A strong team of other people in your life can help you manage your chronic health condition with confidence and enthusiasm.
I thought I’d retired. As a freelance editor I’d done this gradually by saying ‘yes’ less often. I passed on offers of work to people who are younger and hungrier for it.
But in the summer of 2019 a full-time job opportunity came along that I couldn’t possibly refuse. Someone younger and hungrier would not have appreciated the referral. I have been appointed chief project manager for my own chronic health condition – Parkinson’s.
Teamwork
Every project has its timelines, objectives, and ways of measuring success. For me the vital aspect of project management is teamwork – working with people I know and trust. People without whose support I would never have got this project under way. At first diagnosis I was ready to crawl into a hole, but their response has astonished me.
Teamwork calls for good communication. My supporters bring many talents to my team, but being psychic isn’t always one of them.
- Who does what?
- When should they step in to help?
- When should they
naggently encourage me to push on and do it myself? - What should they say?
- Or not say?
It’s up to me to guide them, and to share my teamwork tips with you. Let me know how your supporters have helped you manage your condition. Or, if you are a supporter, what you find helpful as a team member.
Play > You’ve got a friend in me > Randy Newman
In Toy Story a mixed bunch of colourful characters bring different qualities and useful bits of plastic to their adventures. There are nail-biting ups and downs – but they all work together for (spoiler alert) a happy ending.
There’s a slightly more adult interpretation of the Toy Story plot here.
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