Diabetes Blog Week " I Can"

                                                

Yeah Diabetes Blog Week: Let’s get started!  Today’s topic is I Can.  In the UK, there was a diabetes blog theme of "I can...”  that participants found wonderfully empowering.  So lets kick things off this year by looking at the positive side of our lives with diabetes.  What have you or your loved one accomplished, despite having diabetes, that you weren't sure you could?  Or what have you done that you've been particularly proud of?  Or what good thing has diabetes brought into your life?  (Thank you to the anonymous person who submitted this topic suggestion.)



I know I wake up each day knowing that their will always be challenges for everyone including Diabetics. I really wish that my father would understand it's not 1980 anymore. My father when I wanted to run a half marathon said it was too dangerous and Diabetics should not be running half marathons but I disagree I know plenty who have. I am still planning to run a half marathon but after I explore some other adventures I want to go on. I know a big part of the reason my father thinks this is because I can't feel lows but he also has only seen the occasional low when I visit at Christmas so he really has not real concept of what my life is like today. I did have a low that needed assistance but my dad could have given me a glucagon shot and been fine. 

I know each year my goal is always the same to reduce my lows and I get better at doing so the longer I have had Hypoglycemia Unawareness. I know I will have added precautions and planning even for non exercise activities. I am okay with that because you get used to those changes. I know my father about lost it when I told him next year I am planning to go to California to get Accelerated Free Fall training basically solo skydiving. I know most people are thinking wow that is dangerous. I know most of the adrenaline junkie activities I love are dangerous but I am never as happy as when I am going on my next adrenaline rush. I know I also plan for example zip lining, and a couple new adventures as well. I know I won't let Diabetes win.

I know I will have critics who think I am reckless or foolish but I know me and what I love. Life is about living the life you want and some times getting the adrenaline rush is exactly what I needed. I know I went sky diving back in March and I was in a high for three days afterwards and I never stopped smiling. I felt like I had my zest for life back and I am so know this is what I have been missing in my life. I know some of my family is like that is awesome you love sky diving and others are like you can't do that. I know I can and I will be doing it. The issue for me normally isn't me doubting that I can do it but normally my family or others.

I do plan on running a half marathon but that has been put on hold while I pursue skydiving for a while. I do plan on pushing myself to achieve my goals and dreams. I have been told no so many times in my life but I have always been able to accomplish these goals. I know when my Endocrinologist tells me that I can go skydiving I should be fine. I know I told her my plan I have for skydiving and she looked at my graph for the day and she said I looked great. I also get better at planning these activities. Also a word of advice don't have the Dr. notate in your file you are sky diving if you injure yourself the insurance won't cover it. 

I am so over joyed that I am going to do skydiving because I can and honestly I deserve to be happy like any other person does. I am tired of my father trying to trap me into the thought process of the time I was diagnosed where they limited everything in life. I know with all these incredible Diabetic athletes why could I not. I know my body has always given me so many challenges but I do not give up easily and I will continue to search for my next crazy fun activity because life is so much better when I do.