Spring Has Sprung 💐

The weekly round up

Hello lovelies,

Ah, spring! That magical time of year when the sun finally remembers Scotland exists, and everything bursts into life—including my enthusiasm levels. The first hint of warmth, and suddenly, I’m convinced I need to be outside doing all the things.

But there’s a problem. A big, glowing, blinding problem.

The sun.

After months of grey skies, my eyeballs are about as prepared for sunlight as a vampire at a midday BBQ. I step outside, and—BAM—instant regret. Squinting. Blinking. Possibly walking into a lamppost. My pupils, so used to a life of dim, cosy gloom, react as if I’ve just stared directly into a supernova. Even with sunglasses, I’m basically navigating the world through the equivalent of a badly adjusted Instagram filter.

And then there’s Parkinson’s. My dopamine-challenged brain doesn’t do things by halves. The first whiff of spring air? I’m convinced I should be planting an entire garden, repainting the house, and maybe taking up wild swimming. My body, however, strongly disagrees. Within an hour, I’m a wobbly, overexcited mess, flopped in a chair, wondering how I got dirt on my forehead.

But I wouldn’t trade it. The sunshine may try to fry my retinas, and my energy levels may fizzle out faster than a cheap sparkler, but for those few glorious moments—face to the sky, hands in the dirt, feeling almost like my old self—it’s worth it.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to lie down in a darkened room until further notice.

Anyone else struggling with the blinding optimism of spring? 🌞😎

Hit reply or comment :)

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Thank you for those of you who gave me feedback via the survey! It’s so helpful. I hear you about more interviews. I am putting out the emails but not a lot of response…but never fear, I’ll keep at it!

If you want to do an interview (it’s an easy few questions) hit one of these buttons:

What’s New in Handshake

✨ Blog of the Week: From PDMama “In this post, Ellie shares the challenges of undergoing DBS, including multiple attempts to place the electrode, a difficult recovery, and the ongoing realities of living with Parkinson’s.”

🔗 Read it here

🤗 Community of the Week: Young Onset Parkinson’s Network

“Join us and become part of a community of members looking to live their best lives! Our members celebrate what’s possible, find strength in being resilient, and embrace life beyond diagnosis.

They offer:

• Educational programs, research and resources specifically focused on Young Onset Parkinson's Disease.

• Fitness classes, nutrition programs and workouts designed for YOPD – accessible virtually and at times convenient for those with busy lives.

• Connections, mentoring, and member events geared toward supporting you at each step along your journey to living well with YOPD.”

🔗 Join Here

💃 Instagram of the Week: Suze In Motion. YOPD warrior, mom, mentor and advocate committed to promoting physical, spiritual and emotional wellness.

🔗 Enjoy it here

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Your Turn

Got a blog, newsletter, video, or creative project about living with Parkinson’s? Share it! This community thrives on connection and collaboration, and your voice matters.

See ya next week :)

with love
Emma xxx

Also, quick reminder...I'm a one-parky-wobbly-show...all entries take time as I add them! I will get to yours - promise :)