Everyone has their own unique journey.
My journey is to help people move correctly and limit pain to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and to empower them live the life they love.
My heart was heavy when I heard the news of our beloved Neil Diamond being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He had completed 2 of the 3 legs of a huge world-wide tour which involved a rigorous schedule and 50 live shows.
At age 77, most people would become exhausted and perhaps not even attempt it. After all, how many bands break up or young artists have breakdowns because of the stress and pressure of the road. But Neil Diamond wanted to celebrate 50 years of entertaining with 50 shows.
When someone is diagnosed with PD, they’ve already had it several years before they show symptoms. What we forget is, artists are really in tune with their bodies and great at hiding health issues for a long time. He was probably working with a voice coach and exercising; that’s how he was able to do the tremendous job he did on the first 2 legs of the tour. “Recently diagnosed” is a relative term in the entertainment world.
Think about all that goes on in a tour: performance stress, costuming, TV and radio interviews, travel, sleeping and eating in different places, time changes, very late nights, rehearsals, making sure your band and singers are taken care of etc.
I used to perform shows several nights in a row, it was exhausting, you love every minute on stage and behind the scenes try to muster up the energy to give it everything again and again. There were times I was really sick or injured and still performed as though nothing was wrong.
When he decided to cancel the rest of his tour, I applauded him for taking care of himself. He must have been completely exhausted to forgo “the show must go on” mentality, which is engrained in all performers.
I was saddened to hear some of the biggest PD researchers in the industry say they thought his doctor was doing him a disservice to suggest he retire. What!? They thought he should have pushed through and finished that tour! I say, “Why not leave the audience wanting more, on top of your game?” Neil Diamond said he was going to retire and continue to do what he loved, writing, recording and producing.
It’s responsible to take care of yourself and honor your journey. He was going home to people he loves to pursue something he loves doing. He is not a victim. He is not a quitter. He is smart. He did not push himself to the point of collapsing. I applaud him, well done!
We have not heard the last of him. Neil is not gone; he’s just regrouping. Parkinson’s will not define him, as it will not define you.
Continue your amazing journey, Neil Diamond, we love you!
To my readers, never give up. Parkinson’s does not define you. Fight back and live the life you love, every day is a new opportunity to get on track and do the right thing for yourself!
~ Coach Kimberly