Motivation that lasts

1

I’m trying to improve the management of my diabetes. I will get highly motivated and have GREAT days, sometimes even a week. I think that I have FINALLY figured things out.

Then I have unexplained highs or I make some not so smart diet choices or just not being attentive enough (i.e. measuring only 2-4 times a day instead of 8-12).

A few bad blood sugar readings get me starting to feel indifferent again.

Then I try AGAIN to feel motivated. But after repeating this cycle so many times, I am longing for a motivation that lasts.

Any tips? How do you stay motivated to take care of yourself?

2

I just had twins…

I have a picture of them on my desk in my office and another in my testing kit, I’ve even taped one to the back of my pump.

I take a look at it, realize I want to be there for them when they get older, and therefore I test more and try to eat properly.

3

Congrats on the twins Cynthia :slight_smile:

I like that idea! I’m trying to get my A1c down for pregnancy… so that is a great motivating factor. Maybe I could borrow a picture of your twins :wink: until I have my own to look at…

I think a picture of my husband might suffice for now!

4

Well girly… I just don’t know. I am kind of with you on that same situation. When I have god numbers, I really watch what I eat and do great. But bad numbers make me kind of feel like giving up for that day and starting fresh the next day. Pretty bad huh? So, Kristen, I will be following your post in hopes of some tips also =]

5

Thank you!

any picture will do, before them, was an ultrasound, before that was my target A1C planted everywhere until I reached it.

6

I have the same thing Christina-- bad numbers make me want to eat junk because I figure the day is already lost anyway.

Somehow I need to try to stay on the virtuous cycle of good numbers and high motivation!

7

I’m not diabetic, but my daughter (age 6) is, and I struggle with this so much. For the most part, we (my husband and I) have a really tight routine that we stick to every day. However, it is sometimes hard to not to let things slide a little. For example, allowing Lexi’s blood sugar to be a little higher than it should be so that we can all sleep all night long or allowing too many treats or…I know that I feel constantly guilty because I should’ve or could’ve or…

My daughter has been diabetic for about 2 1/2 years, and I have tried to be the best mom that I can. I have to regularly push myself to learn more and be meticulous about record-keeping and giving shots and everything else that comes with diabetes. I have also had to start regularly telling myself that I’m only human and can have a rough day.

I know how difficult it has been for me to learn about Type 1 and the proper care of my daughter, I cannot imagine doing it while also being the one with diabetes. I am so proud and impressed with my daughter’s perseverance and strength that I use that as my motivation to keep doing my best.

Motivation for other things in my life is a lot more difficult. We all do things (every single day) that we know are not the “best” choices. We need to cut ourselves a break (lose those guilty feelings) without throwing ourselves completely off track. Good support persons, stress management, taking time to pamper oneself in other areas of life (massage, salon visits, coffee out with friends, hot baths) is really important for me to push myself in other areas that are more difficult.

Good luck!

8

This might sound cheesy, but I draw daily inspiration and motivation from all of you on this site. And I mean daily, meaning that I don’t have a “lasting” motivation, but a renewed motivation every morning I log in. I look at the faces, I read the blogs, I help where I can, and I draw strength from the inside knowing that we are all in this together.

You know Kristin, I don’t think you need motivation as much as you need to break the cycle of “a few bad blood sugars” causing you to “feel indifferent again.”

Don’t let a few or even a thousand bad readings knock you down…and you’ll never have to pick yourself up. Believe me, I know, easier said than done. My last A1C had me cursing and spitting like a rabid dog for days…but luckily I’m over it. I try not to let my perfect days get me too happy or my bad ones get me too down…it’s all just a part of this marathon, and I’ve still got many many miles to go.

Gotta move on…just keep swimming…just keep swimming…just keep swimming…

9

Your post made me smile Dino =]

10

Well said Dino.

This community got me to manage my diabetes in the first place. So I agree completely. This place is my fountain of strength to keep on going.

I think that you are right about the need to separate the emotions and the blood sugar reading as much as possible. I will try to treat them as facts that need to be interpreted.

I do data analysis and research as my full time job. I don’t get upset about the data very often there :slight_smile:

11

Me too Kristin. This site was my turning point and the cornerstone in my diabetes management. And, in all honesty, your profile picture is one of the most familiar and comforting images that I see everyday since I arrived here over a year ago. You’re the best Kristin!

12

Thanks Dino!

I’m glad that you are here too :slight_smile: Actually you are one of the few members that my husband knows by name. You always make awesome contributions that I need to share :slight_smile:

Your comment shall be my source of motivation for today! Day by day…