The Winter Solstice: Finding the Light

Taking Steps Forward with Parkinson’s

The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year and, in turn, a step towards longer, brighter days. This moment serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey of individuals living with Parkinson’s (PD), young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD), and their care partners and families. Progress may feel slow or even imperceptible at times, but every small step forward matters—and those steps can add up.

Embracing the Turning Point

The solstice reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there will be a shift towards the light. For those managing the complexities of PD or YOPD, this serves as a poignant reminder: challenges may feel overwhelming, but opportunities for growth, support, and connection are always within reach.

Much like the gradual lengthening of daylight, managing PD often requires patience and faith in small, consistent efforts. Whether it’s finding the right resources, making lifestyle adjustments, or reaching out for help, each step creates momentum for positive change.

The Importance of Support and Connection

As a specially trained speech-language pathologist, I’ve seen how communication challenges can arise with people with PD and how vital support networks can be. The communication challenges can affect relationships, independence, and confidence. I believe it is essential to take the following proactive steps:

Lean on Professional Services: Speech therapy can improve speech clarity through vocal strength, articulation, inflection, and loudness, helping individuals feel empowered to express themselves fully in their daily lives.

Engage Care Partners and Families: Care partners are often an individual’s strongest allies. Including them in therapy and education builds understanding and shared strategies for success.

Seek Community: Joining support groups or wellness programs tailored to PD can provide a sense of belonging and shared experience with others experiencing similar challenges.

Small Steps That Make a Difference

Managing PD or YOPD isn’t about making drastic changes overnight; it’s about recognizing the power of small, meaningful actions. Here are some ideas to consider:

Plan for Communication Goals: Determine what motivates you to speak clearer and louder - whether it’s to speak with family on the phone, to order your favorite meal, have your loved one hear you the first time, or even to have the Alexa device hear your requests for that groovy song and use that to motivate your next steps.

Explore Wellness Activities: Activities like mindfulness, physical exercise, or vocal warm-ups can make a significant impact when done consistently. Find what suits you the best: online, live courses, recorded courses, or in-person classes. Think outside the box, you may be surprised what is around that can help you with your goals.

Educate and Advocate: Learn about available resources, from Medicare coverage for therapy to assistive technologies, in-home exercises, in-person supports, and navigation services. Reach out to others to advocate for yourself or your loved ones.

the winter solstice light shining on a plant in a vase

Looking Ahead to Brighter Days

The solstice is more than just a seasonal milestone—it’s a reminder that brighter days are ahead. For individuals with PD or YOPD and their families, this means embracing the journey with hope, even on the toughest days. Progress may not always be visible, but every small step you take toward seeking support, setting goals, and building connections brings you closer to a fuller, brighter future.

Happy Solstice - Andrea

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Be Loud, Stay Loud: Advocating for Medicare Coverage of Virtual Speech Therapy