Maybe Don't Pluck Your Chicken

[Bolt_Upright]

This is another of my posts on my philosophy of dealing with whatever it is that is wrong with me. It is very similar to my "Bolt's Ratchet and Pawl Theory" post: healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

I was listening to a Buddhism podcast years ago and it told a story of a man who pleaded for help from a Buddha master. The man said he had a huge drawn out argument with his wife and said many, many terrible things to her.

The master told the man to go and get a chicken and pluck it, and then return.

The man got a chicken and plucked it, and then returned to the master and asked what to do next.

The master then told the man to put all the feathers back onto the chicken.

I believe the lesson is to not take chances and break things you can't unbreak.

Most likely I am wrong. Remember: I am not a smart man. I just think it is so important that if we think there are things we do that make things worse, well don't do those things. Ever. There are no cheat days when it comes to doing damage to our bodies. Whether it is over-extending ourselves, alcohol, stress, sleep, foods that you believe (not I believe, my food thoughts are fringe), whatever. Just stay on your charted path.

I guess my philosophy is best summed up in the song YOLO: youtu.be/z5Otla5157c?si=zBX...(Not working as expected?)

[MarionP]

Gee, I thought the lesson would be kill the chicken before you pluck it.

[rebtar]

Yup. Overdoing it during holidays. Check.Consequences, there are. I learned this year.

I can handle one not too long social activity per day, a few people and not every day.

If my meds/meals/exercise schedule gets disrupted, because i'm distracted, i either have doses that dont work, or work too well (no meal in preceeding 4 hours) where I get speedy, hyperfocused and obsessive, which further messes things up. More dyskinesia and dystonia, sometimes no sleep...

So i've organized my family time at the times that work for me, and graciously bowed out of those that don't.

[india245]

as a lifelong people pleaser, this really hits hard. Putting myself first is a learning curve for me and very uncomfortable. But I see a direct correlation between stress, overwhelm and symptoms. On a good day, I can look at PD and see the wisdom in it and what it is trying to teach me, and even feel some gratitude.

But on other days, it just sucks (or should that be it just ‘plucks’ 😁)

[Chockly]

Wise words. Thank you. And a Merry Christmas to you.

[Parkie1]

Wise words

[DogsWoode]

WHAT?????!!!! You ARE a smart man and we appreciate you.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to DogsWoode]

Thanks. I just add that disclaimer for legal reasons

[DogsWoode]

😄👍

[Grammy80]

You are a wise man! I hope you and your wife have a Merry Christmas and 2025 is a winner for you!

[Smittybear7]

Good Advice! Merry Christmas!