• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • A1Cs
  • Contact
  • Archives
  • Taming The Tiger
Scott's Diabetes

Scott's Diabetes

Helping you see your strength

A Balance I’ve Never Thought About

August 24, 2009 By Scott K. Johnson 16 Comments

I’ve been very lucky to have a handful of great diabetes daily members close to where I live.  We’ve had a handful of very informal social visits over the past year or so, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know more great people, with great stories, great lessons, and great wisdom.  I walk away from each and every meeting with something new to think about, and I love it!

One of the more recent meetings we did something a little different.  We had a couple of laptop computers, some wireless internet, and some remote PWD’s who wanted in on the fun.  We quickly burned over an hour trying to iron out all of the technical kinks, but were able to get folks online and chatting.  It was pretty dang cool.

What is neat about this is that it opens doors for many people who don’t have anyone nearby, or who face other challenges in getting out to meet other folks living with diabetes.  I think it is a really neat way to tap into that “next level” of connection, and it adds a lot of value for us to visit with people facing the same things.

But there was something about it that caught me off guard.  It seemed to drain the intimacy out of our meeting, and for some people that is exactly what they come for.  Computers and technology can sometimes do that, and I’ve witnessed it in many different ways.  I think I can understand both sides.

The hard thing for me is that I value BOTH aspects of this.  Living with diabetes is so damn isolating that I can really appreciate the positive effect this new communication might offer.  But I also see the other side of it, and very much value the intimacy and comfort that an in-person meeting brings.

balance2Living with diabetes is already an exercise in balance.  Everything in our lives is about balance.  Who the heck would have thought that balance would budge into a social gathering?!

Why should we need to pick and choose?  Can’t we have it both ways?

So many questions.  I’d love to hear what you all think, and if you’ve ever experienced something like this, either diabetes related or otherwise.

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Events Tagged With: Meet up

guest
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

16 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Primary Sidebar

Image of Scott K. Johnson
Scott K. Johnson

About Scott

Patient voice, speaker, writer, advocate. Living life with diabetes and telling my story. Patient Success Manager, USA for mySugr (All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily represent the position of my employer).

Diagnosed in April of 1980, I recognize the incredible mental struggle of living with diabetes. Read more…

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Tweets by scottkjohnson

Footer

DISCLAIMER & POLICIES
I am not a medical professional. Nothing on this site is medical advice and is not meant to replace medical advice. Contact your doctor for questions about your health. All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily represent the position of my employer

Here are my advertising policies, disclosures & guidelines, privacy information, and terms & conditions.

  • The Candy in My Pocket with John Robert Wiltgen
  • Why is my hand so sticky?
  • He was the best I could ask for
  • #ScottsDeathRide 💀🚴‍♂️ – I rode 103.3 miles through Death Valley!
  • #ScottsDeathRide 💀🚴‍♂️ – weeks 13-15 – In a RUT!

Copyright © 2021

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

SAVE & ACCEPT