Silver Linings: The Essential Guide to Building Courage, Self-Respect and Wellness

By Leaha Mattinson

When a Dark Cloud Hangs Over You, How Do You Live a Life That Shines?

When Leaha Mattinson tested gene positive for Huntingtons diseasean incurable genetic illness that attacks the mind and bodyshe was devastated. Suddenly, her life as a busy working mother of two was turned upside down, and the future was terrifying. But Leaha knew she had a choice to make: either exist in a perpetual state of fear or take charge of her own destiny and make the most of every day.

Drawing from her experience as a life and executive coach, as well as her background in fitness, Leaha developed a plan to keep her brain and body in peak condition, halt the onset of HD, and live each day to the fullest, no matter what. So far her efforts have paid off, and she is enjoying vibrant health. In Silver Linings she shares her amazing journey in a way that showcases her courage, wisdom, and quirky sense of humor.

Every human being will experience life-changing trials that provoke anxiety and worry. Leahas story, written in a coffee shop over a series of icy nights in Canada, resonates with all readers and reminds us of the universal challenge to persevere without letting our circumstances define us. Silver Linings will encourage anyone facing illness or any other type of hardship to live consciously and joyfullyhowever daunting the future seems.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Oct 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504359412

Leaha Mattinson

Leaha Mattinson is a change management specialist, life coach, speaker, and author. She works with CEOs and senior managers to build leaders, address issues of workplace conflict, and ensure positive change. Leaha, who inherited the gene for Huntington’s disease, is beating the odds through proven, simple wellness strategies that anyone can achieve. In her first book Silver Linings: The Essential Guide to Building Courage, Self-Respect and Wellness, Leaha shared how the inheritance of the gene for Huntington’s disease—an incurable genetic illness that attacks the mind and body—inspired her to change her life for the better.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 Leaha Mattinson .

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Balboa Press

A Division of Hay House

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.balboapress.com

1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-5043-5918-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-5919-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-5941-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016908736

Balboa Press rev. date:   03/02/2018

This book is dedicated to my incredible kids, Rogan and Leslea.

You are both diamonds—I am so blessed and proud to be your mom.

I hope you can now understand why I’ve invested so much time researching, reading, running, and writing and hope you believe it’s been a worthwhile quest.

and…

To my steadfast loving parents, John and Sharon Mattinson—colossal genuine thanks for giving me all the good genes!

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Prologue: The Day That Changed My Life

Part One:   FAMILY TIES THAT BIND AND GAG

Chapter 1:   Scary Grandma

Early Pieces in the Family HD Puzzle

My Parents’ HD Journey

Making a Move for the Better

Too Close for Comfort: Cousins with HD

Part Two:   BEFORE HUNTINGTON’S

Chapter 2:   The Lake Thomas Run

Finding the Best ME

Chapter 3:   Mustang Leaha

Ten Cents for a Row of Peas

My Dream Job at Just Sixteen

Entrepreneur in the Making

Becoming Mustang Leaha

How Can I Turn My Mess into My Message?

Part Three:   THE LONG VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

Chapter 4:   A Wake Up

Marriage Problems or Symptoms of HD?

The HD Conference

Testing Fate

And the Result Is…Come Back Next Week

A Life Sentence

Chapter 5:   Facing My New Reality

The Shortfalls of Science

Well, Keep Your Chin Up…

What Can I Do?

My Wellness Plan

Waterfalls

Making the Right Choices

Nice to Meet You…I Have Huntington’s Disease

Part Four:   ADVENTURES IN ILLNESS AND INHERITANCES

Chapter 6:   The Divorce Tsunami

Kids’ Health Issues

On the Road Again

Family Ties

Part Five:   JUST BEFORE HAPPY

Chapter 7:   Working Through Guilt

Survivor Guilt

Good Guilt—a.k.a. Conscience—Moves Me Forward

Part Six:   A SECOND LIFE

Chapter 8:   Killer Workout

Secrets to a Healthy Weight

Keep a Food Journal

From FAT to FIT

Trainer Troy’s Boot Camp

Chapter 9:   My Vision for the Future

My Philosophy

Planning for the Future—How a Vision Board Keeps Me on Track

What’s on My Vision Board?

Welcome to Mattinsonland

Brave New World

Chapter 10:   Being Present

Start the Day with Mind-Blowing Energy

In with the Good, Out with the Good…Because It’s All Good: Musings on Being Present and Surviving the Stuff of Everyday Life

Lessons from Rex (Woof)

Snow Jumping

Chapter 11:   Pollyanna Girl

Look for the Silver Lining

Things I Am Grateful for…Well, It’s a Good Start Anyway!

Notes

About the Author

Foreword

A few years ago, while running a clinical practice that integrated psychology and neuroscience, I had an enlightening experience. As is often the case, clients provided this education. In this particular situation, two clients had back-to-back appointments, which only helped articulate and highlight the message implied by their presentations in my office that afternoon. Both were men in their seventies and both had been diagnosed with dementia.

Joe, the first client, was far less advanced in the disease, having only recently been diagnosed. However, his life had declined disproportionately to his physical condition. He spent most of his time at home, doing nothing in particular, sleeping a lot, and generally feeling frustrated and depressed.

Chuck’s dementia was far more advanced, but you wouldn’t have known it just listening to how active his life was. Encouraged and loved by an incredibly supportive wife, Chuck had a busy schedule that involved an enviable combination of volunteering and sheer fun.

I was reminded of these two gentlemen while reading Leaha Mattinson’s extraordinary book. Leaha is an amazing woman whose story goes way beyond being a hopeful message for those who are at risk for a terminal disease. In her case, Leaha tests positive for Huntington’s disease, a fatal neuro-generative condition that significantly impacts physical movement and, ultimately, mental capabilities. Remarkably, Leaha shows us how to turn a death sentence into an affirmation of life, and in so doing, she defines a blueprint for living rather than a plan for dying.

The human mind doesn’t do well with complexity and reduces it to oversimplified clichés that drive our thinking by the emotions they create. Like many survivors, Leaha refuses to buy into many of the simplistic notions and fears a diagnostic label generates. Testing positive for a terminal illness confirms one thing that we already know—we’re all going to die one day. But being diagnosed with a terminal illness can also tell you much more about living than it can about dying—especially if you have Leaha Mattinson’s mindset.

It’s not sheer bravado or denial that fuels Leaha’s refusal to be intimidated by a grisly diagnosis. Many of the ways she has developed to live a fulfilling life have echoes in past scientific research linking them to increased survival and even happiness. David Spiegel’s classic work, showing that women with breast cancer who attended support groups had better outcomes, reflects Leaha’s continuing drive for meaningful connection. Cardiologist Dean Ornish’s claim that the best cure for heart disease is love echoes in Leaha’s drive for spiritual wholeness, forgiveness, and acceptance. David Servan-Schreiber, author of Anticancer, shows how attitude and other lifestyle factors like nutrition can significantly reduce cancer risks and prognosis, reflecting Leaha’s dedication to exercise and healthy nutrition. And Candace Pert led the way by showing how the mind and body are not two separate entities created by the simplistic binary brain, but a complex interconnected system, where emotional states can affect every cell in the body. As Pert says so eloquently, Your body is your subconscious.

Leaha would not be the first person I know who has defied the statistical odds associated with a medical diagnosis. In my book, Inspired to Lose, which consists of stories of people who have overcome difficult life circumstances to beat significant weight and related issues, I included the remarkable story of Fran Drozdz. Fran had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Like Leaha, Fran is an avid exerciser with an iron will and an incredible spirit. When she was admitted to the MD Anderson Center, Fran’s first question was whether she could go jogging around the hospital parking lot! That was more than twenty years ago now, and Fran, still as vibrant as ever, has realized her goal of running a marathon in every U.S. state and Canadian province.

As a life coach who has helped thousands of people, Leaha knows firsthand that apart from genetic abnormalities and diseases, terminal illness can come in other forms, too. An inability to see beyond simple stereotypes and assumptions imposes massive restrictions on our view of ourselves and of others. Fear, depression, and anger aren’t adaptive responses and will lead to a life of misery and ultimate regret. The narcissistic pursuit of fame and fortune might put money in your account and your face on the Internet, but that must not be confused with real joy. It is increasingly hard to escape these temptations, but, as Leaha shows, the escape from these natural and omnipresent traps is what is needed to truly manifest your talents and your purpose.

Leaha’s story is a special gift in that it asks each reader to do something that many of us do not do: really look at our lives and ask ourselves who we are and what we really want. It is also a reminder for us all that we shouldn’t wait until we get a terminal diagnosis to start living.

Howard J. Rankin, PhD

Preface

WOW! The past eight years have been a wild roller coaster ride, from the highs of adventures with my fantastic kids and being healthy, to the lows of going through a difficult divorce, and along with it, losing a large family, a beautiful home, and a community of friends. It has also involved trying to secure regular meaningful income in the face of hurting and sick kids, being broke, moving homes several times, and receiving the news that I am gene positive for an incurable generational disease with grotesque symptoms that should be starting any minute now according to the experts—just to name a few.

Eight years ago, I was desperately looking for a way to provide a future for my kids, who stand a 50 percent chance of inheriting this disease from me, and decided it might be a good idea to put my story on paper. I wrote about ten pages and posted it on the website I had at the time. The response was amazing. I was blown away by how many people knew someone with a neurological illness (or had one themselves).

So many people had no hope, no help, and no direction for what to do next to take their health back into their own hands or how to help a suffering loved one. My own experience matched theirs. I was told by my neurologist to take creatine. Not how much or how often or really even why. Just take creatine.

What? That is just nuts—and completely unacceptable! We can do better; I can do better. So…I researched and researched and learned and practiced and wrote Silver Linings to give hope to anyone in a situation that seems pretty hopeless, and to share what I’m doing that is successfully keeping my illness at bay. And, ta-da, I am still symptom-free—and so are my children!

There is always, always, always another solution! ALWAYS!

Acknowledgements

I wrote this book as a legacy for my incredible kids, Rogan and Leslea. We’ve had a very outside the box kind of life, and you two amaze me with the happiness I see you bring to other people, in your humour, laughter, and lighthearted outlook at life.

Even though you yourselves have been through some unusually challenging times and very well could go through more in the future, you are not consumed with worry—nor have you become bitter, angry basement-dwellers. Instead, you wake up happy and tend to the demands of your many pets. You genuinely care about the underdogs in this world and you are wise, kind, and compassionate far beyond your years. You inspire me to be better every day—and that is priceless.

To my most excellent parents, who through all of their challenges have remained 100 percent steadfast in their loving commitment to each other (for over fifty years now) and have provided for me and the kids the very best example of dogged determination, the pursuit of excellence, unwavering faith, unconditional love, and more right thinking than we could ever need in order to find our way in this world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mom and Dad.

To my sister, Stacie Jo, and adopted sisters, Glynis Falloon and Michelle Woods. Thanks for processing with me through all of the challenges of life, being my mirrors and trusted advisors, sanity gauges, and the pourers of the occasional glass of red wine! Thank you for being here for me in those dark hours of the soul to see me through the night.

To Lonny Popiel, Grant McPeak, and Bernie LaFleche for the many, many miles running—away from mosquitoes. Thanks for the epic medicine ball workouts at the gym, whirlpool time, hot yoga, stair climbing at the Kinsmen, and coffee at Mickey D’s that kept me laughing, fit, and sane at a time when I really need encouragement! This book wouldn’t exist without all those logged miles. Thanks for the countless good memories I have to look back on anytime I want or need to bring a smile to my face!

To John and Donna Carson, who opened their hearts, ears, and their home to me when I needed refuge and real friendship. Thank you for your unpretentious compassion and goodness, for helping me see that I don’t, in fact, control everything, for easing my sadness, and for helping me to accept my humanness—all while still making me feel like a champ!

To my editors, Dawn Richards and the crew at DeHart & Co.—more earth angels. My deepest gratitude to you for committing your heart and smarts to this project. Your supreme professionalism, candid guidance, wholehearted kinship, immense generosity, and 100 percent dedication to seeing this story come to life are immeasurable.

And finally, to Phillip Harrison, who believed in me and my message from the get-go. Phillip, you believed I was angelic and unique when I didn’t always see it. You told me that I could do this thing called writing and produce something that might send more love out into the world through my book. Hello, Phillip! Are you feeling it? Is it working?

Thank you, God. Without you there would be no ME. Thank you for my adventure!

Most gratefully yours,

Leaha

Introduction

I’m Leaha, a forty-eight-year-old single mother of two great kids and I am gene positive for Huntington’s disease. My dad has HD, so did my grandmother, and her father, and so on and so on…and now my children are at risk.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is the Goliath of neurological illnesses because it affects all areas of the brain. It has been compared to having schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s all at the same time. There is no cure. The disease commonly takes ten to fifteen years to run its course as the body and mind progressively shut down and leave the sufferer all but inert.

Because several relatives already have it, HD was always a pivotal part of my life. And because the disease is hereditary, there was a distinct possibility that I could have inherited the gene and thus someday start exhibiting the hallmark symptoms of rigid, irrational behaviour along with the biggest indicator, chorea, in which different parts of the body jerk uncontrollably. Upon learning that I do carry the HD gene, I knew I couldn’t accept a life of waiting and wondering when symptoms might appear.

I’m in a race against time. Doctors predicted I would exhibit symptoms of Huntington’s within three to five years from when I was first diagnosed. That was eight years ago. I am doing all I can to prove them wrong and seek out another, better destiny for myself instead.

Here’s what I mean by that.

I completely believe