Actor Michael J. Fox Shares Inspiring Wisdom About Living With Parkinson's - Inspirational Videos

“With gratitude, optimism is sustainable.” Actor Michael J Fox shares inspiring wisdom about living with Parkinson’s. The disease has wreaked havoc in Michael’s life, but he seems to take every day in stride. 

We all know him as time traveler, Marty McFly in the hit series films of Back To The Future, and we fell in love with him at Alex in Family Ties. Perhaps his most admirable character now is who he is in real life. He manages to face a terrible disease with grace, gratitude, and optimism. 

He sat down for an interview with Jane Pauley of the Sunday Morning Show to talk about how he navigates life with Parkinson’s when he gave some excellent advice we can all use. “With gratitude, optimism is sustainable.” He added, "That's the point, I recognize how hard this is for people, and I recognize how hard it is for me. But I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with this stuff. And I realized, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable. And if you can find something to be grateful for, then you can find something to look forward to, and you carry on." 

For years Micheal has dealt with the terrible disease that causes tremors, muscle rigidity, twitches, and slurred speech. But he still holds his head high and finds a way to keep the joy in his heart. Where did he find his resilience? He says from his mother, who was an army wife. 

Looking back, he recognized the gift of her mother’s strength and her positive perspective. She seemed to take everything in stride which Michael now uses on a daily basis. Sometimes a minute-by-minute basis on some of his worst days. She left her son with an incredible perspective and tools to navigate dark days. 

Michael J. Fox knows his days are numbered, as are all of ours. But he plans to make the most of his earthly time through his positive attitude, gratitude, and perspective. And when the Lord does call him home, Michael will be free of this debilitating disease. 

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast," 1 Peter 5:10.