Paving the Path to Gratitude

I know that I should feel grateful throughout the year. Although I frequently feel blessed, I tend to focus on gratitude during the month of November, when Americans observe Thanksgiving.

Sometimes I question what I have to feel grateful for with being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (PD) at the age of 46 in 1996. When I get down in the dumps, I usually grab my pen and start writing or more recently with my PD-related handwriting problems, it’s easier for me to type using my computer.

In early November, I received Susan Borkin’s email newsletter, Write Now! A-muse Letter. Susan provided ideas to jump start my attitude of gratitude.

Gratitude List: Set a time each day to list five things for which you are grateful.

1. I am grateful that my PD symptoms have lessened with the reprogramming of my DBS (in other words, it could be worse).

2. I am grateful to have discovered yoga and dance which are complimentary to traditional medicine and help sooth my body and calm my mind.

3. I am grateful to have a supportive husband, Tom, for the past 33 years who encourages me to be all that I can be.

4. I am grateful to be living in a community in Colorado where I feel supported by friends and family.

5. I am grateful to have carved out my new path in retirement.

Blessings: List three blessings of the day followed by what part you played in making this blessing happen.

1. I was acknowledged and supported for my volunteer work in the hospital as a DBS patient and family liaison. I created this rewarding new volunteer position, drafted a position description and jumped the hoops necessary to make it happen.

2. I received an email from a reader of my blog, telling me he is inspired by my writing. In September 2006, I created and developed a blog called Shake, Rattle and Roll: An Insider’s View of Parkinson’s Disease. I persisted even with suffering through the ups and downs of PD, as well as times when I thought I absolutely had nothing more to say about PD.

3. I practiced my new dance routines and am slowly mastering them. I searched to find an appropriate dance class that would accommodate my PD as well as provide a challenge. I was delighted to have found the perfect class for me.

Turn Resentments Upside-Down

When feeling challenged in writing down blessings or listing what you are grateful for, list resentments followed by a benefit or appreciation this situation provided.

I resent being diagnosed with PD at such a young age and being forced to retire because of PD. However, I have benefited by meeting wonderful people along my PD journey and by challenging myself to develop a meaningful life outside the traditional work world.

In addition to feeling happier and more optimistic, doing these exercises over time develops your self-esteem.

I am grateful to you, my blog readers, for helping me pave the path to gratitude.

In gratitude,

Kate

For more information on Susan Borkin, her books and her programs for personal growth and transformation, check out her website at:
http://www.susanborkin.com/

Comments

[Joe]

Kate, I commend you on all that you do - your volunteer work, this blog - you are very inspirational.

[Kate Kelsall]

Thanks, Joe. I too commend you. You are still working and have a family to support in addition to writing your blog. You inspire me.
Kate

[Valerie Graham]

Kate, I am grateful to have stumbled upon you along my PD/DBS path and to have developed a close friendship and working relationship with you. You have been and continue to be an inspiration to me and I look forward to a long and mutually satisfying relationship with you. Happy Thanksgiving!