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.
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.
Posted by: InSearchOfBalance | January 24, 2007 at 05:08 PM
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.
Posted by: Chrissie in Belgium | January 24, 2007 at 10:45 PM
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.
Posted by: Jayne | January 25, 2007 at 04:02 AM
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.
Posted by: Sarah | January 25, 2007 at 06:22 AM
- 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
Posted by: Minnesota Nice | January 25, 2007 at 08:23 AM