Fighting Parkinson’s, and your glass is half full

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote in a post, “Transform anger and frustration into acceptance. Transform fear and worry into faith. Transform stress and anxiety into calmness and compassion. Transform your half empty glass into gratitude that your glass is half full.” Today, we will look at your half-full glass and give gratitude!

The glass half empty or glass half full viewpoint is the battle between your adrenaline-driven mind and your dopamine-producing heart. It looks like this.

Adrenaline-Driven Mind.
You are angry and frustrated by your symptoms.
You are frustrated that you cannot walk fast enough.
You are anxious that your movement is not fluid enough.
You are fearful that your symptoms are not improving fast enough.
You view your Parkinson’s situation as “nothing being good enough.”
You see your life and your Parkinson’s as a half empty glass.

Dopamine-Producing Heart.
You realize you are not your symptoms. You accept you just as you are.
You are grateful for the ability to walk, and you do not judge yourself based upon speed.
You are grateful you can move, and you do not judge yourself based upon fluidity.
You are accepting that no matter what your symptoms look like, you are getting better every day, and you are grateful for the opportunity to cure yourself from what is generally considered and incurable disease.
You view your Parkinson’s situation with compassion, for yourself, and for others.
You see your life and your Parkinson’s as a half full glass.

The adrenaline-driven mind assisted you in getting Parkinson’s. Staying in that adrenaline-mind-mode keeps you from getting better. If you look at the adrenaline-driven mind examples above, they are judgments and self-criticisms…whatever is going on, it is never good enough, or fast enough, or fluid enough…Enough! Stop judging yourself. Accept yourself, accept your life, and be grateful.

Whether you see your glass half empty or half full is a choice. Same events, different choice.

The day I realized what a true gift it was to be alive and a human being was the day I never looked back. I gave gratitude every day for this gift of life, even life in a Parkinson’s body. Life has bumps. Parkinson’s is a bump. Life has imbalances. Parkinson’s is an imbalance.

It is time to find the silver lining in every cloud. It is time to accept what Parkinson’s is dishing out and give gratitude for the opportunity to cure yourself. It is time to look at every situation with a dopamine-producing heart and a glass half full. This is how you get over the bumps. This is how you correct the imbalances.

Repeating the behaviors and mind-sets that were in place when you got Parkinson’s only assists you in continuing to have Parkinson’s. Make a change. Accept what is going on and find something positive to say about it.

I was having this discussion on a Skype recently, and the person told me her daughter had something profound to say on the subject: Whether your glass is half empty or half full, do not lose sight of the fact that you have a glass…and be grateful!

Fill your glass, your life, with dopamine-producing heart-felt emotions: love, joy, happiness, gratitude, contentment, compassion, forgiveness, acceptance, and surrender. Be grateful for yourself, how hard you work on your life and your recovery.

And smile…yes, your glass is half full…why not make it overflow!!!

You can do this.

You are worth it!!!

All my best,

Howard

 

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32 Responses to Fighting Parkinson’s, and your glass is half full

  1. Sally Carlson says:

    So beautiful.
    Thank you Howard.

  2. TIMOTHY says:

    Half full cheers to you all,
    Thanks Howard.

  3. Christine from England says:

    Perfect timing as usual Howard.

    I’ve just got home from town completely irritated by how long it’s taking me and how bumbly and fumbly I am.

    I’m now thinking how grateful I am that I can do it at all.

    Bless you Howard, thank you. xx

  4. Melanie says:

    Ditto to everything Christine said. Such perfect timing. I have been so frustrated this week with not feeling like I’m making any progress. This is just what I needed to hear bringing back to reality and gratitude for being able to do anything. Thank you so much Howard for being so in tune with our needs. I guess Patience is a virtue! With much love and gratitude. Melanie

  5. Susana L says:

    So insightful. So incisive. Your vision is crystal clear. Thank you for the 20/20!
    Love and Gratitude to you Howard! Susana

  6. Jane says:

    Love daughter’s comment about feeling grateful we have a glass! Thank you for ongoing inspiration, Howard. Your website, Recipe and posts are the gorgeous mainstay of my certainty of recovery. So much love and blessings, Jane

  7. Cynthia (from England) says:

    Thank you once again Howard for always hitting the spot at the right time!

  8. Margee says:

    I needed this right now. I was having a pity party and it was time for the party to be over. I’ve decided to throw another party but i’m inviting a totally different set of guests, this time. Thank you, Howard, for the reminder that, “Gratitude will change my attitude. “

  9. Debbie says:

    Hi Howard and everyone,
    Just wanted to say that I am still doing the recipe and am very grateful for the tools, the desire, and ability to be doing so. I am very grateful for and happy with my life. Today is a blessing and a gift. I intend to make the most of it, while showing compassion, patience, forgiveness, acceptance and love for myself and others.
    Thank you to Howard for the beautiful post, and to each of you for sharing yourselves with me. It has made my day just that much brighter 🙂 I like to think of Howard, with his great big wonderful smile, all healthy, saying something like…” You are doing great. You are on the road to recovery. You are worth it!” THANK YOU…
    Have a great week.
    Love and Blessings
    Debbie

  10. Tom says:

    You’re right, Howard, the adrenaline driven mindset preceded the onset of my symptoms 7+ years ago. Thanks for the encouragement to release my clutching onto this and accentuating the simple reminder to stop groping and moping around in victim mode and frustrating about the way things aren’t or won’t ever be…It’s been hellish!
    Time to embrace dopamine consciousness and embrace living the life in certainty of half fullness. “You know, it don’t come easy”!
    This community of positive healing support truly keeps me going.
    Thanks!

  11. Karen in Ireland says:

    Hi Howard and fellow warriors, great post Howard. I will have to re-read this one daily as it is what I need right now and seems many of my fellow warriors feel same. My canoe is mid stream between Adreneline and Dopamine. I think it’s because on one side I am fearful as there is no positive change and on the other side I am trying to accept it is all necessary and give daily gratitude for what I CAN do. I was talking about you today Howard and I was saying I would truly LOVE to have your ABSOLUTE FAITH in my recovery as you had. It’s what I am working on with God and through my meditation. I have had many reminders of Gods gifts to me, but I want to truly connect with the KNOWING that I can recover in my heart. I talk a good ” I know I can recover” but I know I have my doubts and I want to FEEL that knowing and trust in God again and my higher self. I’m getting there. That’s my truth. Big Love to all.
    Karen xx

  12. Amina Muhammad says:

    Just getting started with the recipe – 4 yrs almost after my diagnosis and trying several other holistic approaches almost blindly, a few falls leading to constant severe back pain that has consumed me. But as i read this, i had the thought, “Enough of this half-empty/half-full talk. Does anyone want a glass that’s over-flowing?”

    I read on and looks like you beat me to it, Howard.

    Love you all. Amina

  13. Amina Muhammad in Virginia says:

    Forgot to say how grateful i am for you, Howard, and all of you. 🙂 🙂 🙂

    • Karen in Ireland says:

      Welcome Amina, were a great bunch of warriors all walking a similar journey. You’re in good company. Hope the pain in your back leaves you soon. 🙂
      Karen xx

  14. Lohren says:

    Thanks to you Howard and to everyone for sharing pain, hope, glasses half full and for such encouraging words!

  15. bailey says:

    I am raising a (full) glass of (insert favorite beverage here) to Howard and all of you, my fellow journeyfolk. Let’s DO this! Love (as always) to you Howard!

  16. jimmy says:

    hola a toda nuestra gran y optimista comunidad , gracias Howard por este post maravilloso que nos reorienta nuestros conceptos y emociones y formas d e pensar y aunque aun muchos de nosotros no hemos visto cambios positivos aun , la limpieza interior se esta desarrollando y estos cambios llegaran finalmente ,Hemos de avanzar paso a paso, darnos ánimos y practicar con perseverancia.
    Somos humanos,
    Los males del cuerpo actúan en gran parte de nosotros como un imán que atrae
    las ansiedades. A veces sentimos que el malestar nos recuerda lo frágiles y perecederos
    que somos los humanos.
    Esto no tiene por qué ser malo, porque tener presente nuestra mortalidad puede
    ayudarnos a valorar el presente y dar gracias a Dios por el regalo de vida que nos ha dado. cuanto más podamos relajarnos, menos grave nos parecerá nuestros sintomas,
    Ésta es la lección práctica que todos podemos entender y aplicar. aunque algunas veces nuestra mente se desvia .
    Con una actitud positiva no nos sentiremos tan mal, y tu cuerpo estará más capacitado para curarse.
    Intentando no adoptar la postura de víctima….Nada es permanente, incluida la enfermedad, aunque te parezca que vayas a
    encontrarte mal eternamente. Recuerda que, tarde o temprano, el malestar
    desaparecerá……..
    La actitud correcta consiste en amarnos a nosotros mismos. Primero hemos de
    saber qué es el verdadero amor por uno mismo, porque de otro modo nunca
    podremos amar a los demás.
    La actitud correcta es estar decidido a curarse.
    Levantarse y volver al mundo. Ésa es la mejor medicina…Si puedes, lee un libro inspirador, escucha música alegre, contempla la belleza de las flores o de un cuadro, aprecia la
    belleza de la luz que entra por la ventana. Si no tienes ocasión de observar nada
    inspirador, piensa en algún ser amado o en algo agradable y disfruta de ese
    pensamiento. Si tu mente está disfrutando, te encuentras más cerca de la
    curación. que dios los bendiga a todos por este camino de recuperacion.

    Translation:

    Hello to all our great and optimistic community, thank Howard for this wonderful post that reorients us our concepts and emotions and ways of thinking and even though many of us have not even seen positive changes, internal cleansing is being developed and these changes finally arrived We have to move forward step by step, encourage us and practice with perseverance.
    We are human,
    The ills of the body act in much of us as a magnet
    anxieties. Sometimes we feel that discomfort reminds us how fragile and perishable
    we are human.
    This does not have to be bad, because remember our mortality can
    help us assess the present and thank God for the gift of life that has given us. the more we can relax, it will seem less serious our symptoms,
    This is the practical lesson we can all understand and apply. but sometimes our mind is diverted.
    With a positive attitude will not feel so bad, and your body will be better able to heal.
    Trying not to take the position of victim … .nothing is permanent, including disease, even if it seems to go to
    feel sick forever. Remember that, sooner or later, unrest
    will disappear …… ..
    The right attitude is to love ourselves. First we
    know what true love for oneself, because otherwise never
    we can love others.
    The right attitude is to be determined to heal.
    Get up and return to the world. That is the best medicine … If you can, read an inspiring book, listen to upbeat music, contemplates the beauty of flowers or a box, appreciates
    beauty of light coming through the window. If you have occasion to observe anything
    inspiring, think of a loved one or something nice and enjoy the
    thought. If your mind is enjoying, you’re closer to the
    healing. God bless you all for this path of recovery.

    • Cynthia (from England) says:

      Thank you Jimmy for your lovely helpful post. It’s encouraging to feel we are being internally cleansed. I appreciated your comments. God bless you x

    • Karen in Ireland says:

      Hi Jimmy, I agree with Cynthia, and thank you for your post, very insightful Jimmy. Yes, this too shall pass and we will all be well again. What Joy! 🙂
      Karen xx

  17. M. Mehta says:

    Thanks Howard for motivational moments. That is what keep us up with positive attitude. We need uplifting comments.

  18. Waseema from Birmingham UK says:

    Hi everyone.
    It’s great to have a reminder of what it takes to move on. I pray that each and every one of us will recover and that we can go on supporting each other.

    If there’s anyone out there who’s based in Birmingham UK, I’d love to hear from you as I feel the need to connect.

    Love and blessings to you all.

    Waseema

    • Glyn from UK says:

      Hi Waseema
      I live in leamington spa so close to you. I like the international nature of this community ( thanks Howard ) but more than happy to make contact.
      As ever thanks Howard for your wisdoms.
      Warmest wishes glyn

      • Waseema from England says:

        Thanks Glyn.
        We’ll be in touch through Howard. I look forward to sharing with you.

  19. Cynthia (from England) says:

    Hi Waseema, I live south of Bristol. Wish I could be of more help.

    • Waseema from England says:

      Hi Cynthia.
      That’s very sweet of you. Maybe we can swap numbers through Howard. Sometimes just having someone to share about the journey makes a difference.

  20. Dear Howard…dear beloved community of fellow travelers

    I’ve just returned from a brisk morning walk in which my mantra was “I am vibrantly healthy and alive”… and yes I was much more alive, less hindered by pain..grateful for nature’s beauty … It felt so absolutely wonderful to be caressed by a cool and gentle breeze on my cheeks, to be lost in a chorus of birds’ early-morning songs, to be with my hubby…and with life. Thank you all for your inspiring words…

  21. mayarita says:

    Hi everyone! Thanks Howard.
    Thanks Karen for your sincerity, Jimmy for your wonderful inspiring words, Wow Penny, walking briskly! Like the sound of that!
    After a few days of complete inaccion due to my daughter being sick with fever, I virtually coudn’t walk when i went out. I didnt let it get me down, just set my mind in positive mode, got. out my stick, slowed right down, swung those legs, and I managed
    Shows how important keeping active is, and keeping on with the recipe as much as pos.

    • jimmy says:

      gracias Mayarita , yo sigo pensando que usted es una mujer muy valiente

      Translation:

      Thanks Mayarita, I still think you are a very brave woman

  22. Waseema from England says:

    Dear friends,
    Just wanted to share something I’m experiencing over the last few days. My left hand curls up really tightly and I was finding it difficult to straighten it out. Then on Friday I was going over the recipe in depth from December and something clicked. I created an affirmation that I have been using since then with amazing results. It is ‘I am able to relax my hand with comfort and ease’. Each time I repeat this, my hand relaxes and straightens! I’m finding it easier to do the first jumper cabling exercise which I was struggling with previously.
    I feel as if I’ve crossed a threshold of some sort. If a simple affirmation can be so effective and immediate then I have nothing to fear.
    Thank you Howard for your amazing support. I don’t even want to consider where my state of mind would be without this blog and the community.
    Blessings and love to you all.

  23. Pingback: Fighting Parkinson’s, and let’s play a game…again! | Fighting Parkinson's Drug Free

  24. Helen Gill says:

    Thank you Howard and everyone for the group of us all understanding cure can and will happen, bit by bit. I was remembering and telling my friends yesterday I am the tortoise not the hare, slow and steady. I have worried about not writing well, so I decided to write as a tortoise, one letter at a time. Love and hugs to everyone. Cup brimming up. Helen Australia. Any other Australians here ?

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