What does freedom mean to me? It is the ability to do what I want and be who I want. To be able to make my own decisions. It is about being able to do things for myself and to gain satisfaction in doing so. It is also about being able to go where I want when I want to.
Today was a nice sunny day. My husband was at work for the morning and I had a leisurely start to the day. I decided to get some exercise and got out my e-bike and went for a ride for about an hour or so. I went to a nearby town and had a cup of coffee and a mooch round a garden centre. I bought some plants and will put them in my garden later today.
As I turned around and started to head home, I started to think how nice it is to have the freedom to do things like riding my bike. No-one is telling me that I shouldn’t, acting like this is far too dangerous a thing for me to do. I still have good balance and I know from various articles I have read that cycling is a good way to improve and maintain balance.
Below are some articles that might be of interest.
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-cycling-with-parkinson
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-021-00222-6
Cycling has always given me a sense of freedom and wellbeing. Riding on my own, at my own pace and not having to consider someone else during my ride, may sound selfish, but it is a time for me to enjoy being outside alone with my thoughts. Don’t get me wrong. It is nice to have my husband or a friend join me when they can, but the beauty of cycling on my own is that I can take any route I choose and just enjoy the fact that my body still allows me to do so.
Freedom of choice is an important part of my life. While I am considerate of my husband and know he is protective of me, I appreciate the fact that he does not try to over protect me. At times he may express concern – especially following a reasonably scary bike crash – and ask me to keep off tracks that might be more uneven and therefore riskier. I am fine with that. It doesn’t curtail my freedom, it just lends an element of careful consideration when I am cycling on my own. I am mindful that if I had a fall off my bike somewhere more isolated, there is less chance of my being found quickly if I should need help.
So, if I am sensible and ride my bike places where I can feel safe and get help if I need it, I can see me having the freedom to ride my bike for many years to come.
My journey with Parkinsons 