I have been through numerous things since Parkinson’s became my life. In the beginning I tried to be someone different from the disease. Emotionally I just wanted to be ‘normal’. I was too young or so I thought.

Running from my diagnosis did not work. PD will be with you regardless of how fast you try to run. I had to adapt my lifestyle to be someone just living with PD. I joined our local support group and embraced the symptoms, learned all of the treatment options, and developed an awesome friend base. Early in my PD journey, I wouldn’t go because it would make me face ‘my future’ or where I might be in years to come. I thought all of the people there were old and we wouldn’t have any similarities. But we did, we all were living with PD. You will find people who have different PD symptoms and people who are doing better than you and people worse.

The support group and my exercise class have given me not only support from others living with Parkinson’s but people with whom I have developed wonderful friendships. These people gave me not only a reason to keep going (it would be bad to give up with others fighting through their PD symptoms) but amazing friends giving me a reason not to feel depressed. Exercise is a big must with PD but it brings friendships, support, and a way to inspire others if done in group settings. People with PD give the best support to people with PD. We all see life out the same window. We all have to stay active to live our best lives.

Today I am Parkinson’s! Everyone who sees me knows I have ‘something’ and I cheerfully admit (no longer ashamed or embarrassed) I am fighting and trying to overcome as much as I can of Parkinson’s. Join me in the fight to be as ‘normal’ as possible with PD. Staying active is a choice.