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.
Doing Diabetes Different 