The Importance of Listening – D Blessings Week Day 1

Today is the first day of Diabetes Blessings Week – a week in which we count the blessings that have come to our lives because of diabetes.

One of the many things of which living with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure has reminded me is the importance of listening.  I’m not talking about listening when talking to people, which is incredibly important, but rather listening to my body.  And understanding what it’s trying to tell me.  And doing something about it.

Like listening to my body when it’s begging for water.  Could be a sign that my blood glucose is too high.

Or listening to my body when my head is hurting, I’m unable to concentrate, and irritable.  Could be a sign that I’m high or going low.

And listening when my chest is hurting and my heart is racing.  Is it an acid reflux flare-up or am I having a heart attack?

Or listening to my body when it’s screaming for me to slow down and take it easy for a while.    Should I really have committed to doing this or that?  Did I really have to go that extra mile on the treadmill?  My ankle sure didn’t think so.

Ultimately, because of my diagnoses, I pay more attention to my own needs now, rather than simply ignore them.  And that’s OK.  We have to listen to our bodies and take care of ourselves if we hope to be able to be there for others.

Listen. And be Blessed!