Sitting down to write this article there are so many people I would like to thank. Firstly, my lovely wife Emily who has been an absolute rock throughout this whole process and continues to be so even now that the article is live. Secondly, my parents for blessing me with such incredible genes that allowed me to grow up and become an actor. Thirdly, my agent who continues to believe in me even when I don’t. And last but not least, my manager Jason whose endless support has been fantastic. This article wouldn’t be possible without them all. Without their continued support and guidance, I would still be struggling, far from being where I am today. Thank you.
The Good Doctor
Many of you will be aware that I suffer from a very rare muscular condition called ALS (also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). To give you some background information, ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord that control muscle movement. The disease gradually destroys the nerve cells and as a result the muscles become weaker and weaker until finally they cease to function altogether. Because the symptoms and progression of the disease are so varied, there is no known “cure” for it. However, there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and even bring about some temporary improvements in patients’ quality of life. One such treatment is riluzole which can help to increase the effectiveness of your body’s natural painkillers (endorphins). To date, there is no cure for ALS but through better understanding of the disease and more research into potential treatments, the outlook for patients seems hopeful. For this reason, I am incredibly grateful to be able to work in the field of medicine and particularly grateful for the work I do at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Research Centre here in the UK.
The King Of New York
Besides ALS, I have a number of other health issues that I need to deal with on a daily basis. One such issue is my teeth which over the years have become increasingly rotten. I’ve had to have several tooth treatments which have become very expensive and quite painful. Luckily, I’ve been blessed with an incredibly thick skull which protects my brain, and indeed most of my vital organs, from serious injury. The downside to having a thick skull is that it also acts as a giant barrier shielding me from outside influences. It blocks out all sound and makes it very difficult for me to tune in to my surroundings. As a result, I sometimes find myself in strange situations without really understanding what is happening. It’s an issue that I’ve had to learn to deal with and I’ve had to become quite inventive in how I get my needs met. For example, one of the things that has helped me is a tool called binaural beats which I regularly use to help me focus and improve my productivity at work. One of the reasons why I enjoy working so much is because not only do I get to spend my time helping people but I also get to use my creative abilities to their full extent. It’s great being able to express all of the things that you can’t normally say in everyday life. Binaural beats have also helped me to become more attuned to my surroundings and enabled me to see things from an entirely new perspective. So, although I cannot cure your teeth of anything, I can help you to manage them better, relieve the pain and anxiety associated with them and increase your productivity at work. Hopefully, this will help you to feel better about your situation.
A Life Lesson
I think it’s fair to say that in my previous life, I’ve had quite a bit of bad luck. It’s not that I’m complaining but rather that I’m acknowledging the fact that I’m more prone to accidents and injuries than most people. When I was younger, I often found myself in unfortunate situations without any kind of protection or armor. It’s a hard lesson to learn but it’s also a life lesson that has made me stronger and more determined to succeed. In my opinion, the older you get, the more important it is to wear your armor. It might not be easy to get used to at first but wearing it won’t hurt either. It just means you’re confident that you’re protected, in the right place and ready to fight back. It can also help to reduce your anxiety levels which in turn can improve your daily life. I know that I feel much more relaxed and at ease when I’m wearing my armor. Believe it or not, everyday situations can be quite stressful and anxiety-inducing, even when you feel secure. It’s good to have a confidence boost and a place to go whenever you need one.
There are many things that I need to thank my parents for giving me. Besides the obvious fact that I had a blessed and happy childhood, I need to thank them for instilling a life-affirming outlook on life in me. In many ways, it was my upbringing that helped me to formulate my life philosophy which is essentially this: the universe and life itself are a big and amazing playground. You must have fun and play, but you must also use your head and be responsible. Play hard but don’t break the rules or you will end up with a serious accident or injury that could’ve been avoided. Most importantly, you must learn from your mistakes and be honest and humble. Never forget where you came from and maintain a lifelong sense of gratitude. I think that the main takeaway from this article is that no matter what hardships or bad luck you might encounter in life, everything happens for a reason and if you keep an open mind and remain positive, you will find strength and guidance in times of need. Thank you for reading.