am not asking anyone to try and live an EXTRA-ordinary life on your own. Would any great leader be successful without his or her team of advisors? Would any great sports team win a championship without preparation from a coaching staff? Would any warrior win a battle without his army and arsenal? Of course not.
Organize the people around you for their expertise and support. This is what I like to call my tribe: my doctors, nutritionists, exercise experts and emotional support team. Make a plan together on how you will accomplish your goals.
I recall my first class with an exercise trainer. Garrett years later told me that he did not think that I could physically do his training. That first day I swung kettle bells until I could swing no more. Over time, despite having Parkinson’s, my form improved and my weights increased session by session. I’ve added boxing and hot yoga to improve my flexibility.
With the support of my tribe, I am healthier now than I have ever been in my life. You have to get in the game to win. You have to create the positive mental support, etch it in stone and stick to it. Consistently tell yourself that you are doing this to get better, faster and stronger. There would not be warriors if there weren’t wars to fight. Engage to win.
Next, I ask you to uncover your purpose. It already exists. Maybe you needed to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s to uncover it. Maybe it is to volunteer for clinical trials through Fox Trial Finder. Maybe it’s fundraising for Team Fox. Maybe it’s starting a support group. Maybe your purpose has nothing to do with Parkinson’s.
Finally, be proud to be part of the fight. Be Parkinson’s proud. Live your EXTRA-ORDINARY life.