When taking a journey, we may run across detours due to construction. Sometimes, these detours are frustrating and sometimes you can think of it as the "scenic route" But, to get to the right path, we must take the detour.
As you all know, I have been on a long time journey to a healthier me. This has been smooth sailing....NOT! It has involved many ups and downs. I've fallen off the wagon and taken many detours. Some of these detours have been self-made, some are due to other situations. But, all I believe God has place in my path to realize and test my determination and commitment
I recently read a book called Girl, Wash your Face. It was a very interesting read by a successful author. Throughout the book, she covered some lies that she learned to overcome about herself. I the introduction to the book, she says, "Your life is supposed to be a journey from one unique place to another; it's not supposed to be a merry-go-round that brings you back to the same spot over and over again. So, how do you jump off the merry-go-round. I believe that is by letting go and letting God handle the issues we run into.
This is a struggle for a control freak like me. I like to think I can fix everything myself. But, with my confidence in my faith, I know this isn't the truth. Awhile ago, a counselor of mine talked about life being a conveyer belt. While we can't stop the belt from turning, we can control the things that are on it. She said.....put your worries/lies etc in a paper sack once you have worked through them. That conveyer belt goes to God. Some of that icky stuff may return to you on the belt. But, there is good news. When we open that Stinky bag full of doubt, we can say, not this time. I've already been down this path. Eventually, that bag won't return.
There is also another great quote from the book about growth. It says.....A caterpillar is awesome, but if the caterpillar stopped there--if she just decided that good is good enough--we would miss out on the beautiful creature she would become. Through that statement, I learned. If we give up, if we say we can't do anymore growth, we miss out on the beautiful person we can become both inside and out.
People, without growth, we are stunted and stuck in our own chaos. We have to continue down the path, continue our journey.
On this journey to a healthier me, I have often given up, taken no for an answer, accepted my failure and decided to stop right there. But, recently through some books, I'm learning that good enough isn't good enough. I can succeed and push on. I have to in order to continue on the path.
This week, I began a new lifestyle change around eating. My sister has told me, make on change per day. Don't try to jump and fix everything at one time. So, journey day by day. No matter how difficult it is to slow down and recognize the successes. Change can only happen in this matter.
So, today, I packed healthier choices. And today, I jumped back in the wagon and decided to continue my ride. So, take care of yourself step by step and depend on others for additional support. We got this!
Take care and God Bless
Friday, April 20, 2018
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Bipolar Type 2-----We are not alone
So this morning, I was sitting in the lobby at a hospital watching the today show feeling sorry for myself. Why me again? Then, a story came on TV, Mariah Carey coming out about her battle with Bipolar Depression. As someone who lives with this diagnosis daily, sometimes hourly, it's easy to feel alone. It's easy to sit and think why does so and so have it so easy?
In the past, there has been such a stigma around any mental health diagnosis.....well there's goes their life, they can't function, they need to be institutionalized. Well, none of this has been true for me. Yes, I struggle sometimes to function in the capacity I would like to. But no, I don't need to be strapped down to a hospital bed.
In more recent days, people are speaking out about their diagnoses of anxiety, depression, bipolar, etc. These people have been celebrities in the spotlight. In life, I have found myself putting myself through a series of pedestal comparisons with others. Playing the pity party of why is it ONLY happening to me.
Well, reality is, we only know what we are seen or told. We aren't in other's lives. See, I have people on pedestals surrounding me. And while it may sound mean, I love it when the lever on their pedestal makes them sink just a little closer to me.
I have a good friend, Lindi, who has diabetes. She became my mentor through JDRF upon diagnosis. I always thought, man.....how does she keep everything so stable in her life. I just can't stay steady like that. Then came dinner at Chili's in Spring of 2017. We both sat down and caught up. Then dinner came and we tested. Ahh....125 on a night out with my "perfect" diabetic friend, what a relief. It was HER turn. 315. WHAT??? Her, how could it be? Suddenly, I felt like it wasn't just me. It was everyone. That made me feel so happy and sure that I can do this!
In relationships, parenting & marriage, I have placed others on pedestals. If only I had it together like blah and blah. While I haven't had an aha moment I have had several conversations with those I love and care about. I'm not alone here either. Everyone has struggles and roller coasters to ride. We just have to build a support system around us to assist.
In weight, this is a very difficult place filled with pedestals as well. The person next to you at the gym. The person in front of you in line at Weight Watchers. Friends. Family. You name it, they ALL have it together and YOU don't. Then I talked to a friend of mine who I would consider in no need to be poor in self image. She too had some things that she was trying to work on. See that person in the gym next to you, they are in your shoes, they just may not look like you in every way
Now, to bipolar. I don't know if I've had pedestals around this as much as I've put a sense of being very alone in my illness. I don't know many people that are bipolar. So, it's easy to think why me? But, in recent years, more and more people are coming out with their stories of diagnosis. Many are celebrities. Of course, they have millions of dollars and fame. What could be wrong in their lives. P.S. People.....they're human.
I recently read a book called In the Middle of the Mess by Sheila Walsh. She is a renowned Christian speaker and author. She stands up in from of thousands professing her faith and supporting others in their journeys of life. In this book, she talks about her battle with depression. How she would spend all day talking to others about their battles and not be fighting her own. She was actually even hospitalized for her depression.
See people, we have to understand, that whatever your battle may be, whatever your journey is looking like, we aren't alone. We may be intimately close to someone with the same issues or we may only know them from afar. But the fact is, we KNOW them. We must band together as people on journeys. We may not understand the ins and outs of their journeys, but that's ok. Sometimes, we just need to know it's going to be ok. Be that person for someone....don't put it off......reach out. You never know how one kind word could save someone's life or blossom into a beautiful friendship.
Until Next Time.....take care and God Bless!
In the past, there has been such a stigma around any mental health diagnosis.....well there's goes their life, they can't function, they need to be institutionalized. Well, none of this has been true for me. Yes, I struggle sometimes to function in the capacity I would like to. But no, I don't need to be strapped down to a hospital bed.
In more recent days, people are speaking out about their diagnoses of anxiety, depression, bipolar, etc. These people have been celebrities in the spotlight. In life, I have found myself putting myself through a series of pedestal comparisons with others. Playing the pity party of why is it ONLY happening to me.
Well, reality is, we only know what we are seen or told. We aren't in other's lives. See, I have people on pedestals surrounding me. And while it may sound mean, I love it when the lever on their pedestal makes them sink just a little closer to me.
I have a good friend, Lindi, who has diabetes. She became my mentor through JDRF upon diagnosis. I always thought, man.....how does she keep everything so stable in her life. I just can't stay steady like that. Then came dinner at Chili's in Spring of 2017. We both sat down and caught up. Then dinner came and we tested. Ahh....125 on a night out with my "perfect" diabetic friend, what a relief. It was HER turn. 315. WHAT??? Her, how could it be? Suddenly, I felt like it wasn't just me. It was everyone. That made me feel so happy and sure that I can do this!
In relationships, parenting & marriage, I have placed others on pedestals. If only I had it together like blah and blah. While I haven't had an aha moment I have had several conversations with those I love and care about. I'm not alone here either. Everyone has struggles and roller coasters to ride. We just have to build a support system around us to assist.
In weight, this is a very difficult place filled with pedestals as well. The person next to you at the gym. The person in front of you in line at Weight Watchers. Friends. Family. You name it, they ALL have it together and YOU don't. Then I talked to a friend of mine who I would consider in no need to be poor in self image. She too had some things that she was trying to work on. See that person in the gym next to you, they are in your shoes, they just may not look like you in every way
Now, to bipolar. I don't know if I've had pedestals around this as much as I've put a sense of being very alone in my illness. I don't know many people that are bipolar. So, it's easy to think why me? But, in recent years, more and more people are coming out with their stories of diagnosis. Many are celebrities. Of course, they have millions of dollars and fame. What could be wrong in their lives. P.S. People.....they're human.
I recently read a book called In the Middle of the Mess by Sheila Walsh. She is a renowned Christian speaker and author. She stands up in from of thousands professing her faith and supporting others in their journeys of life. In this book, she talks about her battle with depression. How she would spend all day talking to others about their battles and not be fighting her own. She was actually even hospitalized for her depression.
See people, we have to understand, that whatever your battle may be, whatever your journey is looking like, we aren't alone. We may be intimately close to someone with the same issues or we may only know them from afar. But the fact is, we KNOW them. We must band together as people on journeys. We may not understand the ins and outs of their journeys, but that's ok. Sometimes, we just need to know it's going to be ok. Be that person for someone....don't put it off......reach out. You never know how one kind word could save someone's life or blossom into a beautiful friendship.
Until Next Time.....take care and God Bless!
Ever have one of THOSE days???
Ok, so today as Alexander (The kid book) would have said was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!
It all began with a new test for the lab rat of the family. Last week I got a not from my dr. saying my cortisol level wasn't normal. So, she ordered an ACTH Stimulation Test. It sounded terrifying so I went straight to google. :-) Everything I read said it was no big deal just some blood work at different intervals. Yet still, when I woke up this morning, I was filled with fear. I got ready and drove anxiously to the Nebraska Med Center. I checked in at sat in the lobby scared. I texted my sister and she returned encouragement as usual.
Finally, I was called in. The nurse came in and explained to me the process. Start an IV. Draw blood from the IV. Give a medication in the IV. 30 minutes later draw blood from IV. and 30 minutes later draw blood again. EASY PEASY. But, of course, this is me. She got the IV in on her first try. But, it wouldn't return blood. So, she and the other nurse decided they would just draw blood from other veins. NOT EASY PEASY. I think I set a record 10 pokes in an hour and a half for 3 blood draws total. Needless to say, it wore me out and I felt kind of lightheaded.
After that, I made my way to my car. As soon as I get to my car, my pump sensor says....Sensor connection failed. This means it had died/ran out of battery. So, I have to take the sensor out and put it on it's charger. No big deal but just ANOTHER thing to add to my day.
Next, I get to work parking on the 7th floor of my 8 floor parking garage.
I arrive into work and test my blood sugar, it's 539. That's odd. So I plug it into my pump and give myself insulin accordingly.
About 15 minutes later, I smell insulin, a very distinct smell if you've ever smelled it. I look down, there's a ginormous wet spot where my pump site is. It had gone bad. SIGH! So, I change it out and move on.
NOW.......my back starts to ache that I'm almost in tears. I realize that this is a side effect they mentioned during the test this morning. Go figure.....I GET IT!
On this day, at 1:30 PM......I declare a truce with my life. I'm done fighting it. Calgon take me away! lol
But, as I was texting my sister this morning, I don't have cancer. I have no impending death sentence. I just have complications of life that are manageable. Thank God for the blessings I do have and for the challenges he has given me to help me to grow and learn.
Until next time......Take care and God Bless!
It all began with a new test for the lab rat of the family. Last week I got a not from my dr. saying my cortisol level wasn't normal. So, she ordered an ACTH Stimulation Test. It sounded terrifying so I went straight to google. :-) Everything I read said it was no big deal just some blood work at different intervals. Yet still, when I woke up this morning, I was filled with fear. I got ready and drove anxiously to the Nebraska Med Center. I checked in at sat in the lobby scared. I texted my sister and she returned encouragement as usual.
Finally, I was called in. The nurse came in and explained to me the process. Start an IV. Draw blood from the IV. Give a medication in the IV. 30 minutes later draw blood from IV. and 30 minutes later draw blood again. EASY PEASY. But, of course, this is me. She got the IV in on her first try. But, it wouldn't return blood. So, she and the other nurse decided they would just draw blood from other veins. NOT EASY PEASY. I think I set a record 10 pokes in an hour and a half for 3 blood draws total. Needless to say, it wore me out and I felt kind of lightheaded.
After that, I made my way to my car. As soon as I get to my car, my pump sensor says....Sensor connection failed. This means it had died/ran out of battery. So, I have to take the sensor out and put it on it's charger. No big deal but just ANOTHER thing to add to my day.
Next, I get to work parking on the 7th floor of my 8 floor parking garage.
I arrive into work and test my blood sugar, it's 539. That's odd. So I plug it into my pump and give myself insulin accordingly.
About 15 minutes later, I smell insulin, a very distinct smell if you've ever smelled it. I look down, there's a ginormous wet spot where my pump site is. It had gone bad. SIGH! So, I change it out and move on.
NOW.......my back starts to ache that I'm almost in tears. I realize that this is a side effect they mentioned during the test this morning. Go figure.....I GET IT!
On this day, at 1:30 PM......I declare a truce with my life. I'm done fighting it. Calgon take me away! lol
But, as I was texting my sister this morning, I don't have cancer. I have no impending death sentence. I just have complications of life that are manageable. Thank God for the blessings I do have and for the challenges he has given me to help me to grow and learn.
Until next time......Take care and God Bless!
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Where I was.....Where I am....Where I Will Be
Reflection--- Serious thought or consideration
Every day we wake up is a new opportunity of growth. Today, is my opportunity to seize life where I am at. However, I also needed a few reminders. It's very easy for me to feel like this Bipolar thing has control over me. Sometimes, this may be a little true. But, the truth is, that we are all in control of the choices we make. Today, I took some time in reflection. I often times feel like...I have felt this way before and gone through it, why is it back? So, I decided to read my own words along this journey. As I have felt symptoms of depression, mania, and overall self doubt. I have often turned to writing as a way of expressing these feelings. I am not the best in person communicator when it comes to serious things. I like to pretend all is ok and come across as a little bit of a jokester when I try to talk serious. Laughing is my cover for being uncomfortable. But, against a screen, it's not as much in my face and I have real time to think. Throughout the two years I have been on this blog, I have attempted to regroup many times and haven't always been the most successful at sticking to my well-intentioned plans. I have addressed parenting, being a wife, being a diabetic, being bipolar, being a Christian, and I'm sure more. As a parent, I only have a few years remaining to truly influence my children before they enter into adulthood. As a wife, I have almost 20 years of marriage and yet sometimes feel like I am not a partner. As a diabetic, I still struggle with the day to day monotony of the disease. And as a bipolar, I still hit those intersections in life where I decide if I'm braking, Easing in, or Flying through the red light. As a Christian, I struggle to find balance between throwing myself all in and just being a Child of God. However, a wise person (sister) I know said.....it's just not possible to conquer more than one thing whole-heartedly at a time. That if you do, you are essentially cheating yourself out of fully committing to change. So prioritizing. That's the tough part in life. I want it ALL....doesn't everyone? You know the whole white picket fence thinking. Here's the interesting thing about the word reflection. The above meaning is the general one. But here is another definition: the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it. WITHOUT absorbing it. So, in my terms I think, just don't blab through life. Take time and ABSORB what you are learning. So as for today, my personal reflection has been reading through my own words and realizing that yes you've been there, but you have sure grown through every struggle you have been faced with. And you know what, for today that's enough. Growth. Not perfection. Being better today than you were yesterday. Not all or nothing. Just enough. So until next time....take care and God Bless
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Weight Loss----Why and How Much
Today I decided to journal/scrapbook my way through my journey. As you all know, I love to scrapbook and am passionate about documentation. I have made several pages but will share a few. My pages are: What tools and Who will Help Me Get me there. Weight loss goals and rewards, How Will I get There, Why Will I get There, and When Will I Get there?
Here is my Why Pages
Here is my Why Pages
Here is my Weight Loss Goal/Rewards Page
If I set my mind to lose 5 lbs in a month.....I will reach goal in 1 year. As my Personal Trainer Friend Says.......YOU GOT THIS GIRL!
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Ideal Protein----Three Weeks In
Hi everyone! So today is three weeks into my journey and guess what. I gained this week. WHAT??????? How frustrating is that. So, let's range my emotions. Nervously step on scale.....see weight at 205.....shock....anger....ready to give up. Went to dr at 8 and said I was very flustered. After talking to her about my diabetes and how it affects everything in my body, I began to calm down.
I think about this. A) It's just a number B) It took me a long time to get here and it won't just melt away instantly C) I also remember that diabetes was not a perfect science and it frustrated me for years. I would do what I was supposed to and boom a high number would show on the meter out of nowhere. ARGH! I would fuss, give up, and guess what? That didn't help.
So, I think I should tackle my journey in the same way. As an imperfect journey taking the right path forward. I am not up overall and that's a good thing. So I shall continue on and know that I will get where I need to get but stressing and fretting aren't going to help.
Take care and God Bless!
I think about this. A) It's just a number B) It took me a long time to get here and it won't just melt away instantly C) I also remember that diabetes was not a perfect science and it frustrated me for years. I would do what I was supposed to and boom a high number would show on the meter out of nowhere. ARGH! I would fuss, give up, and guess what? That didn't help.
So, I think I should tackle my journey in the same way. As an imperfect journey taking the right path forward. I am not up overall and that's a good thing. So I shall continue on and know that I will get where I need to get but stressing and fretting aren't going to help.
Take care and God Bless!
Friday, September 29, 2017
Diabetics----ROBOTS in disguise
Today was a big day for me. A couple of months ago, I received the Medtronic 670G pump. It is the "artificial pancreas" pump. However, the sensors weren't available immediately. So, I have been using the pump since July and loved just the newer technology. But today.....I got the sensor! YAHOO! So what it does is it literally will manage my blood sugars on it's own. The sensor tests your blood sugar through interstitial fluid under your skin. It transmits a blood sugar every 5 minutes to your pump. Then the pump will begin to adjust the insulin based on these numbers. This week, I am just in semi-auto mode. This means it will only shut off the insulin when my blood sugar reaches low parameters. Next Friday I go in for additional training and will be in full auto mode. This is a very exciting advancement for me and can't wait to see how it will impact my A1C and my life in general.
Here's what the sites look like:
Here's what the sites look like:
The top one is how I get my insulin. The bottom one is the sensor. Amazing how far technology has come. My good friend Lindi said that when she got diabetes as a kid she carried a backpack around. Imagine that!
Signing off for the day.....Julie...AKA ROBOT! Take care and God Bless
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