Emma, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29, is living a life full of adventure
Emma was 29 years old when she received an unexpected diagnosis.
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013,” she explains. “When my hand began to feel weak, it was the last thing I expected. I was only 29 years old, and Parkinson’s disease was something that only grandmas had, right?”
Emma has made it her mission to raise awareness by sharing her experience since her diagnosis. She’s appeared in a BBC2 documentary whose clip went viral, delivered five TED Talks, and video blogged her life for 365 days last year.
She’s starting a project called ‘The F—it List’ this year. Do something new every day. It’s simple, but it’s already had a wonderful impact on her. It’s even better if you do it with someone else. Make a note of it.
Emma will be doing something new every day in 2019 and blogging about it. Her goal is to not only raise Parkinson’s awareness, but also to demonstrate that no matter who you are or what else is going on in your life, you can have experiences and invest in yourself.
She says, “Normally, I dread January.” “All of my buddies hibernate, which can be lonely.” This year, however, will be different. I truly believe that positivity is an important aspect of living with a long-term health condition (or simply living!) and what better way to feel that than by participating in TRYJanuary?”
Emma’s life has been difficult since her diagnosis. “In 2017, my neck muscles started to deteriorate, and my head began to drop,” she says. “After a long travel from America, my neck began to hurt me for no apparent reason. It became uncomfortable and feeble all of a sudden, and the only way to relieve it was to lay on the floor. The agony worsened over the next year, and I was left staring at the ground. Getting about became difficult, and my once expansive environment had reduced to a size I had never felt before.”
Emma planned her new adventure, determined to make 2019 a wonderful year. “I want to reopen my universe in 2019,” Emma says. “I realized that if my universe had previously grown, it could do so again.” I simply needed to devote some time to myself and my happiness, which is something we don’t do nearly enough of.”
Emma has a positive mindset that we can all learn from. “Why save bucket lists for when you’re sure you’re going to die?” she wonders. “EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW.” To be an explorer, you don’t have to quit your work. In your lunch hour, you can broaden your horizons.”
Emma’s experiences can be followed here.
