I had the gift and honor of recently being the keynote and emcee of PMD Alliance's All In Summit in Austin, TX. The theme was support—and within that, two fascinating ideas: 1) rebranding Parkinson's disease to help us get what we need to live our best and 2) learning to accept the current base reality of PD. Part of that reality is accepting there currently is no cure. Another part is remembering that the decisions we make every day—physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually—deeply affect how well we will live with PD. That's acceptance. 

Acceptance is a journey, not a destination. For those living with Parkinson's disease (PD), it is a path, at times, littered with loss, adjustment, and unexpected growth. For many, it begins in the shadow of denial, where trembling hands or slowed movements are first ignored, rationalized, or hidden. But denial, while momentarily comforting, is a trap. It isolates, creates shame, and blocks the path to the profound gift acceptance offers: freedom. 

True acceptance is not resignation. It is an act of courage—a declaration that life, though altered, can still be exciting, creative, and profoundly worth living. It empowers individuals with PD to step forward, not defined solely by their diagnosis but by their humanity. Acceptance reclaims identity from the grip of stigma and fear, opening doors to connection, joy, and purpose. 

Through the lens of my work with the PD community, I've witnessed the transformative power of storytelling and improvisation. These tools, deeply rooted in our neurological wiring, invite participants to embrace unpredictability, connect authentically, and celebrate their strengths. They bridge the gap between external perceptions of PD as solely a "movement disorder" and the internal struggles of those living with it—shame, frustration, and the fear of not belonging. 

Acceptance doesn't erase the challenges of PD, but it illuminates a path forward. It transforms isolation into belonging and despair into possibility. In a world where denial often dominates, embracing acceptance fosters resilience—not just for those with PD, but for everyone. Together, we thrive when we see one another fully, when we accept what is, and when we act with compassion to create what can be. 

Let us all accept the gifts of support and celebrate the stories that bring us together. One way to do that is at our Christmas Movie Hero's Journey every Friday through the holiday season. It's a free, fun way to explore the stories that help shape this season. ALL are welcome. Register and find out more here: https://www.yesandexercise.org/christmas.