Time To Get Up and Start Moving

The weather is amazing out. Thinking about what I can do to enjoy every minute of it. First I'm going to clip some of my roses, put them in a vase, so they will make me smile every day!!!! What are you going to do?

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I'm Diagnosed With Dystonia, Now What?

I can speak for myself when I say that the day I was diagnosed with Dystonia was both the best and scariest day of my life! There was so much confusion going on in my head. First, I didn't even know what Dystonia was, so that in itself was scary and confusing. Clients who come to me for coaching are often looking for ways to handle their confusion, sadness, and fears they are experiencing. Often they take these concerns out on family members, friends, and coworkers. I've been there, done that...and there's a better way to handle your emotions.

When you feel as if you're having a bad day...anxious, sad, or afraid...think of who you can turn to that will help you switch those feelings around and become uplifted, encouraged, and happy. I've turned to friends for laughter, and watch a lot of Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyers. These were my choices that helped me escape from negative thoughts. I also am very comfortable with being alone, sitting in my backyard, just listening to the birds and sounds around me. This was a form of meditation I used to change my thoughts and relax me.

Think of what resources you have in your life that will put a smile on your face?

Essential Oils and Dystonia

I was asked if I knew anything about the effects essential oils have on Dystonia, and I honestly have to say that I never even thought of how the oils would have an effect on our muscles, when it comes to relieving any cramping or pain. If anyone has any information, please comment or email me!!!!

Rachel Burrow reached out to me about the struggles her father is going through with his Dystonia, amongst other health issues. Rachel is a distributor for Living Young Essential Oils and is interested to see if the oils can give her father any relief. Conversing back and forth, we did find some sites that gave us the names of some oils that can give some relief. I have not used or witnessed any healing or relief of muscle pain with Dystonia, so please know that I'm just passing on information for anyone else who may be interested in trying the essential oils on themselves or on a loved one suffer ending with Dystonia. I have become extremely interested and want to research more on this subject.

Here's what we've found....

Marjoram- Muscle-soothing properties help relive body and joint discomfort. May also help soothe the digestive tract and is a general relaxant.  Antibacerial, anti fungal, vasodilator, lowers blood pressure, promotes intestinal peristalsis, expectorant, mucolytic.  Assists in calming nerves.

Basil- Powerful antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant

Helichrysum-Anticoagulant, anesthetic, antispasmodic, antiviral, liver protectant/detoxifer/stimulant, chelates chemicals and toxins, regenerates nerves

Cypress-Anti-infectious, antiviral, aphordisiac, anthelmintic, calmative (I personally don't think this one would help as much.)

Gratitude- This is a blend (Balsam Fir, Frankincense, Myrrh, Galbanum, Ylang Ylang, Rosewood). Gives feelings of being grounded and strengthened.

Oregano- Antiagin, powerful antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant

Similarities of Parkinson's and Dystonia

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Enjoy TODAY!

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September Is Now Dystonia Awareness Month?

June used to be Dystonia Awareness month, but it has recently been changed to September. Why? I have no idea!

Below is a photo of the email I received of the notification of the change from DMRF. The other photo is my email I sent them to confirm it.







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Appreciating Life With Dystonia

Looking back, I can't believe all that I did before I received my Botox treatments 6 years ago...before I even knew I had Dystonia. I sometimes glance at photos and cringe as I focus on how tilted my head was. I can actually feel the pain I was in, as if it was just yesterday. What still baffles me is that not many people noticed the odd positions my neck was in. They tell me that they only knew I was in pain because my hand was always touching my neck and rubbing my neck all the time. All you Dystonians know the miracle of that "sensory trick". I still find it so amazing how that with one slight touch of my hand I can calm my muscles...well, at least for moments at a time.

Dystonia is a horrific disease that causes physical, mental and emotional pain. I want nothing more than a cure to be found, just like all of you do. There are moments I try to think of all the trauma that I've been through in my life...bumping my head, falling off a horse, car accident, etc...trying to come up of reasons why or how this could have happened to me. Then I stop and think of the little ones who developed Dystonia, who hadn't had the chance for any traumatic injuries to happen to them, why did Dystonia happen to them? I become exhausted thinking of reasons why and trying to research everything that was posted on the internet from doctors, hospitals, and clinics.

So, what do I do on a daily basis? I appreciate the life that I have. I appreciate waking up in the morning, hearing my husbands and son's voices, and having my cup of coffee.  I've learned to adjust or eliminate the people or activities that are not working for me anymore, and have learned to bring peace and joy into my life. I appreciate things that I see (faces of family, friends, blue sunny skies, and bright colors of flowers) and don't worry about the things that I can't do (certain yoga poses, lifting weights/heavy objects). I also make it a habit to push myself to do anything or everything on the days/weeks I'm feeling really good. On the days I'm not feeling too well or I'm extremely tired, I've learned to use those moments for reading or meditating.

What things do you do to make your days more comfortable, happier or exciting?