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You can learn valuable life lessons from unusual places. I'd like to share 5 lessons I learned from a piano that helped change the way I saw diabetes.
1. Realize You’re Human:
Managing diabetes takes persistence–much like learning to play the piano. You wouldn’t expect to sit at the keyboard for the first time and play like Beethoven. Diabetes management requires dedication. There’s so much to learn. You'll hit some wrong notes – we all do. A serious piano student wouldn't give up after their first try. They know perseverance will pay off. 2. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Diabetics: Members of a diabetic support group I administered posted success stories--losing 50 pounds or dropping their A1C for 8.3 to 5.9. These posts Inspired most members. But, they cause some people to feel ashamed because they hadn't achieved the same results. It's important to remember that you shouldn't compare yourself to others. Everyone has challenges. Elton John didn't let his short fingers stop him from playing the piano, neither did Billy Joel. Challenges shouldn’t stop you from improving your health. No two people play the piano alike. And, no two people respond to diabetes the same. Be proud of your accomplishments—even small ones. They can’t take that from you. 3. Believe in Yourself: Remember Schroeder from the Peanuts cartoon? He’s the character who spent every waking moment hammering away at his little red piano and obsessing about Beethoven. Because of persistence, beautiful sounds came from Schroeder's little fingers. I’m not saying you have to spend every waking moment obsessing about your diabetes but believing in yourself is a great motivation to succeed. 4. Set Realistic Goals: A good piano teacher wouldn’t expect a new student to play Beethoven. An unrealistic goal like that would destroy their confidence and cause the student to quit. A newly diagnosed diabetic shouldn't expect to have perfect glucose numbers instantly or know what to eat. It will take time to discover how specific foods and medication affect them. Everyone is unique and will react differently to the same foods, medication, and exercise. By setting realistic goals you're more likely to achieve them. 5. Recognize Your Progress and Treat Yourself: When you refuse that cookie, walk to the store instead of driving or have a day of fantastic glucose numbers reward yourself. It can be a simple reward like:
The list is endless. Remember: If you follow these tips, you will...
Next time you hit a wrong note, take a deep breath, relax. Think of your favorite role model and what you’ve learned from them.
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AuthorDiane Bell was diagnosed with diabetes over 30 years ago. While writing articles for an online support group she was inspired to start blogging and spread the unique way she views diabetes. Categories
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