When I look back over the past 2 years as I have been working towards my full licensure as a professional counselor, I realize how in this new beginning of a career, I have let important things in my life become neglected.  My focus and purpose were sosharp, but I missed the bigger picture. I have lost touch with the DOC (diabetes online community) and I have been affected on many levels by this. With the launch of the new 1happydiabetic.com website, I am ready to change my priorities, not just for the DOC but for my own well being.

1happydiabetic.com started as a dream of Bill’s that he took on by himself.  2 years ago he asked me to join him and I jumped right in!  My diabetes care was top notch, I was plugged in, I could connect and make a difference for myself and others.  Then life got in the way.  I started my first job out of graduate school and started working 80+ hours a week.  I didn’t make time to do videos or blogs.  I stopped tweeting and blamed it on my crappy phone at the time.  I slipped further away from the person I truly liked being, one very happy and positive diabetic.  As I made excuses to friends and family, I started making excuses to myself.  I stopped living in the here and now and focused on my future career only.

When I dropped off the radar of the DOC, I started gaining weight again.  I ate fast food 5 days aweek and I always got the worse dietary option available!  I thought, “I have an insulin pump, I can have that ice cream/French fries/crappy extra value meal, I deserve it since Iwork so hard taking care of others.”  I stopped taking care of myself, physically and mentally as I disconnected from the DOC and anything that was not work related. Throughout this process of becoming someone I didn’t recognize anymore,there was one constant in my life other than my husband, it was Bill.  Bill was understanding and encouraging as I struggled with my crazy schedule.  He kept me in the loop on DOC happenings. He took care of the website and kept making videos.  All while he worked and had a new baby in the house! 

As Bill geared up for this launch and brought in the awesome new crew, I told Bill I didn’t have time, I didn’t want to let him down and I needed to just bow out.  He wouldn’t let me quit, he told me to do what I could do, that I needed to be part of it.  He was so wise in that moment, I don’t thinkhe even realized it.  In that moment, Iknew that it was time.  Time to get my priorities straight and reconnect with who I am and who I want to be.

With the relaunch of www.1happydiabetic.com, it has gotten me thinking about change and new beginnings.  I have decided that some things in my life have to change.  It is time for me to reconnect with my diabetic self and the DOC. It is time to look at my priorities and shake some things up!   I amso fortunate to have the wonderful people of the DOC as part of my life and itis time that I give back to the DOC. Keep checking in with us on the new, improved site as I share how to getmy diabetic groove back!