The moment I understood this - that my Parkinson's was the one thing I wasn't going to change - I started looking at the things I could change, like the way research is funded.
Interpretation
Acceptance of unchangeable circumstances can lead to personal empowerment and positive action.
In this quote, Michael J. Fox reflects on the realization that his Parkinson's disease is a permanent aspect of his life, which allowed him to shift his focus towards what he can influence, particularly in how research is funded. This shift from a mindset of resistance to one of acceptance embodies the courage to confront life's challenges head-on and redirect energy toward meaningful change.
In practice
This quote can inspire others facing adversity to focus on what they can control.
I find as long as I acknowledge the truth of something, then that's it. I know what it is and then I can operate. But if I overestimate the downside of something or the challenge of something and I get too obsessed about the difficulty of it, then I don't leave enough room to be open to the upside, the possibility.
My whole life, meeting people is like a blind date, because I feel like they've already seen the video on me.
There are no moments you have frozen in amber. It's moving, it's changing, so appreciate what's good about right now and be ready for what's next.
There's always failure. And there's always disappointment. And there's always loss. But the secret is learning from the loss, and realizing that none of those holes are vacuums.
Certainly people have a lot tougher situations than I've had to deal with. But I will say we are all dying from the moment we are born. This is not just rehearsal.
I'm a dad, I'm a husband, I'm an activist, I'm a writer and I'm just a student of the world.
I don't see why I should bow my head when I could hold it high, or place it in the hands of my enemies when I can defeat them.
I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.
That something that I fought so hard for throughout the beginning of my career is I didn't want to pancake my skin a lighter color to fit into the... ballet. I wanted to be myself. I didn't want to have to wear makeup that made my nose look thinner.
Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter! spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
I'm not scared of many things in front of the camera. Everywhere else, yes, I'm terrified. But acting is just pretending, and you are exploring feelings in a safe environment.
In the land of bleating sheep and braying jackasses, one brave and honest man is bound to create a scandal.
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