It may feel like life is piling up on you, I know that there are days when that happens to me. We have pets, we have a home, we have family, all of these things bring their own challenges. I have health concerns, nothing as serious as my husband, but they do require my attention at times. I have my own issues, how can I possibly help anyone else with theirs?

Most of the individual challenges I face come from life choices I have made. I chose to live in a house with a yard and garden, not an apartment; I chose to have a dog and a cat as companions; I chose to have a child and to marry a man with children of his own; all of these choices complicate my life.  I can also make the choice to exercise and eat healthy foods to protect my health and mental well-being. These choices will help relieve the stresses and make me more resilient. Most importantly, all my choices take effort if they are to bring me pleasure and make my life more meaningful.

I remember looking forward to the freedom of adulthood. I now understand that with that freedom comes a lot of responsibility. Life is tough, but I am strong. I can work hard everyday just to survive, or I can look at my challenges as adventures and tackle them with gratitude for all the good things they bring. Living my own life fully allows me the capacity to be here for my partner as we move forward in our shared journey with PD.