what helps?

I was thinking this morning, that my last couple of posts could perhaps be seen as a bit "pollyanna". Look on the bright side, and all that. If they've come across that way, that's not how I meant them. I've been feeling a bit, well, in a word, vulnerable, lately. I'm sure it has to do with the post surgical, healing process, coupled with ongoing shoulder stuff, and unending diabetes, not to mention that fact that I took a silly fall during the recent snowstorm (we don't get how to act in snow in my neck of the woods). There is something about the body feeling weak or injured or in pain, that contributes to this feeling of vulnerability. I know in my head that I'm ok, but somewhere deeper in the animal part of my brain and body, I feel wary. Once all the surgery stuff heals, and I get ahead of the shoulder strengthening (and the pain that accompanies that), I still have diabetes. And that's where the last couple of posts come in. Trying to figure out how to make the best of that fact. Doing what I can, where I can.

So in the spirit of that, I'm going to add a new category called what helps. It's one thing to say I want more joy. It's another to actively go out and do it. So I'm going to start noticing what helps me more, so that on those harder days, I have a list to remind me of what might help.

But I'm only one person and though I'll come up with some good ideas, it suddently occured to me that there are lot's of smart, creative and generous people in the OC who have some proven ideas too. So, in the spirit of the collective wisdom of the crowd, if you feel so inclined sometime, would you let me know what helps you in dealing with your diabetes, in minimizing the negative impact, in finding more joy? No pressure here, just if a thought occurs and you feel like sharing it, I'd love to hear. At the end of the day, I know I'll learn something new. I also know that in the process of focusing on what helps, I'll feel stronger, lighter and a lot less vulnerable. And I know that will help a lot.

Comments

[InSearchOfBalance]

This is a great topic, and so relevant. I've found that I've naturally fallen into the pattern of giving myself a little treat if I have a hard diabetes day. Simple things, like a beautiful drive with my husband and some good music, or a trip to the library, or a glass of some fancy iced tea. It helps. It's part of the balancing act, and it lets me remember that even though diabetes underlines my life, it doesn't define it. I am the only one who decides what defines my life.

[Chrissie in Belgium]

Exactly - let's stop with the "pollyanna crap". What helps - pretty things, a nice HOT shower, a good laugh, playing in the snow, hugging an animal..... there are tons of wonderful things out there.

[Jayne]

Coloring helps. Look outside your window and scribble part of what you see on paper...add color. See the beauty. A candle helps. Inhale the beauty and warmth. Ask God to reveal His goodness. He always answers, though often in unexpected ways.

[Sarah]

Sometimes, if I’m having a rough day, I take a day off from logging. Sometimes when you just can’t get the numbers in line, it is better just to not write them down. I also love to read, so a good book anytime will help me feel better. Oh, and cookies. Cookies are always good.

[Minnesota Nice]

- looking at pictures of my precious niece Emily
- reflecting on how far I've come in my control and savoring the victory
- getting off the bus this morning at 6:45 when the sky is still that beautiful, indescribable blue - the shade that was never in the 64 box of crayolas
- going to the yarn store and buying a small amount of imported yarn and then pondering what I will make with it
- lingering over a long weekend breakfast out with friends and having the entire afternoon free to unfold as it will
- listening to classic oldies - folk, jazz, motown, rock
-dancing in my living room like an unfettered wildwoman
- watching reruns of "Northern Exposure"
- decluttering my home and getting rid of junk
- realizing that each day has it's own promise
- contemplating The Mystery

[birdie]

Thanks for such kind responses. It makes me feel better just knowing I have them on the blog, to refer to whenever needed. I love your things that help: the simple things, good music, hugging an animal, a candle, not logging, cookies, celebrating the victories and contemplating the mystery, to name just a few. And yes, beauty, beauty, beauty. In nature, music, art, literature. The indescribable blue of the sky. Yes. Plus hot baths, Miss Marple, making collages, steamed milk with bengal spice tea. All so good. Thank you so much everyone!

[Scott K. Johnson]

I've been very busy lately, and am just now making my way through my favorite blogs. Your title starts with the letter "a", so you're one of the first on my list! Late to the party, but still there nevertheless.

I have not viewed your recent posts as pollyanna at all - but rather kind of introspective - trying to figure the issues out, and figure out what helps you. I think the new category is very fitting.

What helps me, when I'm feeling down, is the deep down instinctual knowledge that I am stronger than diabetes. I am resilient, and diabetes may throw whatever it can at me, but I keep on keeping on. It is a knowledge, not an illusion. Something built into my being that knows I am strong. Resilient. Able to do it.

There are times where the noise of the daily grind can overpower that knowledge, but I always know it's there. Figuring out how to keep that noise down is a big key for me.

I find that momentum has a lot to do with it. When I'm doing well, it takes a lot of noise to bring me down. When I'm not doing so well, always full of that noise, it seems to take a whole lot more steam to turn it around.