It took me a long time to accept being a diabetic.
I can’t honestly remember when it was diagnosed. Years ago. Type 2. Have to watch this and that. It went from no medicine, to medicine to the threat of insulin …
All because I couldn’t accept it.
Realize this – that more than 80 percent of those with Type 2 could have prevented it. I’m pretty sure I could have fended this off for quite a while if I had been smart when first diagnosed. But that Snickers bar looked so good…
Life throws curves. So how do you deal with it? I finally accepted it. And life is a lot better because of it.
I was contacted by Oscar Health, a new company providing health insurance in New York and New Jersey, to spread some awareness about diabetes. Despite how this disease has grown, I’ve really worked the past several months for it not to define me. I want it to be something I can talk about and not feel like it’s something bad. I can’t let it define me. With that in mind…
I’m a dreamer. What type are you?
This world can be rough, crazy and cruel. There are things that can happen to you, but no matter what you have to keep plugging along.
So I dream.
- I dream of traveling.
- I dream of a world without cancer.
- I dream of a perfect pint of Guinness, poured for me at an amazing Irish Pub.
- I dream of lottery wins and how I would try and help more people than just myself.
- I dream of happiness for friends, family and people I’ve met for brief moments.
- I dream of no war and politicians who actually care about the people (yes, I said it).
- I dream of pizza.
- I dream of a cup of hot chocolate as I look over a pristine winter scene.
- I dream of geocaches that show creativity, imagination and quality.
- I dream of equality in all mankind.
- I dream of loved ones lost, who I hope will one day be seen again.
- I dream of softball championships.
- I dream photography.
- I dream of brewing an amazing beer.
- I dream of being in better shape.
- I dream of completing goals I set when I started seeing a diabetes educator.
- I dream of a month of perfect readings on my glucometer.
- I dream of a life without diabetes.
The last one, of course, is something that might never happen. But the truth is, it can’t – and won’t – define who I am. I will live my life as full as possible. I can still do what I want, including going out for a great dinner. I just have to know limitations and know what things do to my body.
Acceptance has made it easier for me to start getting things in better control, too. So has technology – my glucometer is hooked up with my iPhone, so I can see trends and such in my blood sugar. I am determined that I won’t let this define or beat me.
No matter frustrations of what things do to me. Or of a spike here and there that doesn’t make sense. Or whatever curve is thrown at me. It won’t define or beat me.
And I’ll continue to dream because it’s who I am.
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!