Source: Screen shot from http://www.richardtaylorphd.com
I have learned a lot of lessons in my life, with many to learn I am sure, but perhaps none so important as this one from knowing Richard Taylor. Mostly, Richard taught me to live beyond the diagnosis of dementia; stop crying, dismiss the PLOM (Poor Little Old Me) disease I had after the diagnosis, and to get back on with living. We do live until we die, but surely it is far preferable to accept that a diagnosis of dementia does not have to mean the instant death of the life we had before the diagnosis.
Every day, I remind myself of these things, and in no particular priority or order, but firstly;
- If you have been diagnosed with dementia, ignore the Prescribed Disengagement you will be given
- And as Richard Taylor always said, Speak up, Speak out!
Until my last breath, I’ll never (I hope) have to remind myself of Richard Taylor. He is permanently placed inside my heart and soul, forever…
And a few more mantras for my daily living;
- Behave in a way that would NEVER shame myself or others if it made the news
- Never, not ever, give up
- When (not if) I get knocked down, get back up
- Always speak up for what I believe in
- Always speak up, even if others won’t like me for it, especially when I believe something is wrong or unjust
- Speak up and out, clearly
- Speak up, Speak out, but always professionally
- Be kind to everyone, for everyone is facing their own battle, even if I don’t know about it
- Life is like a wheel, some days you are on the top, and it is easier and the load is light, other days you are at the bottom
- Happiness comes from within
- It is always up to me
- Ban PLOM Disease, it is boring and unhelpful
- Live every day as if it is my last, just in case it is
- Be a nice person
- Let go of anger and guilt (work on them in a way that is healthy and allows you to move on, and won’t hurt others)
- Do not allow the stigma, discrimination or exclusion from others, hold YOU back
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Thank you Kate saw you on telly the other day and had to look you up!
Dignity without a doubt resonates from you, it’s all about the moment and that is something we often forget until we need it the most. You are truly an Angel.
Lee Matthews
Thank you Lee…
I love “Be kind to everyone, for everyone is facing their own battle, even if we don’t know about it”. So true and so often forgotten.
Yes, a version of that tone used to be on my email footer. It is so true
Appluase. Standing ovation. You are an extraordinary human being and an inspiration.
Thankx!
Not at all to trivialize your mantras for people with dementia, but they would serve all of us well, those with and those without. They are good tenants by which to live! Thank you Kate.
Thanks Michael… I’ve been aspiring to most of them for most of my life, role modelled by my maternal grandmother and an aunty.