Searching for words of wisdom? Michael J. Fox has been known for his signature optimism and sense of humour — especially while navigating life’s challenges. Michael’s candour and resilience come through in his fourth best-selling memoir, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, as he writes about health setbacks and negotiating three decades living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). To discuss his sage reflections on optimism, Michael sat down with MJFF Foundation Co-Founder Debi Brooks to answer your questions about building support systems, being a parent with PD and much more.

Diagnosed with young-onset PD at 38, MJFF Patient Council member Nicole Jarvis of Norman, Oklahoma, recently retired from clinical practice and asked Michael, “how have you handled the changes and losing some independence, but at the same time maintaining your identity and being the person, you’ve always been?”

Michael provided a hopeful answer on life’s second acts:

“Retirement is not a loss of franchise, retirement is new opportunities, new freedoms. As it relates to Parkinson’s disease, it is the ability to not have to tap it down to complete a mission, complete a chore, a transaction.”

Watch the full conversation to hear Michael’s anecdotes as he shares his secret to optimism.

Haven’t had a chance to read the book yet? Read a free excerpt from No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality here.

Learn more about our partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation