Motivation

Google says motivation is “the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way”. So, I guess you can be motivated to stay in bed all day, skip those exercise sessions, and eat junk food every time you have the desire. If this is the case, I am a very motivated person. I have the feeling when we talk about motivation, we are assuming positive and healthy motivation. Drat! I thought I had this one…

It seems like once you figure out what motivates you, makes you tick or gets you out of bed in the morning; you should be done. Check that off the list. Finito. But with Parkinson’s it’s a different story. Fighting this battle can be tiresome, it’s relentless and chronic means forever. Sometimes it’s hard to put one foot in front of the other, literally. Sometimes we need constant, consistent reminders.

When that time is upon us and we can’t see a way out, or a reason why, we can’t always see it. That’s where the village comes in.

At times the internal voice is enough, or we can rely on strategies and routines that we have put in place. Often it is a gentle reminder to take bigger steps, speak with strength, or simply being there to catch you when you tilt. But sometimes, luckily it’s only sometimes, you need a swift kick in the “reality center”. I am lucky, my village is big and strong, and won’t let me just lie down.

When it comes right down to it, we all have our struggles. Some are just easier to see. We all need a hand occasionally.

Some good ideas to help keep your internal voice strong are:

· a daily gratitude journal

· prayer - tell God what you are thankful for

· meditation - at least 10 minutes a day

· join an exercise class

· participate in a group of like-minded people (support group, hobbies, sports, hiking etc.…)

What is your motivation?

Thank you for being part of my villiage!