Big Issues Start Small — Treat Them Before They Grow

I found myself at my desk this morning, coffee in hand, but still not fully awake. I like to start the day off by doing something productive, but instead I sat staring at the small standing Buddha with a hand up trying to recall the significance of that pose. Then my mind started to wander, and next thing you know Diana Ross’ voice was in my head singing “Stop in the Name of Love”. Am I losing it? Maybe just a little.

I have been on a good role for the last few weeks, but this morning I am in a funk.

I finished reading Michael J Fox’ latest book, “No Time Like the Future. An Optimist Considers Mortality” last night. it was a tougher read for me than his previous books as he covers the progression of Parkinson’s and other aging and health issues he is dealing with. It has a lot to consider, like the impact us Parky’s have on our families, but he still managed to make me laugh. It is difficult not to get a bit sideways thinking about my future with the disease, but this isn’t what is causing my less than enthusiastic start to my day today. If anything, I am sad to have finished a book that I was really looking forward to reading. I don’t know if is due to increased emotions from Parkinson’s, I can feel a real loss when I finish a good book.

During this second wave of the pandemic, I have been reasonably good at maintaining a routine. Eating well and going to bed at about the same time each night does wonders for me. I have also been exercising regularly. All these things are the best ways to help manage my Parkinson’s. (The drugs help too.)

When I set solid goals, I am able to commit myself to good habits. Then one day, I don’t feel as good about myself, and the tide can turn quickly.

Yesterday, I completed a 2-week fitness challenge. I have also been working on losing some weight, and two days ago I reached a goal I set 2 months ago. All good.

I want to avoid that all or nothing approach this time, so I’ve started another 2-week challenge and I am determined to keep my weight where it is. I don’t want to overdo anything and get hurt. I don’t need, or want, to lose more weight, but I don’t want to gain any either. I’ve been here before; I am one potato chip away from losing control. These are not motivational goals any longer. They are “don’t screw this up” goals. Hardly as enticing.

I completed a draft of a book I am working on with Joe Gallagher, and I sent it off to him yesterday for review and edit. It’s his bio primarily, combined with a lot of lessons learned for me, so it seems reasonable that he wants his input. Unfortunately, from the book’s point of view, his wisdom is constantly being sought by governments, health care organizations, universities, institutions and others. He is being pulled in multiple directions, so “the book” has to take a bit of a backseat.

The journey I am on while writing this book with Joe has been life changing. I have poured a lot of time into it over the past couple of weeks, and I have loved every minute of it. I probably need a break, but this morning I am missing my connection to it.

It’s days like today, that are important for me to fight through. The issues are small, but they can grow. Step one, I am going for a walk. It doesn’t matter that the rain is hammering down, and the wind is howling.

See you in an hour or so…

Ok, I’m back.

I downloaded Barack Obama’s Book (Volume One) as an audiobook to start listening to while I was out. It’s a 29-hour recording, so that translates into about 180km of walking. The first 40 minutes are great.

I have done a bit of a reset. I’m back to living in the moment. I feel better now.

Thanks for listening.

Originally published at https://shakeitupdotonline.wpcomstaging.com on November 24, 2020.