Oh shoot, do I really sound like Eeyore?

I'll be the first to admit, I'm the king of complaining.  The funny thing is, until just a few years ago, I didn't even know it.  You see, I have this "Mr. Fix It" approach to life.  I am quick to find the negatives of any situation, so that I can entertain myself with trying to come up with solutions for them.  This is all fine and good; however, in the meantime, I sound like Eeyore to all those around me as I mull over the problems I've discovered.

Perhaps it can be partially attributed to growing up with diabetes.  Over the last 30 years, I've trained myself to procure a constant vigilance over my blood sugar and the endless number of factors that influence it.  It's a daily (sometimes hourly) routine to pinpoint an issue, identify a probable cause, and execute a reasonable solution.  At this point in my life, it's not negative or depressing, it's just a game of survival.

However, when I place myself in the shoes of someone without diabetes, I can understand how it might be less than desirable to watch and listen to this struggle......Sort of like hanging out with Eeyore or The Boy Who Cried Wolf.  Consequently, I've tried to make a conscious effort to notice those things (diabetes-related or not) that are running smoothly.  It's an awesome thing to do, because not only does it lead me to admiration and gratitude, it spills over into my language and habits.

The result is a cool drink of water for me, and pleasant interactions for those whom I encounter.  As I write this post, I can't help but be reminded of the fact that we are integrated and imperfect persons.  More often than not, difficulty controlling diabetes is just a symptom of a greater, deeper problem in our lives.  And sometimes that problem is not so obvious.  Therefore, it's good practice to frequently reflect on the big-picture-happenings that make us who we are, and how these events are affecting our mood, sanity, spiritual / physical / mental health, stress level, behavior patterns, and diabetes control.    

So keep your chin up, stay positive, and get to know yourself a little better.  It'll help in more ways than you think.  And then, let's be less than seven, greater than low!  Thanks, and God bless.