This diagnosis has changed my thinking in so many ways. I think deeper and feel deeper than I ever have. I analyze my life and my decisions are informed in many ways on an emotional level much more than previously. There is obviously a good deal of practical thinking in my decision-making processes, but the heart is always in there in a big way.
I will be 62 years of age in March this year. I don’t know how long I can continue to work, both because of my age and my diagnosis. Because of this I am currently looking at ways of using my life skills, experiences and talent to find ways of earning an income that will be fulfilling and – hopefully – fun, as well as providing some kind of service.
I have several things that I am looking into and this research is ongoing. I have someone who is helping me with one – at least – or more of the potential projects and ideas that I have. She is a wonderful support and we have spent quite a bit of time kicking around thoughts and ideas. Like she has said, if I do start to put any of my ideas into place, I want to do it right from the beginning. Makes absolute sense to do so!
Recently, she asked me what the rush was to set one of these ideas in motion. I suppose, the best answer I can give is that I am aware that I don’t know how much time I have to be able to do these things. I want to be able to do them well, while my cognitive function is still pretty much intact. They may even help me to maintain my capacity to function intellectually. Plus, they are all fun and I think would help me to move forward positively with life.
When I say ‘I don’t know how much time I have to be able to do these things’ I am not only talking about Parkies deterioration. I am soon to be 62 and who knows what the future may hold for me? Parkies or no Parkies, I am getting older and nearer the age of retirement than anything. I hope that I will be able to continue to work in my current job for a while yet, but also am aware that it is a demanding role. I also don’t want to have to work longer than I wish to because of financial concerns and pressures. If I can set up at least one of the ideas that I have, it may mean that if I wish to give up my present position earlier than retirement – which in New Zealand is age 65 – then perhaps I can choose when to retire and spend more time with my husband.
So what’s the rush? Me being a planner and the great unknown of Parkinson’s makes me feel like anything to do with using this Parkies brain of mine needs to be planned and organised while I am fit to do so.
I am looking forward to 2023 and hopefully some of my plans coming to fruition.
Watch this space….
My journey with Parkinsons 