Hey there, type won-derful readers! 😉
As we gear up for the season of gratitude and reflection,
I wanted to share 3 reasons why I’m grateful for Type 1 Diabetes.
You see, amidst the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving preparations, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to share why having T1D has become a surprising source of gratitude in my life.
Something seemingly counterintuitive… & before you hit that ‘Thank You, but No Thank You ➺ Next!’ button – just bear with me for a moment!
After all, the reason for this season is about giving thanks for all of our blessings, right? Including those undercover blessings in disguise! 🙃
✧ Reason #1 ✧
A Healthier Perspective on Life
Type 1 diabetes isn’t just a medical condition: it’s an unyielding presence, demanding your attention and rewriting the rules of your existence.
A relentless teacher who reshapes your entire outlook on life and urges you to refocus on what truly matters. ⇽【ok, most days it feels more like a “dictator,” but let’s just roll with “teacher” for now! 😅】
In this intricate dance with T1D, health takes center stage—a constant reminder that your well-being is non-negotiable.
I’m grateful because it compels me to prioritize my health above all else. Something that everyone should be prioritizing anyway in order to experience a sense of freedom and vitality in their bodies, too!
While T1D mandates this care as a necessity rather than an option, I do have a choice in whether I view my circumstances as a blessing or a curse.
Living the vast majority of my life through the scope of “glass half empty” – I can assure you that switching scripts to the ladder (“glass half full”) is a far more pleasant and enjoyable experience, for everyone! 🙂
Through the daily commitments required to manage and care for our physical health, we unintentionally become silent role models.
Often without realizing it, we lead friends and family towards prioritizing their health and opting for healthier alternatives as well.
It’s a ripple effect of positive influence that emanates from our own personal journey with Type 1 Diabetes. And yes, living with T1D will always be a tough pill to swallow at times!
However, in the grander scheme of life, I am now able to appreciate it more as a blessing — Serving as a wake-up call for mindfulness and encouraging us to savor the sweetness of life—a pun entirely intended! 😉
✧ Reason #2 ✧
A Lesson in Resilience
Living with T1D isn’t just a daily routine; it’s an intensive self-care crash course in which, inadvertently, resilience and perseverance are strengthened beyond measure.
This is not a lesson one signs up for willingly, but it is one that molds us into individuals capable of facing adversity with unwavering strength.
Consider the relentless challenges—those abrupt spikes in blood sugar levels, the unpredictable fluctuations, and the ceaseless demand for vigilance. It’s not an easy path, and there are moments when the weight feels almost too much to bear.
Yet, within these trials lies a profound lesson in resilience—a skill set we unknowingly cultivate with every setback. In a world that doesn’t shy away from throwing curveballs our way, diabetes emerges as a tenacious trainer.
Propelling us not merely to endure but to emerge stronger from each trial.
So, as we approach Thanksgiving, my gratitude extends beyond the surface. It extends to the resilience that has become an unexpected companion on this journey.
Let’s raise a toast to the unspoken strength derived from navigating the uncharted waters of chronic illness. || Cheers to the resilience that quietly fortifies our spirit!
✧ Reason #3 ✧
Creates Opportunities for Cultivating Compassion
Compassion Towards One’s Own Self:
Living with Type 1 Diabetes demands a unique kind of self-compassion—a gentle acknowledgment and forgiveness when we stumble.
Whether it be perhaps making an error in dosing or falling short of our dietary goals, it’s crucial to remember that we are only human at the end of the day.
We were never designed to be the overseers of a functioning pancreas. Unfortunately, when that particular position went out of business, we were forced to step in and pick up the slack.
Therefore, it’s essential to cut ourselves some slack too!
It’s important that we also acknowledge that “our best” is a fluid concept and will continuously vary due to the unpredictable nature of our condition.
The T1D journey fluctuates, and that’s a testament to our adaptability and strength required to face the ever-changing challenges associated with living with this chronic illness.
T1D and Compassion for Others:
Type 1 Diabetes, surprisingly, provides numerous opportunities to cultivate compassion for others as well. It invites us to feel empathy and understanding for those who might not grasp the full extent of what we go through daily.
Though our battle with this disease is far from invisible to us, it remains hidden from others who can only understand through a logical or analytical perspective. They can never truly feel the tremendous burden and emotional weight we carry day in and day out.
This is where compassion enters the scene. Living with T1D is oftentimes an isolating and frustrating experience (to say the least!) Reframing our focus to loving and compassionate thoughts contributes to a collective positivity that has the power to create a more empathetic world.
It beautifully captures the reciprocal nature of compassion—how cultivating it not only cleanses our own mind, body, and spirit but also imparts purifying and uplifting energy to those who receive it. A win-win scenario for everyone involved! 😇
【BONUS! 😉】
✧ Reason #4 ✧
A Community of Warriors
One of the most beautiful aspects of navigating life with Type 1 Diabetes is the incredible community that comes with it.
It’s like being part of an exclusive club of warriors who understand the struggles and celebrate the victories.
It’s a camaraderie that goes beyond surface-level empathy; forged in the crucible of blood glucose levels and the shared setbacks that only those on this unique journey can truly relate.
Every victory is a collective win, and every hardship is a shared opportunity of loving support. Together, we navigate the highs and lows, finding strength in unity and solace in complete understanding.
Here’s to the community of warriors—may our bonds continue to strengthen, our victories multiply, and our support remain unwavering!
✧ Final Thoughts ✧
I’m someone who firmly believes that God never burdens us beyond our capacity.
His Plan is to turn our weaknesses and trials into strengths and victories.
Only with His loving guidance am I now able to recognize that.
What I once considered a curse is, in actuality, a significant blessing and the primary reason for who I am today.
Because of God, I wake up eager to embrace each day. If this feels distant for you right now, don’t worry, that’s okay!—it’s your starting point for progress.
I believe in you and your ability to succeed in whatever you set out to do in life.
As a fellow type 1 diabetic, I understand the strength and resilience God has instilled in each and every one of us!
My hope for you is to discover that your challenges are opportunities for growth.
Express gratitude for these opportunities!
I assure you, that living in gratitude and cultivating a personal relationship with Love provides deeply profound peace, purpose, and lasting happiness.
God Chose You To Be (T1D)Strong… and strong you are, my dear!
🙏
Maisha is a Life Coach and the founder of Altruism Prism, a blog where she shares her faith journey and experiences living with Type 1 diabetes. She is passionate about inspiring others to live authentically and spread kindness and compassion to everyone they meet.