Being strong…

I was reading a post on a Facebook Page that I am a member of, and a member posted on the topic of ‘being strong’. I have picked a few things from their post.

“We often see people say things like how hard it is to “be strong” or about the need to “be strong.” It seems to me that we keep adding unnecessary and almost undefinable expectations to our lives. I hear people lament “not being strong.” The people around you do not want you strong, they want you happy, they want you productive, they want you loving and caring and receiving.”

I can identify with this. I think in the past I have said that “I can be strong, except when I am not”. The important thing in this journey is that we live our own truth and remain true to ourselves at all times. I don’t aim to be strong necessarily or want to feel that I am ‘weak’ because I maybe don’t meet the expectations of others. Only we live inside our skins and know at any given moment how we feel. Perhaps sometimes we verbalize or show how we feel, perhaps at times we choose not to. True strength comes from being authentic, from knowing what we need, what we don’t need and doing our best to be and do what we need.

This life with Parkinson’s is not easy. It changes over time and new challenges will arise. I don’t want to think that if I don’t wish to be known as ‘strong’ that that as a consequence will mean that I am ‘weak’. There will be a time when my physical abilities will be less than they are now. Isn’t that the way of ageing anyway? But as long as I try my best to do what I can do and push myself to try as hard as possible, then I will hopefully be satisfied that I am enough. That what I do is enough. That who I am is enough.

The most important thing for me is to try my best and to have the best life possible. To build memories with my husband and my family and to leave memories that put a smile on their faces when they think of them.

I hope that I continue to do well for many years to come. That if things get more challenging that I can adapt and perhaps do things a bit differently but still be able to achieve. To continue to act with honesty and to seek help and support when I need it, whether that be in my work or personal life.

Any strength that I may have is not just generated by me, it is generated by and through the support that I gain from those who love me. That is a strength I can really identify with. For we are strong together and always will be.