I was 27 years old, at the start of my medical career and expecting my first child, when the neurologist confirmed what the first clinician had suspected – the tremor I had been experiencing over the preceding year was Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure.
The diagnosis was made and my dance with denial, fear, anger and secrecy began, one that lasted almost a decade. Thoughts of disability and helplessness eventually turned to hope and optimism but the transformation was a painful and difficult process.
My story however is not unique. Each of us is challenged in some way, be it in our health, our finances, our occupations or our interpersonal relationships. I would like to share with you what my particular journey has taught me.
When a stressful life issue arises, “Why me?” is a natural yet futile question. After all, why not you or me? We are never challenged with more than we can bear.
There are life lessons in every circumstance joyous or otherwise. Whether it seems fair or not, obstacles present themselves for a reason and our life journeys play out exactly as they should. Without the experiences and introspection that these difficulties bring, we cannot evolve.
Recognize that within you lies great inner power – your ability to choose your reaction to any given set of circumstances. How you face the challenges that come your way is truly yours to determine. And in that moment of choice is your true strength, to determine your life experience, which moves you from a position of helplessness to one of empowerment. By recognizing this truth, any obstacle will not defeat you as you may initially believe but instead may be the very element that causes you to thrive.
You must learn to accept whatever stressful situation life brings you for what it is. Not that acceptance equals complacency but only once we embrace our difficulties will we be able to move beyond them, allowing us to become actively engaged in managing or solving the challenges that have arisen. Denial and avoidance of the truth only delays your progress. Without acceptance, there can be no resolution.
Know that you are so much more than the label your challenge has placed on you. You are not defined by your circumstances, your disease, your relationship or your finances. You have so much more to offer the world and so many other blessings in your life to be grateful for. Also within you exists infinite potential so any barriers that are placed in your path, you can surpass.
Finally, always live in the moment. Take nothing for granted. Face each day with gratitude for the simple joys with family and friends. No one really knows what life will bring and at some point we all have to abandon our fear of the future in order to begin living our present. Live your present with grace and integrity!
To paraphrase noted clergyman and author Phillips Brooks, “Don’t pray for an easy life, pray to be a strong person.” If you are able to make this fundamental paradigm shift and harness your power of choice, your ability to determine your life experience despite all obstacles, then what you now see as a curse may instead be your ultimate blessing.
This is a brave and benevolent share from a warm and wonderful woman. Thanks so much, Soania. You are inspirational!
Thank you Lisa for your ongoing support and kind words. They mean so much to me…
As one who shares a similar path, Soania’s words ring so true. Our ability to choose happiness in the midst of life’s challenges makes a world of difference and makes our world different.
Love your outlook Robert. Definitely share the same vision. Optimism and happiness are a choice, not an easy choice at times but a choice nevertheless…
That is profound, how your perspective, was mine in April. I hurt my back. Went to a chiropractor. They straightened my back. There I found a blood clot in my lung. I sat on the pitty pot for awhile. Then had a opportunity to try a new blood thinner. It is working. This is similar to your inspiration.
Thank you for that.
Lots of Love Patrick
Thank you Patrick. Our challenges may differ but the way we face them can be so similar. Hope you’re on the mend, wishing you nothing but good health for the future!
I needed to read these words. They helped me shift my focus from the earth moving, negative occurrences in my marriage. Living with and accepting my spouse’s infidelity has been extremely difficult. I’m trying not to be the victim, but the victor. Thank you, Sonia! You are an inspiration to my tattered spirit! “Live your present with grace and integrity.”
So sorry that you’re going through such a rough time! The loss of trust and the betrayal you feel must be very difficult. But you will survive and you will come out of this struggle stronger and with a greater understanding of yourself regardless of the outcome. Wishing you much strength as you move forward and nothing but happiness for your future…
Really really needed to read this today . At times feel like I’ve been to hell and back , so grateful for this . Many many thanks .
I am humbled that my words have impacted you in any way. Whatever your challenge, may you find the strength and tenacity to persevere. Wishing you happiness and peace…
Soania, iam going thru a contested and nasty divorce , when i read your sharing, it reminds me to wear life like a loose dress, your word re-inforce that Hapiness = Reality – Expectations,,Thanks again for sharing your positive thoughts , turing a negative into a positive,,
Bob, sorry you’re going through what I’m sure is an emotionally draining situation. May you find the strength to weather these tough times and may there be happier days ahead for you.
Soania,
This article inspires hope, positive strength, encouragement and the knowledge to overcome the obstacles that we have been given. Denial, anger, and ignorance are all normal reactions that can keep you locked in such sadness if you do not see the positive things in your life. My boys keep me going with their love, support and understanding. Looking forward to your future articles, and post.
Thank you for your kind words Charlene! How are you? I remember the boys so well. I’m sure they have grown up into wonderful and supportive young men! All my best…
Hi Soania. I am a stroke survivor and a fellow IMT luminary. I love your message as it is very much what I have said in my book Radiant Survivor: How to Shine and Thrive through Recovery from Stroke, Cancer, Abuse, Addiction and Other Life-Altering Experiences. May strength and courage be our watchwords as we travel down our life path. Much gratitude and love to you.
Erica thank you for reaching out and kind wishes! I look forward to reading your piece as well as your book. All the best to you and yours now and always!
Thanks Soania. U can download the first two chapters at my website http://www.radiantsurvivor.com. <3
Perfect! Thank you Erica!
Thank you Sonia for your inspiring words. Equally inspiring to me, is the time you have taken to respond with genuine compassion and empathy to all of the comments made here. Sometimes just having someone acknowledge our emotional struggle helps to get us through another day.
Thank you for your kind words Barbara. I feel it’s a true privilege when people are gracious enough to take the time to share their thoughts and feelings with me so respomding if at all possible, is the least I can do, All the best to you and yours in the upcoming new year!
Thank You Sonia. I am also from India and my brother is suffering from Parkinson’s for last 15 years.Your story is inspiring for all PD patients.We are planning to start a support group in Kolkata under the guidance of Sme Neurologists.This story help us to help our PD patients to come with terms rather thinking of that it is just a destiny.
Mitra, your brother is lucky to have your support and love! Best of luck with the support group and please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can be of any assistance. You can reach me via my website http://www.designingacure.com.
Soania Mathur
Thank you Soania for your inspirational article on your personal experience. May God continue to strenghten you.
I have cerebellar vestibular disease
And agree with so much of what you write- it’s so applicable to my own situation.
https://themighty.com/2016/04/letter-to-cerebellar-vestibular-disorder/
Thank you for sharing your story. It’s only through having the courage to share that knowledge becomes the power needed to face our own challenges. You are an inspiration, keep up your wonderful work! 🙂 Kin
Thank you for sharing the view point of a clergyman about prayer. “Do not pray for an easy life but pray to be a strong person”.
PD-5 programme from natural herbs centre has done wonders for me. I even learned a few simple exercises I do daily to keep my back from hurting. It didn’t take very long before I started to get relief.
My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 2011. His symptoms progressed quickly. Soon he was having difficulty with mobility, slurred speech and even walking. With the help of binehealthcenter . c om PD-5 programme we have been able to reverse his symptoms using diet, herbs, which i feel has made the most difference. The Parkinson’s PD-5 programme immensely helped my husband condition, it reversed his Parkinson’s. His slurred speech, then the tremors, and mobility gradually disappeared, even his handwriting is getting better, he’s now playing golf again. and he turned 69 last month. This treatment is a breakthrough for PWP! DON’T GIVE UP HOPE!!!