Deborah

No two days are ever the same with Parkinson's disease. I refuse to get discouraged if I have to slow down for a moment. Tomorrow may be a better day, so I'll be able to do more. I consider my symptoms a nuisance, not a disability.

I spent my working life on my feet in fashion retail, but now I'm retired I still can't imagine not being physically active. I've always walked and cycled, and now I do yoga and tai chi to help improve my balance. And, with two young grandsons living five minutes away, I don't have to worry about sitting still for long.

I find it helpful to make a plan each day of the things I want to achieve, but I know that I must stay flexible, as I can't predict how well I'm going to be. If I can't get it all done, I let it go and do it tomorrow. I make as much use of the good times as I can, and in the off times, when my medication wears off, I read or do crossword puzzles to keep my mind as active as my body.

On those rare occasions when I think how much better my life would be without Parkinson's disease, I remind myself to focus on the positive. I still do all the things I like to do, and I'm very grateful for that.