f diabetes was a person that you could talk to, what would you say? This is my letter to Diabetes. I express all of my thoughts and emotions without holding back and I feel a whole lot better for it.
“Dear Diabetes,
When you came into my life at the age of 22, I had absolutely no idea who you were or what you were capable of. I’d heard of you before, but you were just a name without a face. At first, I thought you were here to destroy my world. I hated everything about you. You arrived with no warning whatsoever and you ruthlessly took over. You didn’t only affect me – you affected my entire family and friends too. But It wasn’t until I really started getting to know you that my life changed…for the better.
On the day that we first met, I was told by the medical professionals that there would be a whole list of things that I wouldn’t be able to do with you in my life. Apparently, it was time to wave goodbye to travelling to remote places, experiencing adventures, and physical pursuits. Apparently, life would forever be difficult and dangerous; multiple daily insulin injections and finger pricks, a constant battle with a roller-coaster of blood sugar levels, frightening short and long term complications, and that’s just naming a few.
The truth is, it has turned out to be quite the opposite. I have realised now that you didn’t come to destroy my world – you came to change the way I view it. You are no longer faceless. Life is one big adventure. You have given me more than you were apparently meant to ‘take’ from me. You’ve allowed me to do more than I would have otherwise done in this world…and I’m only just getting started!
You’ve given me direction, purpose, perspective, and even a career. You’ve helped me drive my passion for health and wellness towards a bigger, better cause.
You’ve taught me so much about exercise, nutrition, and the importance of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. You’ve taught me how to be mindful in everything that I do, and as a result, I’m able to really live in the moment every single day. You’ve shown me that I am always capable of rebuilding no matter how broken down I may be. You’ve allowed me to grow in more ways than I can even explain. You’ve shown me that in the face of adversity – I step up. You’ve let me in on so many secrets about human physiology. You’ve developed my mental strength beyond what I thought was possible and you’ve helped me get in the best physical shape of my life.
You’ve taught me how to take control and responsibility for my health, regardless of the cards I’m dealt.
If not for you, I honestly don’t know if I would be where I am today – healthier and happier than ever before.
So I guess this letter is not a ‘fuck you’ – it’s a ‘thank you’.
I want to thank you for all of the good things that you’ve brought into my life. I know that you affect the lives of so many people across the world and I truly hope you can have the same impact on them as you’ve had on me.
I will always respect you – but I will not fear you.
I will walk alongside you as a partner – but I will not let you rule me.
I promise to never stop learning from the valuable lessons that you teach me every single day.
I no longer hate you – in fact, I’ve even grown to love you.
If you decide to leave me one day, your departure will be welcomed, but in a weird way, I’m glad you came.
Drew
I’ve always had a positive outlook on life, but not to the same extent that I do today.
Sometimes we need a wake up call to teach us how to really live – diabetes was mine. It has given me an entirely different perspective on the world and has opened my eyes and mind to how blessed I am just to be here. Don’t wait for your wake up call to start making the most of every moment. Take my word for it.