Fourteen years ago, I began doing the Parkinson’s Recipe for Recovery®. Of course, back then it did not have a name…it was just what I was doing. At the same time, I began keeping a hand-written Parkinson’s Daily Journal. Here is my entry from fourteen years ago today, three weeks after starting the Recipe.
“10/19/09. 4:00 Monday, oh boy! It is cold today, 48 degrees. Yesterday evening my kidneys and lower back began to hurt. I think it was the lentils doing a cleansing.
As I was reading about lentils and kidneys, many articles referred to lentils as being used to relieve constipation. Of course, I am having the pleasure of constipation today, go figure. This is very discouraging.
However, I refuse to accept that I cannot get better. Maintaining where I am today is not the future I envision…we will see.”
It was cold and my body felt lousy. That about sums it up. Usually, it was warm and my body felt lousy. But, as you can see, and this is something I cannot stress enough, no matter how lousy my body felt, what was my attitude…what message was I sending out to the Universe?
“However, I refuse to accept that I cannot get better. Maintaining where I am today is not the future I envision…we will see.”
I always kept moving forward, and I implore you to always keep moving forward!
Some years ago, in response to me reiterating that your recovery from Parkinson’s is not a race, but if it was a race, it would be won by the tortoise, not the hare, here is what I was sent:
As a reminder, there are things we can learn from the tortoise every day. When you proceed like the tortoise, slow and steady, you tend to see many beautiful things in life that you used to just walk passed without noticing. The joy you feel in living opens your heart and your dopamine flow as you are working on your recovery.
If you are doing the soul, mind, and body Recipe, then you are moving forward…always moving forward. No matter what is happening with your symptoms, if you are doing the Recipe, you are always moving forward in your recovery.
It did not matter that the body felt lousy and had constipation and it did not matter that the mind was telling me how discouraging this was just three weeks into doing the Recipe, my heart and soul responded:
“However, I refuse to accept that I cannot get better. Maintaining where I am today is not the future I envision…we will see.”
I kept moving forward! You can do this, too!!
Please post a comment below by copying and pasting these words:
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Each and every one of you is winning and you are worth it!!
All my best,
Howard
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!! 💗
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Howard, I’ve been thinking about trying to restart the recipe, and I’m struggling with the early morning aspect. I have never been much of a morning person, and it hasn’t changed since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Lol! How important is the timing?
Hi Diane. Welcome back! It never is too late to restart the Recipe. Time of day does not matter. If you fit the soul, mind, and body healing into your personal schedule, then you are more likely to do it consistently. Consistency is important in a holistic healing protocol like the Recipe. Blessings, Howard
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Adorable tortoise picture <3
Thank you Howard -you've come a long way!
Love, joy and healing to all !
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
I certainly feel that the incremental improvements are the way of the tortoise….the previous me was a hare and now I’m winning as a tortoise.
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Love to all,
W’Ren
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Howard,
Thank you for all that you do!!
The tortoise is right on.
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
летки моего мозга живы. Мой резервуар дофамина полон. Я применяю Рецепт, и мое выздоровление от болезни Паркинсона идет полным ходом. Я как черепаха, медленный и устойчивый, всегда иду вперед на пути к выздоровлению. Я необыкновенный. Я выздоравливаю. Я ПОБЕДИЛ! И Я ТОГО СТОИТ!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Thank you Howard !
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!.
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Thank you Howard for gathering and encouraging this community of tortoises that are moving forward! Blessings to all.
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Thank you for staying with us, Howard. Life has gone on, I still have Parkinsons. I am also learning, every day. About the disease, about myself and what makes me who and what I am. About the simple joys of life. I could go on, but the reason I am typing is just to say thanks, and encourage you to keep up your support for us.
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Dear all! I’m following this page and have read Howard’s book since my mum got diagnosed with Parkinson and was looking for alternative ways. She’s a strong woman with an incredible good feeling for her own body. I try to support as best as I can with transferring the thinking of the recipe.
Wishing you all from the deepest of my heart all the best with your recovery – energy, courage and the needed support!
Simone
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!! 🥰
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Mijn hersencellen leven. Mijn dopaminereservoir is vol. Ik doe het Recept en mijn herstel van Parkinson vindt plaats. Ik ben als een schildpad: langzaam en stabiel, en altijd vooruitgaand op mijn herstelreis. Ik ben buitengewoon. Ik ben herstel. IK BEN AAN HET WINNEN! EN, IK BEN HET WAARD!!!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Meine Gehirnzellen sind heil.
Mein Dopaminspeicher ist voll.
Ich praktiziere das Recipe for Recovery, und meine Genesung von Parkinson ist auf dem besten Wege.
Ich bin wie die Schildkröte, langsam und stetig, und bewege mich auf meiner Genesungsreise stets vorwärts.
Ich bin außergewöhnlich.
Ich bin Genesung.
Ich gewinne! Ich bin es wert zu genesen! Ich bin es absolut wert zu genesen!!!
Thank you, Howard!
My brain cells are alive. My dopamine reservoir is full. I am doing the Recipe, and my recovery from Parkinson’s is happening. I am like the tortoise, slow and steady, and always moving forward in my recovery journey. I am extraordinary. I am recovery. I AM WINNING! AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!
Finding your book and your vision has inspired me for months now. My symptom progression continues slowly but I firmly believe I will beat this. Someone or something is looking out for me. I have to admit doubt creeps in when I see myself aging with this for 7 years since diagnosis. I cannot take medication which I fear will take my brain even though it feels tempting as tremors increase. But I play pickleball and ping pong frequently. I play the piano and still take lessons to learn Bach and Debussy. My brain is active. We just got a puppy in order to stay busy and think of something besides Parkinsons. I gain strength from all of you. Here’s to the recipe!