Optimism

Michael J. Fox will always be Alex P. Keaton & Marty McFly to me and probably to many other adults who were born in the 70's and grew into their teen years in the 80's.  Today, Michael J. Fox is so much more than an actor, he is an advocate for and patient with, Parkinson's disease.  What many may not know is he was diagnosed at 30 and today, at 47 is a powerhouse advocating, educating and living with Parkinson's.  Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder, "a degenerative disease of the brain (central nervous system) that often impairs motor skills, speech, and other functions."[Wikipedia] and unfortunately, I am no stranger to this disease as both my great uncle (mom's side) and my own father lived with this illness for many years.  I have seen first hand how debilitating it can be, to not only the patient but to the loved ones who watch as it runs it's course.  Now on the up side, there are treatments available and they are becoming more and more advanced....I know in my heart that the cure will be found in my lifetime.

So last night I turned on the television to watch a documentary created by Michael J. Fox.  "Adventures of an Incurable Optimist" was the title and I have to say, I thought highly of Michael J. Fox before watching....but after watching, I have even more respect for this man.  He is definitely an optimist and he makes it seem so easy to focus on the positive...I personally think he's right, it is easy to do...

He put it all out there, tremors, stuttering and even at times walking with a crutch as his symptoms dictated.  His main focus was allowing other positive thinkers to share what they have learned in terms of hope, optimism and happiness.  His interviewees ranged from Lance Armstrong, Bill Murray and Boston Cubs Fans (apparently the Cubs have not won a world series in over 100 years, but the fans are optimistic and loyal) to the citizens of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, which is touted as the "Happiness place" on earth.  The documentary ran about an hour and I have to say I came away from it thinking how blessed my life is, pleased to see that people are focusing on happiness and positive attitudes instead of the negativity that manages to find it's way into our TV news each day...

It was an hour of my life that was enjoyed and well spent with my husband and Michael J. Fox.  I'd do it again in a moment.

There was a lot of information that has stuck with me from the documentary, but the one comment that tops it all was said by Michael J. Fox during a round of golf with Bill Murray...he swung the club and commented that he focuses on doing "the next right thing" and not the "next thing right."  Smart man.

Be healthy, be focused and be the best you that you can possibly be!

In gratitude,
Caryn

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