Take a Magical Ride on the Michael J. Fox Optimism Bus

By Dr. Russ,

We continue our visit with the eternal optimist Michael J. Fox who is "Always Looking Up."

It’s Wednesday and time for “Just One Thing” for one more moment of Optimism. Dr. Russ, “Please tell me Just One Thing I can do it increase my Optimism.”   

Dr. Russ: Take a Ride on the Magic Bus with Michael J. Fox
Optimism Seeker: What? How do I do that?

Michael J. Fox shouts: “This is almost worth having Parkinson’s for!” Michael is speaking to one thousand donors gathered at the New York City Sheraton for a gala fundraising evening titled: “A funny thing happened on the way to cure Parkinson’s.” (p. 272)

What did Michael J. Fox mean by, “worth having Parkinson’s for?" He had found more meaning in his life after than before having Parkinson’s. He had a found a purpose much larger than himself and his own acting career. He had raised more money for Parkinson’s research than any other such foundation. And, he was having a blast with Pete Townsend and The Who, singing and playing the guitar, recalling Marty McFly, "Back to the Future," and of course Chuck Berry, in the encore fundraiser song: "Magic Bus."

Let’s take a short ride on the "Magic Bus" with some of the lyrics:

Every day I get in the queue
To get on the bus that takes me to you
Too much magic bus

But can I buy your magic bus?
Nooooooooo!

I don’t care how much I pay
I wanna drive my bus to my baby each day
Magic bus, magic bus, magic bus
Goes like thunder
It’s a four stage wonder

Now I’ve got my magic bus
Now I drive my baby every day
Every day you’ll see the dust
As I drive my baby in my magic bus

{Google “Magic Bus” to get the complete set of lyrics and hear the song.}

Since taking up the cause of Parkinson’s, Michael J. Fox discovered he had been riding in a Magic Bus, the Magic Bus of Optimism. There is no such thing as too much “Magic Bus.” We need every moment of Optimism we can get.

Now, for a few verses of the Dr. Russ Buss theme song:

Get on the Buss
Don’t make a fuss
Leave stuff behind
Especially your negative mind

Take a ride on the Dr. Russ Buss
Come along with Dr. Russ
Keep up the beat
Tap you feet

You can become
The best you can be
It’s not about me
Or, what you see

But what you think
Moment to Momently
About your goals
Effort and Ability

Take on something new
With fresh morning dew
Believe in yourself
Not the destiny elf

Challenge your ability
You’re not nobility
But be a toiler
And failure spoiler

Buy your challenge ticket
Step outside the white picket
Leave leisure behind
No more troubles to remind

The journey will take many twists and turns
Make mistakes, fall down, learn from your brush burns
Feel positive self-worth in each and every moment
All within your power without even a docent

Take a ride on the Dr. Russ Buss
Come along with Dr. Russ
Tap your feet
To the Optimistic Beat!

So “Just One Thing” –  For maximum optimixm, keep a light, adventurous and playful heart as you believe in the magic of the "Optimism Bus."