Those six words have been Body Design’s tagline for more than 20 years!
When I first chose them, I thought they were about fitness. Today, they mean so much more.
Be Fit isn’t about having the perfect body. It’s about taking care of the one you’ve been given.
Eat Well isn’t about following the latest diet. It’s about nourishing yourself so you have the energy to enjoy life.
And Live Life!…well, that’s the lesson Parkinson’s has taught me more than anything else.
Don’t wait for “someday.” Spend time with the people you love. Chase your dreams. Take the trip. Celebrate the ordinary moments because one day you’ll realize they were the extraordinary ones.
Keep Moving
It’s hard to believe it’s been over six months since my last post. As I sat down to write this one, I found myself reflecting on how much has happened since then—not just in my life, but in the lesson’s life continues to teach me.
Many of you have been following my Parkinson’s journey for several years now. Some of you have been with me since my diagnosis in 2018, while others have joined the Body Design family more recently. Wherever you fit into that timeline, thank you. Thank you for your emails, your questions, your encouragement, your prayers, and, most of all, your friendship. One of the reasons I continue writing Kimbits is because I hope my journey reminds you of something important. We all have something. For me, it’s Parkinson’s.
For you, it may be a health issue, caring for aging parents, recovering from surgery, balancing work and family, or simply navigating the changes that come with getting older.
Life has a way of changing our plans. The question isn’t whether we’ll face challenges. The question is, how will we respond when they come?
If you’ve known me for any length of time, you won’t be surprised to hear that I’m still working out at least five days a week. Exercise has become my medicine. Research tells us that exercise can help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, but I don’t
need research to tell me how much better I feel after I’ve moved my body. It helps me stay stronger physically, clearer mentally, and more positive emotionally. Some workouts are tough. Really tough. There are days when my body doesn’t want to cooperate, when my balance is off, or when dystonia makes even simple movements feel awkward. But I’ve learned that showing up is more important than having the perfect workout. Every workout is a vote for the future I want.
Over the years I’ve also learned that taking care of myself isn’t just about exercise. It’s about eating well, getting enough rest, asking for help when I need it, and making choices today that will help me tomorrow.
I’ve now had two rounds of Botox injections to help manage the dystonia in my feet and neck, and they’ve made a noticeable difference. My third round is planned for August, and I’m hopeful it will continue to improve my mobility.
This September I’ll also begin a speech therapy program through The University of Western Ontario for people living with Parkinson’s who are experiencing changes in their speech. My voice has become softer over the past couple of years, so I’m excited to learn new techniques that will help me communicate more effectively.
Parkinson’s continues to throw me a few curveballs. My REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder has progressed, and I’ve fallen out of bed three times this year while acting out my dreams. Thankfully, a bed rail has made a tremendous difference and has given both Pete and me much greater peace of mind. Like everyone else, I have days that are discouraging. But I’ve learned not to stay there.
Giving Back
One unexpected gift Parkinson’s has given me is the opportunity to help others. I continue to volunteer with Parkinson Canada as a Peer Mentor, walking alongside people who are newly diagnosed. I also co-facilitate the DBS Support Group and serve on the Patient Advisory Board for the Movement Disorders Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital.
These roles have introduced me to some incredible people.
If I’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that none of us are meant to do life alone. Sometimes people don’t need advice. They just need someone who understands.
If sharing my story helps one person feel a little less afraid or a little more hopeful, then every conversation is worthwhile.
Making Memories
Of course, life isn’t all about Parkinson’s. One of my favourite moments this year was being the Secret Reader in my grandson’s kindergarten class. Seeing the excitement on his face when I walked into the classroom was absolutely priceless. Those simple moments remind me that happiness is often found in the little things. Pete and I are also looking forward to another adventure together. This September we’ll be taking our third cruise, visiting Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
A couple of years ago, we made a promise to each other: Travel as much as we can while we can. Parkinson’s has changed many things in my life, but it has also taught me not to put off the things that matter most. I think that’s true for all of us.
- Don’t wait for the perfect time.
- Spend time with the people you love.
- Take the trip.
- Read the story to your grandchild.
- Go for the walk.
- Celebrate the ordinary moments, because one day you’ll realize they were the extraordinary ones.
Looking Ahead
As we head into another fall, I hope you’ll make one promise to yourself.
- Keep moving.
- Take care of your health.
- Nourish your body.
- Protect your peace.
- Laugh often.
- Stay curious.
- Learn something new.
- Spend time with people who leave you smiling.
- And don’t stop making memories.
Life may not unfold exactly the way we imagined, but it can still be incredibly beautiful.
Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your health journey over the years. I never imagined that when I started Body Design more than 20 years ago, I’d be learning just as much from all of you as you’ve learned from me. Your encouragement, friendship, and support have carried me through some difficult days, and I hope, in some small way, I’ve encouraged you too.
Until next time…
Keep moving. Keep believing. Never give up.
