I like to communicate with diabetics who get discouraged about the constant adherence to routine required for good health, or at least better health. For me it has not been difficult, and if I share some of the reasons why, perhaps I can inspire others to keep on keeping on, as they say. First of all, I had hypoglycemia in my 40's while going to college with my sons. We commuted and enjoyed those days together so much. My doctor was not helpful or knowledgeable about the subject. He said, after I went through the four hour sugar test and almost died driving home, eat often, and carry cheese with you. So I learned to control my sugar spikes and was in good shape in no time, if I ate by the clock. I thought I was cured. It was shocking to find out years later that I was diagnosed with diabetes and had no idea how I got to that point even though I had studied physiology and enjoyed it very much. I also studied nutrition courses. I grow my own vegetables and some fruit. I was active until I had two knee replacements and back surgery after my husband died from cancer.
But he did not cooperate in treatment of his diabetes, so watching him die was a lesson for me. I will never eat like he did, disobey the doctors, even when they don't know what to advise me, or become so obese I can't stay awake very long and am a threat when driving a vehicle. Working hard on your health has always been a positive experience for me. On one particular diet, I bought new earrings for each five pounds lost. Now that I only feed me, I buy pricey food at the store which can't raise my blood sugar, and feel like a queen eating. I am addicted to Sukoku puzzles, as I love algebra and never feared it.
I am definitely an individualist which makes my life more interesting to explore. It feels good to feel good, so the hard work of adherence is worth it.
I don't try to be like people my age, and I try not to get caught up in conformity. I don't compete with society, and sometimes my shoes and purse don't match.
Who notices anymore? I am not up for any awards for being successful, beautiful or whatever. I spent time helping others because I like doing it.
Some people are not fond of me because I am a little different at times. So what! I study and learn all kinds of interesting things because I have no one to travel with me, and I live alone. It is so easy to turn off the TV these days and watch the robins feed their babies with worms. Never had time for that while I spent my adult life serving others. I was a full time servant, as was the culture in my day. Now I can spend a day being lazy. Sometimes I am just too tired to do everything needed, but I know I can't put anything harmful in my body if it is not in the house. I am too laid back to drive to town to purchase "goodies."
Standing in the shower and heating my sore back and wasting some water is cheaper than high priced therapy. Besides, my husband took two showers a day, so I am only using part of that hot water cost. Today I picked magnolia blossoms and put them in a dish in the kitchen. It brightened a rainy day.
If you lived next door, i would come over and we would drink tea and compare notes. Know that I am here on your low days. I can sweep the kitchen tomorrow. No one is coming to visit anytime soon. I am over the depression from mourning my brother's death last year. Now my carpenter friend is near death. Billy Graham said he did not die. He just has another address. Sounds good to me. Dorisena

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