This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, diaVerge may earn a small commission while not costing you more. Thank you for helping to support our diabetes advocacy!

Over the summer, I asked a question on Facebook. 

It was a simple question that brought forth an incredible response and has sparked spin-off conversations both within and outside of Facebook. 

The question:

What is one positive aspect of diabetes?

And the responses have been amazing: 

• Patience

• Acceptance

• Flexibility

• Improved health

• Mindfulness

• Awareness

• Gratitude

• Community

• Motivation

• Resilience

• Perspective

• Body awareness

• Physical and mental strength

• More energy

• Great skin :)

Now, whether these a result of diabetes in general or of low carb could be argued because people following diaVerge are generally interested in, or following, the low carb lifestyle,

This list is an EXCELLENT reminder to all of us to look on the bright side...

Because there is ALWAYS a bright side. 

I highly believe that happiness is where we choose to place our focus.

If we are choosing to see all the negatives and stress of diabetes management, we will only see that and be blinded to the other personal attributes that we are gaining that help us to be better people.

If we choose to keep telling ourselves that diabetes is a terrible disease and we're slaves to diabetes management, we will see only that -- and have a huge cloud of diabetes management hanging over our heads.

I urge you to open your eyes and find those things that you can celebrate, no matter how small. 

Here is MY diabetes gratitude/silver lining list: 

• My insulin schedule helps me to wake up at a consistent hour every morning, which means I see a beautiful sunrise and enjoy a quiet morning before the rest of my family wakes up.

• I get to move my body through exercise each day, which helps my blood sugar levels stay more consistent, and helps me to feel great about myself.

• Thanks to diabetes, I listen to my body and I'm more aware of what foods are good for me.

• I am thankful for the diabetes community. Diabetes has connected me with so many incredible, wise and strong people.

• I'm thankful that diabetes has given me a purpose - To help people find their power and their voice through diabetes management.

Now, I challenge you to make your own Gratitude/Silver Lining List -- and come back to it any time when you're feeling discouraged. 

Here is a set of great printable gratitude and habit tracking sheets for download if you're interested.

Alternatively, you could just pull out a piece of paper, a notebook, journal, or open a digital document to write a list.

Then, pick a time that you will add to the list. Will it be daily or weekly? Set up reminders on your phone and/or calendar to add new items to your list and review your past entries often.

Just this small practice, if done consistently, will help you to maintain a more positive attitude throughout the rest of your daily activities. Try it. It can really help.  

P.S.

I’ve not always felt so upbeat about diabetes. For YEARS after diagnosis, I struggled with clinical depression, which I now believe was at least partially caused by my extreme blood sugar swings. I was medicated with anti-depressants and as a result, I felt emotionally numb for years. Even through this medicated cloud, I held a deep-seeded resentment towards diabetes and the constant attention it required. I didn't know how I could endure years with this disease.

I weaned myself off of medication before I was pregnant with my daughters, but I can't say that I was cured of depression at that time. I was just going through the motions and working as hard as I possibly could for blood sugar control when I didn't really know all the rules of the diabetes game.

Then I found low carb. Slowly, the resentment lifted. The deep emotional pain subsided and I was finally able to feel empowered and happy again. I want that for everyone.

If you're struggling with diabetes management or the low carb lifestyle, please contact me.

The goal of diaVerge is to empower you to use diet as a tool, along with modern medicine, to help achieve normal, non-diabetic blood glucose levels.  It's work, but you can do it, and I'm here to encourage you every step of the way.

If you don't know where to start, please send a message. I love this incredible diaVerge community and my continuing mission is to serve you. Thanks for being here!