In December 2022, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) which is a slow-progressing form of autoimmune diabetes. Much like Type 1 diabetes it requires a great deal of attention and care. My sugar levels have been like trying to tame a wild animal – they can be too high in one moment and in the next moment too low, which then requires that I eat 15 grams of carbs immediately to prevent myself from losing consciousness. It has been a pretty scary world!
Through all of this, I have held close to my faith in God, knowing that he will give me the energy and the knowledge to pull myself up when I’m down. It’s a horrible condition that unfortunately requires a lot of attention, especially when trying to figure out an insulin regimen that responds to your new condition.
Today, I want to celebrate women who battle such illnesses, both physical and mental, but still manage to find the passion, joy, and love for life to make their dreams a reality. Their story is our story; my story, is your story. Women are super powerful with many superpowers!
I’ve learned and would like to share five of my superpowers that keep me moving and motivated to do the work God created me to do:
SuperPower #1: Look for the good. In a world with so many challenges it can be difficult to stay positive and motivated. Looking for the good each day allows me to see all the great things that are happening around me. When I look for the good, I find that it grows and invites more good things into my world.
SuperPower #2: Be okay with letting go of Negative People, even if it’s your own family members. Many of us are loyal to toxic people. We know that they bring us stress and anxiety, yet we continue to allow them to destroy our world. I’ve given myself permission to let go of negative people who make me feel uncomfortable or unhappy. Toxic people usually focus on negative things and will therefore only bring negativity into your life. If we only have a certain amount of time on this earth, why live it being angry or upset? Give yourself permission to live your best life NOW!
SuperPower #3: Enjoy Nature. I’ve had my puppy, Grace, for a little over a year now and she loves going on walks. I hated walks because I was always thinking of all the things I could be doing. One day, I decided to look up and noticed my beautiful surroundings. We lived by a lake with beautiful trees, water fountain, and ducks that swam underneath a small bridge. When I allowed myself to enjoy it, it felt calming and relaxed. I now call it my walk with God.
SuperPower #4: Don’t take it personally. This has been huge superpower for me! When people do or say something that hurts, there intention is not always to hurt you. Sometimes we think that people know our triggers and are just waiting for the chance to upset us. This is not true. I had to learn to question myself and why I was feeling hurt, angry, or disregarded. When we take things personally, it could be because we believe what’s being said. Always check yourself, before you wreck yourself.
SuperPower #5: And finally, Knowing nothing is impossible for God. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you can always find ways to be closer to him. Because of my relationship, I can adapt to things a lot better because I know he’s right there guiding me through my struggles. I know that he gives me these struggles to keep me in close relationship with him. Nothing is impossible for our God!
As we celebrate International Women’s Day – I ask you: What are your Superpowers?