The question “How are you?” might seem like a casual greeting, but for those of us with Parkinson’s, it’s a bit like being asked to sum up an entire movie plot in one sentence—complicated, unpredictable, and loaded with twists. 

When I say “I’m fine” or “okay,” it’s not a complete truth, but it’s also not a lie. It’s a shorthand for a reality that’s often invisible to others. You see, “okay” doesn’t mean I’m symptom-free. It means that, despite tremors, stiffness, fatigue, and anxiety, I’m still standing—and that’s an accomplishment in itself.!

“Fine” doesn’t mean I’m ignoring my struggles; it just means I’m not letting Parkinson’s steal the show. It’s not about lying; it’s about choosing not to make every conversation about my diagnosis.  I’m a person first, with Parkinson’s second.

The trouble is, when I say “fine,” people often don’t know how to respond. It’s a bit like saying “I’m fine” while juggling flaming swords. They can’t see the emotional and physical weight behind those words. I don’t want to burden anyone with the full picture of my day, but I also don’t want to pretend everything’s perfect. So, “fine” is my balance between honesty and self-preservation—it’s the emotional equivalent of treading water without drowning in it.

Now add “Happy New Year” to the mix. The start of a new year is often full of expectations and resolutions, but for someone with Parkinson’s, it can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, I want to embrace the idea of new beginnings, but on the other, the reality of Parkinson’s doesn’t pause just because the calendar flips. Resolutions, while inspiring for some, can feel like another layer of pressure. I may have the best of intentions, but some days it’s simply about managing symptoms, not running a marathon or conquering a new hobby.

So next time you ask someone with Parkinson’s, “How are you?” and they answer “I’m fine,” just know that those two little words come with a lot of layers. There’s fatigue, pain, and anxiety wrapped up with resilience, hope, and a desire to live life on our own terms. And when the new year rolls around with its talk of fresh starts and lofty goals, remember that for many of us, just getting through the day without a major symptom flare-up is the resolution worth celebrating. It’s a balancing act between being truthful and managing how much to share—because, let’s face it, the answer is never as simple as it seems.