For the first many months of this blog I wrote a daily meditation about My Committment. It was an effective way to keep my focus fresh. Because I had to find something fresh and relevant everyday. This is what I wrote on February 19th last year:
I was thinking about this chronic illness thing (for me, diabetes for other people, high blood pressure or high cholesterol — and don’t forget obesity and other weight issues) and how much thought and effort goes into their management. We’re dealing with diseases that don’t have a magic pill. We’ve got to spend at least a little time everyday thinking about our disease.
We’ve got to do it no matter how frantic our lives. And that’s why I invented The Commitment. The Commitment is a way to build the basic element of what I’ve got to do first (controlling what I’m eating) into my life in a way that it doesn’t take too much energy or focus away from all the other things I’m trying to do.
But, my kids are grown and not living at home (the middle boy moved out the month I started this). My fella has been doing The Commitment (well, actually — that’s just the way he’s always eaten)
So, I don’t really know how it would work with the hubbub of an active family. Does it work? How challenging is it?
I think I’ve lost something when I stopped forcing myself to flesh out My Commitment. Because I can hardly remember the last time I habitually tested my blood sugar. I’m plodding along as if there’s something magical about sticking to my plans.
Even though I know from experience it takes a lot of work and thought.
And I think the answer to my long-ago question is that The Commitment works, but it will always be a challenge. It won’t ever become automatic. And I can’t help thinking about the alternative to focusing on this commitment. Diabetes killed my uncle at age 62 which gives me about 10 years if I don’t stay focused.
What does your commitment mean to you?
I think the key is to remember that you (that’s the generic “you”) almost certainly have more than one commitment to keep. But don’t beat yourself up over just focusing on the most important one… you’re doing better than most of us by laying it out here every day!
I suspect that your glucose is doing better simply because you’re eating better. The Boy has had a problem keeping track of his glucose — he’s even “lost” a meter or two — and his moods get seriously whacked when he goes over 300 or so. Sure, he’s the thinnest person among his nearby relatives, but that doesn’t mean he’s eating like he should or keeping up with his meds. I should float this idea of a “daily commitment” by him and see what he makes of it.
Hi FARfetched, I think my glucose is doing better partly because I’m eating better. But mostly because I weigh less.
But my weight is definately creeping up. And I’m drawing a line. I’ve hit the weight wall and from now on, I’m following my 6 Things list. And posting here more often through the day in an effort to keep that focus.
And I’ll be writing more about the Diabetes Challenges too.
I hope your son figures out how to live/work-with his Diabetes. I’ve never had blood sugar of 300, that would scare me to death.