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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.
  • Matcha/Tea I start my day with matcha because it helps me ease into the morning with calm focus. If I’m working, I love that I can grab a convenient matcha stick and whisk it quickly, gentle caffeine and a grounding ritual, even on busy mornings. It sets the tone for the day, helping me feel centered, energized, and ready to handle whatever comes my way.
  • Routine & Self-Care – I’m focusing on building routines 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.

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:

  1. Helping others navigate life with diabetes, especially parents of kids with T1D who are overwhelmed and feeling alone.
  2. 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:

  1. What do I want more of in my life?
    (Energy, peace, support, time for me…)
  2. What do I want less of?
    (Guilt, chaos, resentment, constant urgency…)
  3. 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.

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Type 1 Diabetes Parent Support Groups

Support groups for diabetes can be a game-changer when it comes to feeling connected and heard. Whether online or in-person, these groups offer a space where you can ask questions, share experiences, and receive emotional support. Finding a group that resonates with you can make a big difference. Knowing that others are facing similar struggles can be incredibly reassuring.  Sometimes, just talking to someone who gets it can be a huge relief.

The T1D Mom Makeover: A Supportive Community for You

Many moms dealing with T1D in their children put their own needs last, leading to burnout. That’s why I created the T1D Mom Makeover, an 8-week program designed to help moms work on their own self care while also improving diabetes management for their children.  Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been feeling alone in your diabetes group…I think all T1D moms can benefit from this program.

This program isn’t just about learning—it’s about connecting. Moms in the program support each other, share experiences, and learn practical ways to integrate self-care into their lives without guilt.  Each week we have a different guest speaker (who are ALL amazing) with different tips and different takeaways.   If you’ve been struggling to find a community that truly understands, this could be the space you’ve been looking for.

Finding the diabetes support group for YOU:

Finding a community that truly understands your day-to-day struggles can ease feelings of loneliness and help you gain valuable insights from other parents.  Not all support looks the same, and different people need different kinds of connection. Some may prefer in-person meetups, while others prefer online communities. The key is finding a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood. 

Remember that T1D moms, like all people are unique.  We have different personalities, experiences, and approaches to parenting. Just as we don’t instantly connect with everyone in our daily lives, the same applies to the diabetes community. Some support groups or connections may feel like a perfect fit, while others might not resonate as much—and that’s okay. If you are wondering if mine is the right fit for you find me on instagram here and get to know me better!  

Finding the right support system isn’t about forcing relationships but about discovering the people who truly understand and uplift you. It’s important to give yourself permission to seek out the spaces where you feel seen, heard, and valued, rather than feeling obligated to fit into every group.

For me starting a business connecting other moms has been therapeutic.  I actually did this when my kids were younger as well prior to diabetes.  Back in Airdrie I opened “The Creative Castle”  and had parented preschool classes for moms to bring their kids to connect with one another.    Connection is KEY!  Even when you feel you are the only one going through a struggle…I promise you are not!

You are doing an incredible job. If you’re ready to take the next step in building your support network, start by reaching out, joining a group, or simply sharing your experiences with someone who understands. The more we lift each other up, the stronger we all become.

Resources to Build Your Network:

  • Attend Diabetes Events – Conferences, fundraising walks, and diabetes camps are great places to meet other T1D families. JDRF walks,  I Challenge Diabetes, Kids n Us, Friends for Life.
  • Social Media Groups – Following T1D influencers and community pages on Instagram and Facebook can help you find people who share similar experiences.
  • My favorite group for info on Canada is Parents of Type 1 Diabetics-Canada
  • School and Community Connections – If your child’s school has other students with T1D, connecting with their parents can create a local support network.
  • Breakthrough (Formerly JDRF)  T1D Peer Support
  • Online Communities – Facebook groups provide forums where parents can connect, share stories, and seek advice.

Local Support Groups – Many hospitals and diabetes organizations host support groups for parents of children with T1D. Check with your child’s endocrinologist or diabetes educator for recommendations.

Remember you are not alone,

Lana💙

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Rewriting my Diabetes Story – Part 2

Last week, I shared part 1. The moment we received those words life as we knew it changed.  Sharing the struggles, challenges, emotions I hope helps others feel not alone.

Now, I want to turn my focus to what happened AFTER my stress leave.

Atter Stress Leave:

I remember a conversation with my doctor that I was thinking of quitting being a nurse. At that time it had been 22 years and it was painful to think about “not being a nurse”.  At the same time I felt it hard to juggle both…being available when needed for kids while at school and worrying about making mistakes nursing while I knew my thoughts and focus would be on the kids.

Eventually I made a decision Inwas well enough to work but just knew I didnt want to return to fulltime and didnt want to go through the stress of fighting for an accommodation. So I quit and went casual. 

I got a position at our city’s diabetes clinic thinking this is what I really wanted.

And then it wasnt.

I loved chatting with parents about diabetes but I felt rushed to make important decisions for insulin adjustments.

Adjusting other peoples insulin was stressful. It is not easy and is complex. I need to really understand the reasons behind the highs and lows and study clarity before I make decisions with my kids. 

Some changes are easier but that has come with KNOWING my kids and their patterns.

I couldn’t  get everything done in 30 minutes and feel confident sending them off. I would have loved to just been able to phone them the next day to see how changes worked out but that wasn’t allowed.

There just wasnt the time.

The way it was run it was rare to see the same family and it was just random for who saw them next. 

One day in orientation I was nudged I needed to get back to the checklist of asking about eye appointments/dental exams when someone was sharing their emotional struggles. We only had 30 minutes. I was so annoyed and just felt it was not the place for me.

I also found it hard to not be able to share little tips/tricks that work for my kids if they were different than the guidelines we were supposed to teach by.

Helpful tools I recommend is the book Sugar Surfing and the Juice box podcast. I also recommend to get counselling. At diagnoses we get a crash course in diabetes but we caregivers also need support for US. For how to deal with all the difficult emotions like fear, grief and feeling helpless with a 24/7 chronic disease that is complex and unpredictable.

So Instead, I decided I wanted to create a support group for T1D moms.

My goal is to help others connect, share their experiences, and truly know they’re not alone in navigating the challenges of managing diabetes.   I had the idea of
“Doing Diabetes Different”  soon after quitting that job.  Just like anything if something is not working dont keep repeating it.  Try something different and try to not stay stuck.

Then I started The T1D Mom Makeover.  A program for moms that want to make improvements.  To their own struggles and or for their kids diabetes.  

Registration for Round 3 is open NOW! Click HERE for details.

I want us moms to be ok and I want our kids to be ok.  If you need support please reach out. My email is doingdiabetesdifferent@gmail.com.

Lessons I’m Embracing

1. Some is better than none. I am working on my perfectionist tendencies. I dont want to only focus on diabetes. My kids have other parts of their lives that are also important. My goal is to meet targets for time in range and A1C. Consistency beats perfection every time.

2. Community is important for support and accountability. Surrounding myself with people who understand my journey and “get it” has been a game-changer. I’ve learned that I don’t have to do this alone.

3. Don’t procrastinate on what matters. Putting off important things only adds to the stress when they become urgent. I’m learning to tackle what’s important sooner rather than later. 

4. My health matters. With my kids having type 1 diabetes it has become part of my mission to prevent type 2 diabetes for myself. They dont have a choice…I do. It is not easy but I am trying to change habits that are not serving me and replace them with habits that make me feel healthy and strong.

Moving Forward

Living in the present isn’t always easy, especially when there’s so much to juggle. But I’m learning that being here—fully present—is the only way to create the life I want for myself and my family.

Next week, I’ll share Part 3 of this series, where I will talk more about creating a vision for the future. Because rewriting our story doesn’t stop at today—it’s about imagining the future and where you hope to be.  Having a map as a guide for what I need to do now to get me to where I want to go.