As a writer who writes different blogs, it is important to do a considerable amount of reading to get other writer’s point of view. As we headed into 2022, I picked an inspirational book to read.
The book that is really inspiring is ‘ No Time Like the Future’ written by Michael J Fox. This book is the third in a series of his life and the direction that it has taken. The first two books (‘Lucky Man’, ‘Always Looking Up’) talks about his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and how he handled those changes. The third book talks about the toll the disease has taken on his body and his optimism.
If you haven’t heard of Michael J Fox, he is a Canadian actor that I first saw on Family Ties as a Alex P. Keaton and then later in the Back to the Future series as Marty McFly. He had a successful tv/movie career.
Why is the book inspirational?
At the age of 29, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the height of fame from the Back to the Future movies. Let’s let that sink in for a moment. You are married, have children and you are at the top of your game a you receive a medical diagnosis.
Receiving a medical diagnosis that will literally change your life and your families lives is a huge pill to swallow ( no pun intended). Due to his public image, he hid his diagnosis by timing his medication so it would take affect right before he went on in front of the camera and he drank a lot.
Eventually he accepted his diagnosis seven years later which is an unimaginable feat. He focused his energies on reinventing himself. Two years later he started a foundation that would raise money to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. He continued to act in guest appearances of shows which decreased the stress of carrying a show. The act of reinventing ourselves from what we always knew is a complete mind shift and one that is awe inspiring!!
In the last twenty years he continued to make guest appearances, write books, and be extremely active in his foundation. In the last few years, he took a fall at home after insisting he could be alone and did major damage to his back and spinal cord. It was major surgery and extensive recovery time. Sometimes pride sneaks in and doesn’t allow us to ask for help from those that love us the most.
At the age of 60, he made the decision to retire from acting as the disease had taken a toll on his body. It is hard to give up a career that is dictated more by your health than your desire to retire and enjoy your life. Another adjustment that had to be made.
Through his life, he is grateful for his career, family, and the opportunities that he has been given. An inspiring story that we can take to our own lives!!
Lessons Learned
- Accepting Medical Diagnoses (as they will come).
- Changing your mindset to reinvent yourself.
- Don’t let pride intervene.
- Be always grateful for everything.
“When we are inspired, we inspire others. “
Me
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