Grrr. (Not okay!) & Thank you!!

Wow! For the first time ever I was just treated very rudely and disrespectfully by a community member on Diabetes Light’s Facebook page. In the 1.5 years since I founded Diabetes Light (the blog) and our AWESOME Facebook community, I do not think this has happened yet. I have never had to throw out an announcement to treat each other with kindness and respect that I’ve seen on many other diabetes Facebook groups/pages. You guys all just rock! Seriously!! But what just happened is not okay. It hurts me. And it is unfair. I took time out of my busy day to respond to a community member’s comment and was attacked and put down.

I receive zero monetary compensation for the work I put into Diabetes Light. I write, share and invest a significant amount of time and energy into Diabetes Light and building our Facebook community. Why? Because I am genuinely passionate about living a GOOD life – mind, body and spirit despite the diagnosis of diabetes (food sensitivities + hypothyroid) that so many of us have. I have met many people over the years who share this same 24/7 grueling diagnosis of diabetes and struggle a great deal—mentally, emotionally and/or physically. I have been there too and also have really hard days (and sometimes weeks & months…). We all do. Through wanting a better life for myself and a bright future, I have found some things (many based in integrative medicine – blending the best of Eastern & Western theories and practices) to help me live more positively and with greater health and joy. I created Diabetes Light because I wish to share what I have learned and help others with chronic health conditions live healthier lives with both peace and joy.

It is not always easy to share my story, my innermost thoughts and feelings, and find the time and energy that Diabetes Light requires. I have thought about quitting Diabetes Light, several times, the investment just too much and emotional toll too difficult. But then I hear from you, that I have helped you in some way—whether to be more active and take a walk or try yoga, to get involved with ADA or JDRF and fundraise for a cure, that you might have similar challenges (like a frozen shoulder so you feel less alone) or that you’ve somehow been inspired or encouraged by something I have shared. Thank you. Thank you for these messages and notes of encouragement and support. Your comments, emails, likes, feedback (everything!) mean so much to me and let me know that what I am doing is making a difference in the lives of others (my sole purpose!) and that it is important to carry on with my mission with Diabetes Light.

Thank you each of you for being a part of this community. The last few days I have been overjoyed with the positive response I have received after making the decision to quit insulin pumping after 17 years (announcement made on Diabetes Light’s Facebook page where I share regularly. If you are not a part of our community yet – please join us! ). It was a very difficult decision for me. I actually had goosebumps everywhere and felt tremendous joy and gratitude as I read through each of your supportive comments. Thank you for helping to make Diabetes Light a special place in the Diabetes Online Community (DOC).

May Diabetes Light and our Facebook community continue to grow and be a positive place where we try to make things better for each other in this life with diabetes. It’s not easy. We know that for sure. The support I receive here (and I hope you receive too) helps me immensely on this journey where it is easy to feel so very alone– with not even healthcare providers (and sometimes friends & family) really knowing how to respond or show empathy or care for our trials (I really dislike this!). This community makes life easier for me. I started writing Diabetes Light to help others but have received back so very much from you. I am beyond grateful.

I trust that what happened today will not happen again anytime soon. I am happy to discuss anything with you. Please just don’t blast me on my own page. Send me a message and take a few deep breaths before letting all of your anger (which is most likely about other stuff!) come through to me.

Many blessings to each of you. It is an honor for me to get to know you and have such a warm, welcoming place to share about my joys and struggles and things that just make me laugh or smile (Jonah..). And welcome to all of the newest members! So glad you are here! We can do this!!

Peace & Light,

Cynthia

I welcome you to join our online community at Diabetes Light on Facebook! You can also find us on Twitter @diabeteslight. I look forward to seeing you there!