I first heard Tim Hague Sr. speak at the World Parkinson Congress in 2016.
As a person diagnosed with Parkinson’s (PWP), he was describing his journey from diagnosis in 2011 (at age 46) to the winner of Canada’s 1st season of The Amazing Race in 2013.
Something from his talk struck me and I wrote it down:
“Stay in the race. Live YOUR best by practicing contentment.”
He wasn’t preaching what most people do when it comes to a Parkinson’s diagnosis. The “fight with all your might” message was nowhere to be found. On the surface it seemed like he was actually encouraging the opposite: to stop fighting.
When you talk to Tim you know, however, that he is far from passive.
He believes in perseverance, cultivating strength and courage, and taking an active role in your life and Parkinson’s journey so you can “live your best” every day.
So, how does surrendering the fight actually help you stay in the race?
“Contentment” is an emotional state of satisfaction, drawn from being at ease with one’s situation. It is the embodiment of trust, hope, and faith.
When you are content and at ease, the fear, worry, and anxiety are minimized, allowing you to make decisions from a place of hope and empowerment.
Tim’s journey on the Amazing Race Canada includes a reflection with his son (and race partner), Tim Jr., who has Psalm 46:10 tattooed on his arm, which means “cease striving”.
To cease striving - to be still - is an act of surrender. It allows you to drop the angst about the past and the worry for the future and demands that you show up in the present moment.
Most of the time our present moment is safe and full of blessings waiting to be recognized. It is also full of opportunities and positive choices to be made that can make your today the best it can be.
Tim says, “Live your best today. Do your best, and stop there. Have the courage to be content, then offer yourself to others. You have many blessings still to share.”
Tim doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk too. He is a Parkinson’s Advocate and also spends his time volunteering with Compassion Canada.
“When you offer hope to others, it is reflected back to you.”
Obviously this mindset takes practice and may require first allowing the grieving process to take place. That’s okay and normal. Please seek out the support you need to move through that phase and know that it’s okay to have hope for something brighter on the other side.
One of the very best things you can do for yourself is to replace the toxic thoughts in your mind because they will take hold if you let them.
Fill your mind with role models and messages that add to your faith and hope.
Tim Sr. covers both of those bases and has many resources you can access to start you in the direction of strength, courage, gratitude… all of which are the building blocks of Perseverance.
Here are some great places to start:
Dr. Sarah King, PT, DPT interviews Tim Hague Sr. about Perseverance, winning the Amazing Race Canada, and how he's found blessings in his PD diagnosis
Tim's Website: www.timsr.ca
Tim's TEDxWinnipeg Talk: "Beginning life with Parkinson's at the age of 46"
