04/12/2021
Growing up, I wanted to be Marty McFly. Played in a band, had a cute girlfriend, his best friend was a disgraced physicist, and oh yeah, he time traveled. What wasn’t there to like?
Now, sitting at 33 and nearing my 14th POTS anniversary, I want to be Michael J. Fox.
𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺?
If not, you should, because they contain beautiful insights like this that can only be realized after spending the last three decades battling Parkinson’s.
In the longer quote, he admits that living with a chronic disease will be a drag (major understatement) and there will be a lot to deal with, but what he needed to hear at 29 was that he was going to have a great life regardless of all the crap.
It’s fascinating to hear what others wish they had heard at the beginning of their journey, because they’re all different. For some, it’s practical advice that took them too long to figure out on their own. For others, it’s a loving hug saying that it’s ok and normal to morn for the life you had. And for those like Alex P. Keaton, it’s that the future may look daunting, but it’ll still be a great life.
If you couldn’t tell, I’m very passionate about this question because hearing ANY of these at the beginning of my POTS journey 14 years ago would have made a world of difference. So of course I ask it to every guest on my podcast!
Oh boy, this was a long caption! If you’ve made it this far, I’d love to hear what you wish you had known at the beginning of your journey! Comment below or reply in my story if you want some anonymity!
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