Instagram Lifestyles / Incurable Optimists (June 2022)

I have, it's fair to say, been more than a bit critical of folks who publish pictures of a heavily curated version of their life story on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter.  You know the thing, champagne glasses on planes, posh hotels, expensive meals, shiny cars. 

Then it occurred to me that I've been doing exactly my own version of this over the last few months - to the casual visitor my Shetland lifestyle involves wandering on secluded beaches, photographing big waves, watching cute puffins and searching for orchids. In the sunshine. And in my defence I'm feeling a bit guilty about the sanitised version of the story.  

At one level, I feel entirely justified in keeping the Parkinson's story to myself - I'm still really worried about how other people are going to react, and I'm keep wondering who to 'experiment' on.  Do I start wearing one of the Parkinson's UK wee blue badges and see if anyone comments? I've got to the stage now (I think) where if someone asks about the hand shake, I'll be honest.

At another level, it feels a bit dishonest (ok, economical with the truth) not to tell the whole story.  I've benefitted from hearing other peoples (PwP) stories, it's reassuring to learn that the whole house doesn't fall down on diagnosis day. Maybe I should be adding my story more visibly than via this blog.  

The 'Incurable Optimists' tag isn't mine - although the Optimists bit is encouraging - it comes from a collection of accounts of Parkinson's experiences from folks in Kent. Have only started dipping into it - but every story so far is both familiar and encouraging. And helpful.

But in the meantime - here are a few images taken this month on Shetland - a secluded beach, some big waves, a cute puffin and an orchid.   Nothing to suggest that there has been grim weather or that I'm a PwP.