Topic for today:
Click for the Accomplishments Big and Small -Thursday 5/16 Link List
We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you’ve done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you’ve made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small – think about self-acceptance, something you’ve mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.). (Thanks to Hilary of Rainie and Me for this topic suggestion.)
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This topic is actually much harder than it seems.
You know why?
Because when you live with diabetes, or care for someone with diabetes, your self-critiquing tendencies get amplified a whole bunch.
High blood sugar? What did I do wrong?
Low blood sugar? What did I do wrong?
Perfect blood sugar? Won’t be there for long!
With diabetes we always have to plan for the worst case scenario. It’s a survival mechanism! Can you imagine what it does to your mind when you are constantly planning for the worst?
But we have to. Can we leave the house without planning and preparing for the worst low blood sugar possible? No! Can we go on a trip without planning for the most catastrophic pump failure ever? No!
We have to be prepared. We have to always be prepared. Our very lives depend on it — LITERALLY!
So with that in mind – I am going to say that my biggest accomplishment has been learning to be more kind to myself.