Why I'm Glad I Have Diabetes
Kathy Carlton Willis enjoys
running Living Out Loud
Communications and
Manuscript Editorial Services,
which encompasses all things
related to her freelance
writing, editing, mentoring,
speaking, and singing. A
variety of columns and book
reviews bearing her byline
appear online and in print
publications. You may contact
Kathy at WillisWay@aol.com.
I started the New Year with a new diagnosis: Diabetes.
This means I have no choice but to learn a new way of
life. It encompasses healthy eating, exercise, finger
pricks for blood glucose readings, reducing stress and
more. I find it interesting that 3 of these 4 life changes
are often New Year's goals for normal adults. We all
know it is best if we eat less, move more, and
de-stress. This is not to say that people can avoid
diabetes if they are living a healthy way of life, but just
think how much further ahead I would be if I was
already on that healthful path!

I believe in embracing all things with gratitude, even if it
starts out as an exercise rather than an overwhelming
feeling. Sometimes the discipline of counting my
blessings even when I don't feel like it helps me have a
more positive approach. The new-and-improved outlook
helps me accept the inevitable without rebelliously
digging my feet into the ground.

Perhaps today's gratitude list of "Why I'm Glad I Have
Diabetes" will inspire your own gratitude list for the New Year.
Pick something unpleasant about the New Year and make it
more bearable by finding the good in it.
  • 1. A diabetic diet is a healthy way of eating.
  • 2. I will lose the weight I've needed to lose the past 4 years.
  • 3. I will heal better after procedures and surgeries when my blood glucose levels are
    under control.
  • 4. I'm less tempted to eat outside of my meal plan because I HAVE a plan.
  • 5. I will be more understanding of what other diabetics are going through.
  • 6. By catching it early, I avoid or delay some of the long-term affects of the disease.
  • 7. I will become physically fit as I follow a disciplined exercise plan.
  • 8. I'm allowed to eat a variety of foods all within my appetites and cravings.
  • 9. I will save money on groceries and restaurant bills as my portion sizes decrease.
  • 10. When my body reaches a healthier status I will feel better, which will then  affect my
    spiritual and emotional health as well.

When asked how to eat an elephant, the reply was “One bite at a time.” This is also the best
advice for dealing with any problem — just take it one bite at a time. Ask God to help you
overcome one seemingly insurmountable problem this year. Allow Him to help you to view the
problem from a different perspective. Break down the issues, one bite at a time. You can
swallow anything if the bites are small enough. Before you know it, you will have victory over
your trial. Start with the right attitude, and entrust the circumstance to God. He will give you
the sufficient grace to cope with any of Life’s many unpleasant situations. And in the end, that
gratitude list might evolve from an exercise to abundant joy.
By:Kathy Carlton Willis
18th Edition Feb 2007