I’m a big fan of a positive approach – to life, to living with diabetes, whatever.
I do, however, acknowledge that living with a chronic condition is not always easy or fun. Many people have a very hard time managing diabetes for a variety of reasons. So I must admit that sometimes I feel a little guilty about always being positive or putting a positive spin on diabetes topics. But then I don’t want to get bogged down in negative thoughts, so I say, “forget it, I’m just going to continue being positive.”
I even heard someone once say, “If you are doing well with your diabetes, that’s great, but keep it to yourself.” WOW! I have to say I felt negative about that statement for a few minutes (and a few more minutes every time I remember it). But I can’t keep a positive attitude to myself because I feel it’s my job to spread the message that being positive makes people happier, healthier and leads to more quality of life (and potentially longer life).
Anyway, I came across an article that basically says people don’t have to be optimistic, but that if they exhibit traits of optimism, they will be more likely to adopt healthy behaviors. How cool is that? So people who want to can keep being grumpy, and if they focus on happy-people skills, they can still make healthier food choices, exercise more, quit smoking, etc.
Some examples of these skills include consciously choosing what you do or eat and channeling frustrations into healthier activities. It really goes back to slowing down and being mindful – being aware of ourselves and our choices. Sounds easy, but definitely takes practice (and self-forgiveness)!
