EverydayParkinsons

Let’s get this out of the way. I am not a doctor or a mental health Professional. I am not an expert in Parkinson’s other than from my experience. I am just a guy, a father, a son, a husband, a dog owner, and a guy with Parkinsons. I am also an unpublished writer. That’s it.

As to why I am starting this blog, it simple really. I was diagnosed August of 2023 and since then I feel as if I were dropped into a whirlwind of emotions and fears. I am doing this to help heal my self mentally and emotionally. Purely selfish. Well almost. I also remember that fear and panic of being diagnosed with a seeming slow, drawn out death sentence. I know that is really far from the truth today, but then I did not. When I searched online for information, I found a lot of facts and lot of chatter from other terrified people on social media who have also been diagnosed. It was, quite frankly, overwhelming.

I want to be completely honest here, this whole thing sucks. I did not want this and I do my best to stay out of the swirling of the drain of the rabbit hole of despair. I try my best everyday to stay away from the despair and feelings of hopelessness that come with a new Parkinson’s diagnosis.

That is where the “Well Almost” comes into play from above. When I was diagnosed, I could not find anything that calmed my fears. I could not find the lighter side of Parkinson’s. I am sure it is out there. I just could not find it.

What I found was that I needed was an everyday approach to this thing. An approach that encompassed humor, self-compassion, and service. These are all characteristics that strive for. So I took my approach to r/parkinsons on reddit and tested the waters there. Could I make people laugh while calming their fears, and heal myself at the same time?. Big job, I know. But it was moderately successful, so I did what any self serving ego maniac would do – I started a blog for newly diagnosed people with Parkinsons (or any one. really. I am not picky). You know how it is. You get an idea, have a modicum of success and then just go all in. Perfectly normal, right?

It’s a lofty goal. I want this to be a place where people can find some resources, maybe laugh a bit (or at least a little chuckle?), and find some advice from others who have been through the same thing.

With this first post, I want to make a few commitments to you. First, I will always keep it honest, except where I explicitly tell you I am lying. Cause if there is one thing you need to know about me is that I am a liar, but an honest liar. Second, I am going to make you laugh. (Just give in now and admit defeat.) And lastly, there will never be any mentions of my political or religious leanings. I learned when I was a kid that these things did not mix in polite society. I may bring ideas from multiple religions, but I will never promote any one faith. That is not my place. I will only post something I think is worthwhile.

This is starting to get a bit long, so I will end with this. There are few things to remember if you are newly diagnosed and trying to fight you way through the feelings and the fear.

I hope you enjoyed this inaugural post. Feel free to leave comments either positive or negative. Just be nice about it. I have feelings to.

Live Fiercely, Love Ambitiously, Laugh Deeply

Love, John AKA. The Minordiety