When you live with a chronic progressive condition, like Parkinson’s Disease, you need to be flexible. I just had a little giggle as I chose to use the word ‘flexible’ because in a physical sense, I would certainly not describe my body as ‘flexible!’ The stiffness and rigidity that PD has given me have left me feeling just the opposite!

But I think it is important that my mind, my attitude, and my heart should remain flexible through the course of this disease, as it is too easy to feel stuck or confined to living with the symptoms.

Accept limitations. Adapt to situations. Adjust expectations.

Accept that my left foot can no longer operate in anything but closed-toe shoes. Adapt by switching out footwear. Adjust to wearing closed-toe water sandals at the beach – ugh.

Accept that my osteoporosis leg bones won’t support the impact of running. Adapt by choosing to walk instead. Adjust to trying to achieve the “runner’s high” on my elliptical trainer!

Accept that I often choke on certain foods. Adapt by cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing longer. Adjust to not eating certain culprits!

Accept that sleep is difficult. Adapt by trying a million different things to improve it. Adjust…well that hasn’t happened yet. But I’ll keep trying to figure that one out!