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Do you ever feel upset at your body with diabetes? It took me many years to comprehended how much anger I had directed towards my body. There was always a part of me that felt as though my body betrayed me for having type one diabetes. After all, type one diabetes happened when my immune system attacked itself so how could not feel a separation from my body!? Now it seems like such an obvious block but when I discovered this was the root of so much of my discontentment I was shocked. Below are the 3 steps I have used (and repeated!) in order to rebalance the relationship with my body.
Journal Prompt
How do you currently feel about your body?
For this journal prompt free write for ten minutes. Just let it flow without correcting anything and don’t read it once you are finished. Once you are complete you can either tear it up and throw it out OR (safely) burn it away.
Body Gratitude List
Your body is an intricate network that needs to perfectly align for you to survive. As someone with diabetes your pancreas does not work properly (even thought the pancreas does other tasks!). Not having a pancreas that works can obviously feel extremely frustrating. However, there are so many other elements in your body that are working consistently. Write a list of things your body does RIGHT, often seamlessly without you knowing. After your list of body gratitudes expand on 1-2 of them. What do those elements allow you to express in your life? For example, I love long walks so I am grateful for my legs (and knees) that allow me to go on those walks. Get detailed, sit back, and reflect on your gratitude!
Breath Work
Breathing seems extremely basic- we have been breathing for our entire lives! However, intentional breathing combined with a mantra takes your breath to the next level. This is also the perfect time to exist in the moment and reset. Breathe in for 5 seconds and silently say these words: “Thank you body.” Breathe out and say: “For allowing me to enjoy life.” Repeat this exercise 5 times.
Remember, accepting your body with type one diabetes in a process. You will not feel about your body the same way everyday especially as your blood sugar is a dynamic force. Living in your body is an constant and I am proud of you for working on this very important relationship.