tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28899896453108120532011-07-29T00:21:50.228-07:00Heather Nielsen Clutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06907236176124577874noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889989645310812053.post-59811821185872512452010-06-04T17:31:00.000-07:002010-06-04T17:49:01.566-07:00Freedom! We all want it. It's an American value, right? As you transition away from childhood, there are undoubtedly many ways you have already become more independent than you were a few years ago. Maybe you now drive a car; stay out with your friends past 8 PM; choose your own food, friends, festivities, etc. Freedom can be fabulous!<div><br /></div><div>In relationship to your diabetes, how "free" do you feel? How "free" do you want to be? What does this even mean to you? </div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I used to wish to be free of the whole package of diabetes. Don't you sometimes? I longed for a life free from the constant monitoring, constant carb counting, constant planning, constant, constant....diabetes! When I heard psychologist Dr. Richard Rubin report that those of us with type 1 diabetes have to take diabetes-related actions or have a diabetes-related thought every 15 minutes we are awake, I felt validated in my exhaustion! I realized I am not just imagining this constant work!</div><div><br /></div><div>But now, after over 13 years with type 1 diabetes, I've refocused my mental and emotional efforts. I've realized that longing to be "free from diabetes" is a waste of time. Pretending I don't have it is self-destructive. Acting as if I am invincible is foolish. Guess I will take responsibility and do the best I can. And actually, it feels a lot better (and more "free") to take control of my own diabetes. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are creating the HOPE Transitions program through Gales Creek Camp to help you do the same thing as you leave childhood (and leave the age at which you can come to camp in the summer and let diabetes be the responsibility of the staff!). HOPE to us in this program stands for: </div><div><br /></div><div> Healthy, Optimistic, Practical Empowerment. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is a lot different being on your own and having to take full responsibility for your diabetes-related thoughts and actions. It may take some time to learn how to be a truly independent self-manager. We are here to help, as a guide by your side, or a diabetes coach if you want one. </div><div><br /></div><div>We totally believe you can do it! We are here to provide HOPE so that you have FREEDOM - freedom from diabetes, even while you still live with it. The key to this freedom is your self-management. Most freedom comes at a cost - think about it. If you drive responsibly and follow the traffic laws, you earn the freedom to keep your license; you break the laws by speeding, drinking and driving or driving in other dangerous, irresponsible ways - you could lose the freedom to drive. There are innumerable examples from real life of this analogy! </div><div><br /></div><div>The better you problem-solve your own diabetes, the better you take care of yourself, the more freedom you have. In this breath (in...out....in...out) you still have diabetes, yes, but you are free to live a unique and amazing life!! Choose to be healthy, and focus on what is good in your life (vs. hating your diabetes, resenting the responsibilities, etc) and here you will find the real freedom. </div><div><br /></div><div>GOOD LUCK. I know you can live a great life, despite diabetes (or even because of it!). </div><div><br /></div><div>Please comment, email me, or show up at one of our Transitions events throughout the year. </div><div><br /></div><div>I look forward to supporting you in your Freedom, with all the HOPE I have! </div><div><br /></div><div>Be well,</div><div><br /></div><div>Heather Nielsen Clute</div><div>Transitions Specialist</div><div>Gales Creek Camp</div><div><br /></div><div>heather@galescreekcamp.org </div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2889989645310812053-5981182118587251245?l=galescreektransitions.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather Nielsen Clutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06907236176124577874noreply@blogger.com1