I am at the DMV in California at 11am in the morning. Ughhhh. I have already officially hit the “you have lost 2-hours of your life” mark, but I haven’t even gotten up to the counter to get my number. Yes, you read that correctly, I am waiting in line to get a ticket… to wait in another line. I hate my life. My feet are hurting from standing. I am starving, while nursing a headache and I am trying to contain my crankiness. My only savior is this blog, which is helping me focus on anything other than I my desire to throw something across the room with hopes that I will nail a federal employee in the head. Now, I am not cruel, I wouldn’t toss an item that could cause injury. More like a marshmallow, cupcake, or a skittle. Because honestly, it would satisfy my need for aggression, and who can get really mad at getting tagged by a delicious treat?
I have finally advanced to the front desk, where I am handed a piece of paper. My number is G134 and they are on G72. When I am faced with frustrating situations like this one, I like to challenge myself to find things that I am grateful for. Today I am struggling. I mean, come on, the DMV doesn’t even have free Wi-Fi! They are just asking to be hated. I scan the room. There is not a shortage of bizarre people to watch at the DMV. From the creepy old man staring through me, to the mom with her 12 kids running amok. Well that was easy… I just found the first thing I am grateful for.
People ask me how I can remain so positive with all the obstacles that I have overcome. You might be able to guess that humor has always been helpful, but another key component is finding the silver lining… the things that I am grateful for. This can be as little as the super sassy True Religion Jeans I just purchased. Or I can look on a grander scale, like how I am grateful for my friends and family. They are always cheering me on, and encouraging me to be my best. But can I take it even further? Please, did you forget who’s writing? Of course I can. Here goes…
I am grateful that I have Parkinson’s disease. Now I know this might sound like crazy talk. Hear me out. Even though I may have not asked for this life, (who would really?) I cannot imagine my journey any other way. Without Parkinson’s, I wouldn’t have met all the amazing people who are now a huge part of my life. Without this disease, I wouldn’t have learned how to appreciate even the tiniest moments that I might have taken for granted. Furthermore, Parkinson’s has strengthened my family and the relationships within my wolf pack. So when I get upset about my current situation, I remember the things that I am thankful for… like they just called number G134.
I am curious… What are you grateful for?
Come to think of it, I am grateful for PD as well. I never thought I would hear myself say that! It got me out of a job that had become hideously intolerable and physically impossible. Now I can do what I want and know what’s really important. Thanks for making me realize it, Allison. Also, thanks for the list I saw on FB this a.m. Too funny and all true!
Thank you for your comment! Glad that you enjoyed it!!
i am greatful to find this blog that gives an upbeat grace over this puzzle that needs solved, so that this mother of an EOPD daughter finds more things to be thankful for.
Glad I could help!
I am grateful the God has given me 15 years of PD only on the right side. I am also grateful to Him for mapping out my life like a puzzle, so that my travels, education, career and social life have all played an integral part in my becoming an advocate, support group leader, author of PD A-Z E-Reference guide, and leader of our city’s support group.
15 years!!! What an accomplishment! Thank you for sharing!
I am grateful that I´ve learned English at school. Haven´t found a wonderful blog like this in German. I am grateful because I can connect and know, I am not alone with P.
Thank you, Allison!
You are never alone…..just a keyboard away!
Saying one is grateful for having Parkinson Disease is really a stretch for some folks. But I am truly grateful. For without this beast called PD I would never have found my true life’s goal. I have met literally in person and in many chat rooms thousands of people that I would never have met if it were not for PD. I started a PD support group in 2007 with the intention of bailing out after 3 or 4 months. I thank God everyday that I am still involved and that today we have over 450 people registered with our support group. Do I wish there was a cure. Yes I do. But the knowledge that I might be helping even one person’s life be just a little bit better is the greatest reward I can ever receive.
I love it Tommy! You are helping many… keep it up!