| Rearranging and Strengthening Priorities During Troubled Times | | Print | |
| Monday, 01 December 2008 | |
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TCOYD Newsletter, Vol. 27, 2008 There is no question that we are living in challenging times. In addition to the current conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and the Middle East, we are facing one of the most serious economic crises since the great depression. I do not think there are too many people in our country who are not affected financially in one way or another.For some, it is mainly that their investment accounts have been hit hard and if retirement is not near and they ignore the monthly statements, weathering the storm may be relatively painless. However, a growing number of Americans are facing mortgage problems, unemployment, loss of heath insurance and the inability to properly care for themselves and support their loved ones. No matter what your financial situation, now is the time to rearrange and strengthen your priorities. Two of my five personal theories on life are that things are meant to be and that things work out for the best. As individuals we have little influence over our country’s national problems, but we do have tremendous power to positively affect our lives and the people who are close to us. Personal health has to be the single most important priority and if you are living with diabetes, your challenges can be significant. It may sound selfish to concentrate on your own health as a first priority: however, you cannot be of help or offer strength to your loved ones if you are sick and needy. You will only be a burden to them if you cannot take control of your diabetes. Now is the time to concentrate on your glucose control if it has not been at goal. Put out the extra effort to do the things that you know you need to do to stay healthy: measure your glucose levels in a meaningful way, improve the quality and quantity of the calories you consume, exercise regularly, keep up with your diabetes warranty program, and maintain a positive attitude. I am very aware of the costs involved in caring for your diabetes but you must rethink the importance of maintaining and improving your health, especially if you are someone who “sacrifices” your own priorities for others. A second top priority is to concentrate on your relationships with people who mean the most to you. All the money in the world cannot buy you a good marriage or meaningful relationship with your parents, kids or siblings. Now is the time to reflect inwardly to make consequential personal changes in order to strengthen two of the most important things you have in life— family and friends. We all know that any holiday season should not be about how many gifts you received or how expensive a present you gave your significant other, but rather on togetherness and appreciation for all that we have. Last, but not least, should be reaching out to support others who are in need. Volunteerism and giving, especially in weak financial times are truly meaningful to both the recipient and donor. Reaching out to the less fortunate with whatever tools, time or talent we may possess will powerfully positively effect us. I feel there is a silver lining in our current economic crisis. It is a spark to ignite our thinking about strengthening and rearranging our priorities in life and to make long-term meaningful changes that truly make a difference. A sure way for a rich life is to take control of your diabetes, strengthen your relationships with your friends and family, and help others in need. ###
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