If it’s inspiration you want, you surely need look no further than one of my best friends, Colleen Henderson-Heywood. Motivational speaker, artist, Parkinson’s Disease ambassador, rock band manager, photographer and designer and all-round “good egg”

I have known Colleen since she was 10 years old, and despite suffering what others may think of as a major “set-back”, fundamentally, she hasn’t changed one bit. At the age of 47, this is testament to her resilience, determination, wonderful sense of humour and sense of humilty, creative, quirky mind and inspirational attitude towards life.  Colleen has always been different and even at the age of 10  had two words seemingly tattooed across her forhead…”Kick-Ass”. The world is a much better place as a result.

Colleen was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons Disease 5 years ago but instead of surrendering to her illness her characteristically indomitable spirit came into its own and this uniquely talented woman set about transforming her life as well as those of her fellow Parkinson’s Disease sufferers. Colleen has achieved more in the last 5 years, than many accomplish in their whole lifetime and her positive attitude and proactive approach to life has touched so many.

How has she done this? 

In many, many ways but the essence of Colleen is her creativity. In an era dominated by corporate protocol, dull politicians and even duller celebrities, Colleen stands out like the Pole Star. Creativity is often underestimated and undervalued but you only have to take a look at what Colleen has achieved to realise what an impact doing things differently can make. Her attitude and approach to life is expressed in the following excerpt taken from an article Colleen wrote back in the Spring.

A bad day :: I can’t afford to loose a single day every moment is precious so when a bad day happens along I do everything I can to turn it into a good one. So I don’t sit back and let the day collapse around me I take some positive steps… I play some great music, I contact my lovely friends, I make something from nothing a cake a poem a painting.. and whatever dark forces are at play soon vanish..

Fill the gap :: My condition means I have to let go of a lot of things I used to do. This has been a big change as it has affected my lifestyle, my interests and my fun. So I decided never to leave a gap, if I loose something I simply fill it with something else… and now I have re-discovered painting, cycling and photography and its fabulous.

Zero tolerance :: I have become very focussed and find now that I don’t wait for things to happen I just do them. I have zero tolerance for ‘rubbish’. If you walk past something everyday like a plant wilting in the corner of the office just because maybe its not your plant don’t keep walking past it! Do something about it! You, the plant and its owner will welcome a bit of TLC!

I soon learned that the person who can really turn their life around using change is you! SO be bold, seize the day, say ‘I can’ and do it

So, a few of her projects which are well worth a closer look include;

Blog by Boo- follow Colleen’s adventures on her Blog

Take One Minute-A series of inspirational films on youtube

80eight-Photography & Design (including the fabulous “Jaw-drop” Experience)

Colleen has an enviable ability to change people’s lives for the better. She is full of ideas and hope and instinctively knows how she can best live her life whilst dealing with a chronic illness. The best thing however is that Colleen shares her experiences and ideas with anyone who cares to listen. So take my advice, spare a moment to have a look at her projects and I will be amazed if you don’t find something here which inspires you to help yourself or others.

Dare to be different.

It might make all the difference.