Last week, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of First Nations youth about my experience with Parkinson’s disease. Their teacher thought I could provide some perspective on overcoming barriers, resilience, and how to cope and move forward. I really struggled with what I had to offer these youth who experience very different circumstances to my own. Since I am not an expert on anything, I decided that the only thing I had to offer was my own experience and insights. I have no answers for their lives, but maybe something that I have faced and moved through can spark a possibility for them in their own journeys.
I really wanted the students to get that they can change their experience by changing their perspective of themselves and of the world around them.
I wanted them to see that experiencing challenges does not mean that there is something wrong with them, that they can see challenges as an opportunity for growth and expansion. Most of all I wanted to tell them that wherever they are in their journey is perfect and that they are worthy of love, dignity and respect just as they are.
Most of all I wanted to tell them that wherever they are in their journey is perfect and that they are worthy of love, dignity and respect just as they are.
I probably gave the poor kids too much information. I really wanted to tell them every tool that I ever found helpful. Everyone will make use of a different collection of tools that will resonate with them. I can’t give anyone a set of steps to follow or a guidebook; if I did I would be lying. Healing is an individual journey.
When I look back on my journey, I can see that my illness has been the perfect catalyst for my own evolution, transformation and healing on so many levels. This seemingly “bad” thing in my life: the difficulties and challenges I have had dealing with physical and mental illness has actually benefited me in many ways. It saved me from a very painful way of seeing and being in the world. It brought me to experiences and community that I did not know existed. It showed me the profound impact that perspective, beliefs, and thoughts have on experience. I am grateful for what it has brought into my life.
I drove away feeling embarrassed at having shared so much of myself. I tried not to listen to my mind as it started up with criticisms. The teacher told me that all of the students reported getting something from my story, but he didn’t elaborate. He said I was inspiring, but didn’t explain why.
I think the experience was more beneficial for me. Talking about what my illness has brought me in my life was very healing. My hope has always been that I would be able to help others with what I have learned on my journey. We are on this journey together.
Love, Peace, Joy.