Giving Thanks

November 3, 2015

This last year was quite a trial for me. I had a few different health issues pop up, and they also became something I had to manage daily. The first part of 2015 I was absolutely miserable, and made everyone else miserable as well. It was hard to wake up in the mornings, because I knew I didn't even want to be around myself. I felt as if I couldn't help this terrible attitude I had, because I had all of this circumstances that would make anyone unhappy. I felt entitled to behave poorly, because I had the worst cards of anyone. It's funny, because I was actually the one who made my situation worse. I had such a poor attitude, and outlook on my life that it took over. It sent me into fits of depression, and moments when I couldn't believe this was happening to me. I didn't think I deserved to have all of these trials.

Diabetes is definitely not something I would have chosen for myself. It's a pain in the ass, (quite literally at the moment, because my last pump site there bruised) because of all the doctors, and medical expenses. I can't tell you a time, since I was diagnosed, that I've been to a doctor and not heard all of the complications diabetes could have. I can't tell you a time that I've gotten a paycheck and paying medical bills wasn't on my mind. Then there's the needles, of course. Somehow... You just get used to those.

As much as diabetes is an inconvenience, it's also a blessing. I have met so many people because of this disease. It's amazing how many people will strike up a conversation because they can see your insulin pump. They know that no matter what, they will always have that one thing in common with you. The responses that I get to my tattoo are incredible. There's so many people that say it's a great idea, and then they tell me that people my age are inspiring to the young children who were just diagnosed. Most of them are unaware that I was diagnosed recently, and haven't been living with it.

This has been a constant reason to keep me going and keep me healthy. I don't think I'd try and maintain such a healthy lifestyle if it weren't for diabetes. Not that my lifestyle is always healthy, but hey I try sometimes. I have kept learning and growing because of this illness. I learn new things all that time, and continually have opportunities to accept change. I also have an abundant amount of opportunities to control my emotions, and communicate better.

There might be a lot of things that are not ideal about having diabetes. However, there are also a lot of hidden blessings. In honor of this month being November, not only am I going to try to remain positive and give thanks, but it's also 'Diabetes Awareness Month'! To help me keep positive message me your funniest diabetes jokes. Trust me, I will know if they aren't funny.