Diabetes Health Type 1: Look for the Little Victories

I had to complete a self-review of my accomplishments over the past year at work. As I was getting ready to leave the office so I could work on it from home in a quiet setting, I mentioned to one of my volunteers that I had a really hard time reviewing and rating myself. The charity shop I manage is the top profiting shop out of all four of the shops under the organization I work for. I should be over-the-moon and singing my praises. Somehow, I still have trouble seeing the good in what I do nearly as easily as I see the flaws. I know I’m not alone. Many people have a difficult time giving themselves kudos or rating themselves highly. I tend to be dissatisfied with anything less-than-perfect and let’s face it–I’m nowhere near perfect. But who is?

My volunteer said something that resonated with me. She said, “There aren’t a lot of people in this world that will give you credit for how hard you work. You have got to do that for yourself sometimes.” It’s true. People, even our doctors, will be quick to notice a flaw but slow to appreciate good things. Do we tend to do that with diabetes expectations? Absolutely, we do.

This really made me thin:. Why do we tear ourselves down? We should be our biggest cheerleaders. We need to give ourselves some credit instead of such blame. Why shouldn’t we pat ourselves on the back sometimes? Life is hard, and life with a chronic illness like diabetes is even harder!

We need to notice the little victories we experience each day while managing our diabetes. Maybe our A1C isn’t perfect, maybe it’s far from it, or perhaps just a smidge off. Either way, if we are trying, truly trying, then we need to acknowledge all the hard work we’re putting in. Every blood test, every insulin shot, every time we go for a walk, we should be proud.

I’m going to say it: I am proud of myself. I have come a long way over the past 21 years of life with diabetes. I can do this. I don’t have to be perfect. My work ethic when it comes to both the shop I manage, and the diabetes I manage, is strong. I care deeply about the things I do. I love the shop, and I love my body. It’s not perfect, but it is mine, and it is important to me. There are lots of little victories when it comes to diabetes, even if it’s only a little victory, it counts. Boy does it count. Good job to all of you that work hard at managing your diabetes. You are amazing, and you should tell yourself just that.

Now, join me in a little victory dance!