Changing Perspectives on Diabetes

Every year, when the New Year begins, I have always taken time to self-reflect. I look at my life and where it's at, where it's headed and I use the opportunity of a new year to change my perspective on how I'm viewing challenging things in my life.

The struggle after a diabetes diagnosis

Last year in September is when I received my diabetes diagnosis. I'd struggled with many issues since overcoming bladder cancer and this was just another notch on that list.

As I hit the New Year and did my usual self-reflection, I realized that I had just been going through the motions during the last year. It was definitely time to change my perspective on diabetes.

Plus extra stress from the last year

I've been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to write about my experiences thanks to Type2Diabetes.com, but I'd not really been as focused on improving my health last year as I've needed to be. Like many, I was distracted and overwhelmed with the pandemic and one of the effects triggered a bit of medical PTSD for me, and I struggled on many levels.

Shifting to a positive perspective on diabetes

As I entered the New Year, I had a few conversations with friends about our goals and health. All of us stated we needed to make changes and we all decided to shift our perspectives.

Instead of being "stuck" with our diagnoses, we collectively decided to look at our diagnoses as opportunities. Opportunities to improve our health because let's face it, there's always room for improvement! Opportunities to share our experiences, to advocate for various diagnoses and causes.

Yes, there's still a pandemic. Due to our personal circumstances, we are being extra cautious and living in a mostly isolated way. Yet, there's still a lot that way can do.

Tip for creating a positive perspective

I choose not to feel forced into my circumstances with diabetes. Instead, I get to try new foods and recipes. I get the opportunity to move more and lose weight, which I have needed to do. I choose not to feel depressed about having another diagnosis to deal with. I choose to take action instead of complaining about my situation.

My point is that I do not have to be defined or limited by my diabetes diagnosis. I can still go on living and enjoying my life. I can still walk, hike, write, dance, eat (anything in moderation!), travel, and enjoy.

Yes, diabetes is a life-changing diagnosis, but it does not have to be a life-ending one. I choose to embrace this opportunity instead of lamenting the loss of what was.