Doing Diabetes Different

September 2, 2025

Doing Diabetes Different: Finding Joy and Reducing Stress

This summer has been one of the most challenging yet when it comes to managing diabetes. My son had a seizure at Disney, a traumatic experience that shook me to my core and reminded me just how unpredictable life with Type 1 can be.

On top of that, my daughter has struggled since going back to injections after using her pump. Her numbers haven’t been great, and it’s been a stressful adjustment for all of us.

Through it all, I’ve been reminded of something important: we can choose how we respond. My daughter has decided she is willing to try something new, and that mindset has been inspiring. I’ve reached out to our clinic about trying Omnipod and looping to help make her diabetes management smoother. Change isn’t always easy, but it opens the door to solutions we might not have considered before.

Starting today September 1st, I’m embracing a renewed mindset. This isn’t about perfection, its about intentionally creating space for joy, reducing stress, and focusing on what matters most: our family, our health, and our energy. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. With patience, planning, and a willingness to try something different, things eventually turn around.

That constant mental load has made me rethink what I want from my work life. I’m feeling genuinely excited about a new opportunity that allows me to travel more and earn income from home. The idea of flexibility, freedom, and being able to show up fully for my family and my health is incredibly energizing. I wont quit nursing but am looking forward to being casual again.

“Doing diabetes different” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a commitment to approach each day with curiosity, creativity, and compassion for ourselves and our kids. It’s about celebrating the wins, learning from the challenges, and remembering that even after tough seasons, brighter days are ahead.

This September, we’re stepping forward with hope, determination, and a little more joy in our journey with diabetes.

5 Ways to Bring More Joy and Reduce Stress

Celebrate Small Wins – Even a day of your kiddo remembering to bolus, a full night sleep, knowing that someone from school is helping to care for your child. Every little win adds up.
Try Something New – Whether it’s a new device, app, or routine, be open to experimenting. Doing the same thing over and over if it is not working is so frustrating. New strategies can reduce stress and improve control. Or bring back something that had worked before. For us we used to be diligent with looking at Clarity. I plan to bring back my scheduled time once a week to analyze.
Simplify Where You Can – Focus on the essentials, not perfection. Making similar meals week to week, decluttering your house. An organized cabinet of diabetes supplies brings me joy! Little things can bring joy!
Traveling – Travel creates joy by opening our minds to new experiences, cultures, and perspectives. It breaks the routine of daily life and replaces it with adventure, discovery, and connection. Whether it’s tasting new foods, meeting people from different backgrounds, or simply witnessing the beauty of a new landscape, travel sparks a sense of wonder and appreciation. I am planning a lot more travel through my new travel club. If you want to check it out you can take a peak HERE and get savings for 2 nights at a hotel.
Plan for Support – Reach out to your clinic, join community groups, or lean on friends/family. Having a support system reduces pressure and gives you space to breathe. (Our next monthly meet up is September 30, 2025…Click HERE to join…hope you can come!)

💡 Takeaway: Diabetes will always have its challenges, but how we respond is a choice. By trying new strategies, celebrating wins, and creating space for joy, we can transform stress into empowerment—and approach each day with hope.

August 5, 2025

Navigating Anxiety and Needle Phobia for kids with Type 1 Diabetes

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for a child and even adults can present unique challenges of frequent needles. Even the word needle can evoke feelings of fear, anxiety, and even panic. As a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to provide compassionate support and guidance to help your child navigate their emotions and manage their condition with confidence and resilience. In this blog post, I will share some strategies and ideas for addressing anxiety and needle phobia in children with type 1 diabetes.

Understanding Anxiety and Needle Phobia

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats, but for some children, the fear of needles can become overwhelming and paralyzing. Needle phobia can manifest as intense fear, avoidance behaviors, and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness.

One thing we were told when my son was diagnosed with type 1 was “Insulin is not an option”. There may be some other things that we may be more flexible about. But from the beginning diabetes needed to be structured in a way that it was not a choice. They needed to check their blood sugar and do their insulin.

Insulin injections are a necessary part of diabetes management, and avoiding or delaying them can lead to serious health complications.

My daughter’s experience with needle phobia

My daughter is a prime example of someone who has had and overcome needle fears. Before being diagnosed with diabetes I remember her reaction to a vaccination when she was 4 years old. It was horrible. So much crying, she was petrified. After it was over she even threw up.

She was diagnosed in our house at about 2am. Her older brother had type 1 diabetes so we were keeping an eye on her. One night she had her milk before bed and said “Mom, I am still thirsty”. My heart sank and I knew that I needed to check her blood sugar.

She was so terrified of needles so I decided to leave it at that moment. I waited until she was asleep and did a finger poke on her. It read 19 mmol/L. I thought shoot that must be a mistake. I will wash her finger better. Second test and it was the same.

The next morning we went to the Childrens Hospital and had all of the things done to confirm her type 1 diabetes diagnosis. We caught it early so did not need to stay in the hospital. Knowing how much she was scared of needles I asked if there was any sort of counsellor/psychologist that could help her. We were lucky and the psychologist had time to meet with us. We practiced some breathing exercises before the blood work and she came with us. It was still very traumatic and there was about 5 of us in the room and needed to hold her down.

That day of diagnosis we were given this magic pinwheel. It was part of our routine for needles and always seemed to help a bit. By visually blowing she would take some deep breaths instead of holding her breath.

Compassionate Support Strategies

Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment for your child to express their fears and concerns openly. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about needles and diabetes without judgment or criticism. Listen actively and validate their emotions, letting them know that it’s okay to feel scared and that you’re there to support them every step of the way.
Education and Empowerment: Knowledge is power, so empower your child with information about their condition and treatment. Explain the importance of insulin injections in managing diabetes and the positive impact they have on their health and well-being. Use age-appropriate language and visual aids to help them understand the process and feel more in control of their care.
Gradual Exposure: Gradually introduce your child to needles and medical procedures in a controlled and supportive manner. Start by showing them the equipment used for insulin injections and allowing them to handle it without pressure. Gradually progress to practicing injection techniques on a soft surface, such as a stuffed animal or cushion, before attempting it on themselves.
Distraction and Relaxation Techniques: Help your child develop coping strategies to manage their anxiety during needle procedures. Encourage deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation to promote relaxation and reduce tension. Provide distractions such as music, games, or storytelling to shift their focus away from the needle and onto something positive and enjoyable.
Positive Reinforcement and Rewards: Celebrate your child’s bravery and resilience with praise, encouragement, and rewards for facing their fears and successfully completing needle procedures. One option is to create a reward system with incentives that motivate and inspire them, such as stickers, small toys, or special outings.

Seeking Professional Support

If your child’s anxiety and needle phobia significantly impact their ability to manage their diabetes or participate in medical care, consider seeking professional support from a mental health therapist or counselor specializing in pediatric anxiety disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are evidence-based treatments that can help children gradually overcome their fear of needles and develop healthy coping skills for managing anxiety. We personally tried a couple of session of “ART” therapy.

Closing Thoughts

Living with type 1 diabetes requires courage, resilience, and support. As a parent it is so hard to see our children upset. There were times that it brought me to tears and we would cry together. Looking back I wish I had seeked more support earlier on to make it a bit less traumatizing for us both. Navigating the challenges of needles phobias is difficult and needs compassion for both the child and the caregiver. It is normal for kids and adults to be anxious about getting a needle. Remember that you’re not alone on this journey – reach out to healthcare providers, support groups, and online communities for guidance, encouragement. There are always seeming to be new inventions that may help. If something you are doing is not working try something different!

July 14, 2025

Rewriting My Story: Part 3

Creating a Vision for the Life I Want

So I wrote part 1 and part 2 and then I froze, procrastinated and was unsure of what I wanted to do for Part 3. I knew it was going to be about the future…but I could not make the decision of what was going to be the future.

Part 1 was about the beginning when we first had Type 1 Diabetes come into our lives.

Part 2 was about the present (a few months ago) and this one is about the future.

There was a time when I was just trying to make it through the day. I didn’t have space or energy to think about a bigger picture—I was reacting, surviving, and doing what needed to be done.

But over time, I realized I didn’t want to just “survive” anymore. I wanted to create a life that felt aligned with who I am now. Not the version of me from 10 years ago. Not the nurse who worked full time. Not the mom trying to hold everything together at the cost of herself. Not the mom that felt so much guilt and so much anxiety over trying to manage diabetes for her kids.

I have found my new favourite podcast and want to share my favourite episode with you. Listen to “Don’t Break Promises to Yourself” the Calm and Confident podcast by Trina Gray. I am also in a mentorship group with her and have learned so much from her!

Creating My Vision: What That Really Means

When I say “vision,” What do I mean?

A clear sense of what truly matters, and how I want to feel while I’m living it.

I want to feel peace, not panic.
I want presence with my kids, not perfection in their numbers.
I want connection with my husband, not separation
I want to support other moms, without burning myself out.
I want movement, growth, and rest—in balance.
I want to live aligned with who I am today, not just who I used to be
I want freedom to have flexibility in my work and not burn myself out.

To help me stay grounded, I’ve started thinking in terms of a simple map. Not rules. Not checklists. Just guideposts.

Here’s what mine looks like right now:

How I want to feel every day:
Calm. Energized. Happy. Connected. Confident

How I want to show up as a mom:
Present over perfect. A safe space. A role model for self care and to help them with their own struggles of growing up and becoming independent.

How I want to show up as a wife:
I want to be intentional with affection, appreciation, and not letting stress overwhelm us.

How I want to impact others:
By helping others dealing with either diabetes or mental health struggles feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Tools That Help Me Stay Aligned

Daily Movement – I’ve been consistent with my workouts using the Bodi platform, and that structure helps anchor my days. When I move my body I feel less anxiety.
Mindful Nutrition – I’m actively working through my challenges. I am a stress eater and have struggled with just wanting to “eat it all” – especially sweets. It’s a process, and I’m being gentle with myself while also staying committed.
Quiet Mornings – I try to journal every day, even just a few minutes. I’ve found that being the first one up in the house gives me the quiet space I need to breathe, reflect, and start the day with intention. That time has become something I truly value.
Routine & Self-Care – I’m focusing on building a routine that supports me physically, mentally, and spiritually—not just in survival mode, but in real, sustainable care.
Supportive Community – Surrounding myself with people who get it has been huge. Other T1D moms who understand the emotional weight of this journey, and other moms in business who are walking their own path of growth and purpose. I don’t feel alone in it—and that’s everything.
Supplement Help– One of the ways I will be supporting my mental clarity and mood is by being intentional with remembering my daily supplements. I’ve re-added Happy Juice to my daily routine—Working on the health of my nervous system to not be as reactive and to feel calmer. It’s not a fix-all, but it’s one more way I can support my body and brain as I navigate the daily stressors of life, motherhood, and diabetes care. Find the details for HAPPY JUICE HERE

A Vision for the Future That may Evolve (And thats’ OK!)

One important thing I’ve learned: my vision can change—and that’s a good thing.

I no longer judge myself for outgrowing things I once wanted. Like when I thought the diabetes clinic job was my dream, only to realize it wasn’t the right fit. That wasn’t failure—it was information. It was redirection. It was part of the rewrite. Vision isn’t a one-time thing—it’s something you revisit and reshape as life changes, as you change. We can change our minds!

Right now, I’m working as a nurse in transition services. It’s a temporary role, and when that ends, I’ll go casual unless there is another part time position that comes up.. That’s what works for me in this season. I’ve come to fully accept that full-time nursing doesn’t fit the version of life I want or need today—and I no longer feel guilty about that.

With working part time I can create space for other things that interest me with out feeling burnt out.

And two things keep pulling at my heart:

Helping others navigate life with diabetes, especially parents of kids with T1D who are overwhelmed and feeling alone.
Supporting those struggling with their mental health, because I’ve been there—and I know how much of a difference it makes to feel seen and supported. I also know that for adults living with diabetes this is a lacking resource in the health system depending where you are.

I have been a nurse for 25 years now and it is a part of who I am. I want to be able to integrate my own lived experiences to help others. The things that have happened to me have shaped my identity, my passion, and my purpose. Last year I completed my holistic nurse coaching and consulting certificate. Holistic nurse coaching is about supporting the whole person—not just physical health, but also your mindset, emotions, and everyday stress. I see myself doing this sometime in the future…but not sure when.

My goal is to help people find practical ways to feel better, cope with burnout, and create routines that actually work in real life. It’s not about fixing you—it’s about walking with you, helping you feel more balanced, and giving you space to focus on what really matters. At the moment I need to still work on my own mental wellness and make sure I am filling my cup and not burning out.

Years ago, I was involved with a mental wellness company that helped people work on their mental wellness, nervous system and had products that focused on the gut/brain axis. If their are others feeling the way I did several years ago they need to know there is hope to feeling better. I had been at my rock bottom before joining the company and it helped give me tools to fight back!

So no, I don’t have it all figured out. But I’m okay with that. Because I know what matters to me. I know the kind of impact I want to have. And I trust that by listening to that, I’m rewriting my story in the most meaningful way possible. Even if it means I may pivot again in the future!

A Simple Vision Exercise (For You reading this!)

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, try this:

Vision Check-In Prompt:

Grab a notebook and answer these three questions honestly:

What do I want more of in my life?
(Energy, peace, support, time for me…)
What do I want less of?
(Guilt, chaos, resentment, constant urgency…)
What’s one small step I can take this week to support that vision?
(A 10-minute walk, asking for help, saying no, journaling before bed…)

Rewriting my Story: Choosing HOPE over FEAR.

Rewriting our story doesn’t mean we pretend the hard parts didn’t happen. It means we acknowledge them, own them, and carry forward the wisdom they gave us. It means holding space for the truth of our pain and the possibility of healing. It’s about believing that the next chapter doesn’t have to be shaped by fear, exhaustion, or survival—but by hope, choice, and clarity.

Another piece I’m holding onto? Hope. This was my “Word for 2022” I am bringing it back for 2025 as I feel hopeful for the future. Even when things felt impossible and I was at the bottom I still held out hope that things would get better. And they did. Right now I have been struggling more. I have been more anxious, I have slammed some doors and I have been moody. I know that things will improve…I just need to reset and keep working on things!

I am also holding on to hope for my kids’ future. Hope that their lives with type 1 diabetes will give them strength. Hope for a cure. I carry that hope with the love of being a mama bear and will always do my best to protect them and to love them unconditionally. Our story with diabetes is part of us—but it doesn’t define us and there is so much more to our lives. This is what rewriting my story looks like right now: choosing to be intentional in how I live, love, and lead… even when the road is bumpy and imperfect.