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SUMMER 2025 InTouch | 9 LESSONS FROM NIGEL LATTA AND LIFE WITH MYOTONIC DYSTROPHY Nigel Latta’s Lessons on Living is a remarkable gift even as he faced his own mortality. His words inspired me to live more intentionally with Myotonic dystrophy (DM1), focusing on what I can control, choosing optimism, and finding joy in everyday moments. FEATURE Living with purpose What a wonderful legacy Nigel Latta left in his final book, ‘Lessons on Living’. How incredibly generous of him to write it to help others when he was dying of stomach cancer. Everyone would be better off for reading this book. This is my interpretation of his lessons and how they have helped me, and may help others living with Myotonic dystrophy (DM1) or other neuromuscular conditions. Three Capes walk in Tasmania with my husband Steve. Lesson 1: Drive your own bus Be in charge of your life. Make your own decisions. Think about the gap between what happens to you and your reaction to it. As Nigel says, ‘choose to respond intentionally and with purpose’ You didn’t choose your diagnosis, or that of your loved ones, but you can choose how you react to it. Be kind to others – it makes you feel so much better. Practice gratitude. This is not always easy, but it can make you and everyone around you happier. Practice being optimistic. Nigel says it’s very good for you! Get out in the sunshine and enjoy the birds whenever you can. Lesson 2: Focus on the things you can control ‘You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength’Marcus Aurelius as quoted by Nigel Latta. My personal goal is to maintain my health for as long as possible. The anti-ageing experts call it ‘extending your healthspan’. I retired as an LMC midwife in my late 50’s and working towards this goal became my new part time job. Yoga My body was in a bad state when I started yoga six years ago. I was stooping forward, stepping short, had aches and pains everywhere due to poor posture, and was struggling to feel good about life.