Strength in Understanding Yourself
Dear Faithful Companion,
When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, my initial reaction was a mix of shock and mostly self-blame. What did I do wrong? How did I let this happen? I saw it, and somewhat still do, as a personal failure—a sign that I had somehow mismanaged my health beyond repair. The word diabetic felt like a weight, something to be hidden, something that set me apart in a way I didn’t want to acknowledge. Even now, I struggle to fully grasp the reality of those words—"diagnosed with diabetes"—as they echo in my mind.
But in the months since, I’ve done my research. I’ve learned about what diabetes truly is—how it works, how it affects the body, and most importantly, how it can be managed. That ashamed feeling hasn’t disappeared entirely, and I still hesitate to talk about it openly, but I see things differently now. Diabetes isn’t a punishment. It’s not something that defines me or diminishes my strength. It’s a responsibility—a call to be more mindful, more disciplined, and more informed.
I have come so far in lowering my sugar levels, its a proud picture today.
I now consciously track my food intake, read labels carefully, and monitor how my body reacts to certain foods. Clean eating has become a daily priority. In situations where I have limited control over my meals, I make the best possible choices, declining options that could put me at risk. Fitness has also become a cornerstone of my routine—something not just important, but essential. Exercising almost daily isn’t just about staying in shape; it’s about ensuring that my lifestyle choices allow me to actively manage my blood sugar levels and overall well-being.
Looking back, there were signs—warnings I ignored out of fear of what they might mean. The writing was on the wall, but I chose to look away rather than face the battle ahead. I count myself fortunate to have questioned my medical team when I did. Catching it early meant that action could be taken before it spiraled further out of control. Even now, I am still coming to terms with what this diagnosis means for me long-term. There’s a part of me that struggles with the label, with the idea of being defined by a condition. But I know that the label itself is not what matters—it is how I choose to deal with it.
Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” I understand that better now than I ever have. To know myself is to recognize my strengths and accept my challenges. It is to understand my tendencies—both the disciplined and the reckless—and to shape my choices accordingly. It is to acknowledge the reality of my condition, not as a burden, but as a fact of my existence, one that requires adaptation and resilience. Through this understanding, I gain the wisdom to move forward, to grow, and to take control of my future with purpose.
Being diabetic will not conquer me. I will conquer it. If this is the path I must walk, then I will do so with discipline, determination, and a clear mind. My body may have changed, but my commitment to my well-being has only strengthened. My personal game plan is to reach a point where I control my diabetes through lifestyle alone, without the need for medication for years to come. Over the last six to eight months, I have made significant progress toward that goal, proving that with effort, knowledge, and consistency, it is possible. This challenge will not weaken me; it will refine me, tempering my will as iron in the fire. I refuse to be a passive participant in my own health—I will take the reins, stay the course, and reclaim full control over my body and my future.
Verbum Ultimum: A man who knows himself fears nothing—not the truth, not the future, and certainly not the journey ahead. I will not yield; I will endure, adapt, and overcome. True strength is not found in denial or avoidance but in facing reality with unwavering determination. Challenges do not define a man—his response to them does. Diabetes is not a sentence; it is simply another test of discipline, one that I will meet head-on.
Here’s to clean eating, steady sugar levels, and outrunning bad decisions—one healthy choice at a time
JCB
