Body Design

08/31/2026

An agility ladder and a bosu ball - tools to help me fight my Parkinson's disease.

08/24/2026

Andy Laird

08/17/2026

08/14/2026

Sometimes Parkinson's means knowing when to slow down.

My lower back has been bothering me since Wednesday - a problem I've dealt with since my early 20's, likely from my years working on the farm.

Over the years, I've learned to listen to my body. So I cancelled my workouts for yesterday, today and tomorrow. Instead, today I did yoga - stretching, breathing and slowing down.

I've also booked an appointment with my osteopath. I suspect the dystonia in my feet is affecting my gait, tightening my hips and contributing to the back pain.

Parkinson’s means adjusting, modifying and adapting to whatever each each day brings.

Sometimes pushing forward means pushing hard.

And sometimes it means knowing when to pause.

08/06/2026

Today was one of those days.

On my way home from fitness class, I burst into tears.

My neck was painful from dystonia. During the cardio, I had to slow down because my brain just couldn't keep up with all of the quick movements.

Last night, was our annual Wine Club ladies night. It was a beautiful evening, but the noise, the crowds, the uneven ground and my soft voice reminded me that Parkinson’s has changed so much. I left earlier than I wanted because it all became too much.

Some days I grieve the life I used to have. I can't socialize, exercise or keep up the way I once could.

But tomorrow, I'll get up and try again.

Parkinson’s may change how I live my life but it won't take away my determination.

On step. One workout. One day at a time.

I have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson's does not have me.

07/10/2026

This morning Pete and I went for a walk. I decided to give my body a break from my regular workout and enjoy a slower pace.

Watching the video, you might think it's "just a walk".

What you don't see is what's going on inside my mind.

With Parkinson’s, walking is no longer automatic. Every step requires concentration. I have to remind myself to lift my feet, swing my arm, keep my balance and manage the stiffness and dystonia in my hand. I can't even carry on a conversation because my brain struggles to do two things at once.

I'm thinking so much about how to walk that I've lost the simple joy of just going for one.

What amazes me is that I can workout for 45 minutes, lift weights, and leave feeling energized....yet a 30 minute walk can leave me exhausted.

Parkinson’s has a way of making ordinary things extraordinarily difficult.

But I'll keep walking. Because every step is helping me maintain my mobility, my independence and my hope.

06/30/2026

Today I was reminded of the difficult and unpredictable reality of Parkinson's.

As a peer mentor for Parkinson’s Canada, I have the privilege of supporting others who are walking their own Parkinson's journey. I listen, answer questions, share my experiences and try to provide support based on what I have learned along the way.

Over the past six months, I have been supporting someone who was preparing for DBS surgery. I shared my experience, answered her questions and hoped my journey would help her feel more prepared going into hers.

I recently learned her surgery did not go as planned and my heart is heavy for her and her family. They are facing a difficult and uncertain road ahead.

My own DBS surgery has been life-changing and I am incredibly grateful for the improvements it has given me. But this is an important reminder that DBS is not a guarantee. It is a major surgery, there are risks involved and unfortunately, not everyone has the outcome they hope for.

Parkinson’s is a cruel disease. It affects each person differently and there are no easy answers or predictable paths.

Today, I'm thinking about my mentee, her family and sending them strength, hope, and love as they navigate this incredibly difficult chapter.

06/25/2026

This morning, on my way to fitness class, I found myself feeling incredibly grateful.

It was a beautiful morning, and I thought about how fortunate I am. More than 10 years after my Parkinson's diagnosis, I'm still able to drive myself to class, work out, and stay active.

I'm 66 years old, living with a chronic, progressive disease that has no cure. Yet I have a wonderful husband, a loving family, good friends and so many reasons to smile.

It would be easy to focus on what Parkinson's has taken from me.

Instead, I choose to focus on what remains.

Today, that feels like more than enough.

Grateful for this day and the many blessings in my life. ❤️