Definitions

In my other blog today I talked about labels. I'd like to do the same thing here but in a different context.

For this blog, I want to think about how we can allow labels to define us, or not define us. In my case, there are two important labels that can be attached to me.

I am an asthmatic and I am a diabetic.

Facts, plain and simple. But what I do with those labels, or about those labels, is what makes a difference. As an asthmatic I can qualify for handicap parking. I consider myself very fortunate, though, that I don't have to have it. And why don't I? Because I don't let it define me. Yes, it is a big part of my life and a condition that I can't ignore. The results of that could be fatal. I was very sick growing up. But my parents asked what could be done to improve the situation.

Swimming.

I started improving my lung function. Then I added aerobics (it was the 80s!) and more exercise. I kept trying to improve my lungs so I could do more. Now, will I ever run a marathon - doubtful. Don't know that I could improve to that point. But I did do a 50 mile walk once, over a 3 day period. And I walk quite a bit now as a part of my every day life. And I swim in the summers when I can. So, while I have to be vigilant and watch out for my triggers and keep my inhaler close in case of emergencies, I don't let that one label be an obstacle to my health.

Same thing for diabetes. I use it to my advantage. For years I eliminated just about anything with added sugar. No desserts. No cookies, ice cream, nothing. People looked at me like I was crazy and I heard on more than one occasion - one little bite won't hurt. Maybe not. But if I didn't make some fairly substantial changes in my lifestyle and eating habits then one bite might have been the one bite too many and my pancreas shuts down. Then I become insulin-dependent. Since I'm already insulin-resistant that doesn't sound like a good position to be in. So in that case I used the label to my advantage. Used it almost like a shield against bad eating habits. It took a while, but it has paid off.

Labels are labels. They are statements of fact. But they don't have to define us in a negative way. By themselves they don't possess that power. Only we can grant them the ability to influence our decisions - positively or negatively. Use that power wisely.