Diabetes Blog Week 2014 - Change The World Monday

Let’s kick off Diabetes Blog Week by talking about the diabetes causes and issues that really get us fired up. Are you passionate about 504 plans and school safety? Do diabetes misconceptions irk you? Do you fight for CGM coverage for Medicare patients, SDP funding, or test strip accuracy? Do you work hard at creating diabetes connections and bringing support? Whether or not you “formally” advocate for any cause, share the issues that are important to you. (Thanks go out to Kim of Texting my Pancreas for inspiring this topic.)

Click for the Change the World - Monday 5/12 Link List.

Here, in my own corner of the world in New Zealand I work for an Advocacy Service and can be an advocate for any one who is having an issue with the quality of care they are receiving from a health or disability provider. In New Zealand we have the Code of Health and Disability Consumers' Rights which establishes the ten rights that anyone in New Zealand is entitled to receive when receiving a health or disability service. I really respect that New Zealand has these rights enshrined in law. I work with them really closely and as an Advocate, advocacy is part of my day to day job. I really enjoy being an Advocate and I think most importantly any changes that happen, are not about me. They are about what is going on for the person, what a resolution may look like to them and absolutely led by what the person may want. 

I started this blog for me, for a way for me to reflect on what was going on for me in my Diabetes Management. It was and still is, a way for me to process what's going on for me. I use it as a tool of self care and to develop my self awareness. This idea of self care and self awareness is what presses my buttons and is an issue that is important to me. It is so important to figure out what is going on for you, what is pressing your buttons. Are you angry? Absolutely fine, but what is at the heart of the anger? I think too often, we have this human nature that tells us we shouldn't be feeling these "negative" feelings. Feeling sad today? The world tells us we should have some ice cream/chocolate/wine and cheer up. But you know what? It is okay to be sad/mad/grumpy sometimes. Let it happen. Figure out what is going on for you and a way to help you process it. Part of my self care equation is using this blog as a tool to help me reflect and figure out what is going on for me. I find that writing it down helps. Sometimes, I just start typing and am surprised at what comes out! So my shout out to every one is to simply look after yourselves and each other. That to me, is the basis of self care and is my important issue. 

So when I see that topic starter the word advocate catches my eye. I advocate all the time! Its my 9-5 but I was a bit stuck on how I could relate it to my personal life? I can be pretty quiet about my personal life, I don't tend to see myself as a champion for the 'Diabetes' cause. After all this blog, is about me and my personal experience. The intention is for this blog to simply be a glimpse into the life of someone with Diabetes. That takes me back to the reason I started this blog.. and from there I realised what is the one issue that is important to me.