Take Care and Be Well, My Friends :: Diabetes Self-Management

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May 30, 2007

Take Care and Be Well, My Friends

Joe Nelson

It is with some regrets and some relief that I begin this last blog entry for DiabetesSelfManagement.com. It has been a very challenging exercise to continue to find new things to write about every week. I will be relieved that that pressure to perform will be lifted. As you see from my 40+ blog entries, emotional issues are plentiful, yet sometimes difficult to put into the words that all can benefit from. I hope that I've at least given you something to think about, even if you didn't agree with what I've said.

I am used to communicating with people in presentations or in a counseling session, and in these venues I can clarify what I mean and help people work through some of their concerns. In a writing venue, I don't have that opportunity to clarify my meaning in real time, nor is there an opportunity to process the feelings together. I don't like that part of this type of writing.

This past week, I had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with one of my readers who visits this Web site regularly. He thanked me and shook my hand. I can't tell you how meaningful that was to me, Scott. I really appreciate the recognition of what I have chosen as my professional commitment. I am sad that I won't have this (and other) continued relationships. I have appreciated those who have read and responded and those who have taken from this blog bits of information that might make a difference in their lives.

I have also appreciated the work of the other bloggers on this site and wish them the best in their continued efforts to give some great information with a mixture of humor and compassion. Good luck to you all.

Since this is my last message, I want to say just a few words about what I think is most important.

First, I think that openness and honesty are at the top of my list of what I wish for you. I believe that prerequisites of good diabetes care are to be open with those people you trust, with your health-care professionals, and with your support system. Being this vulnerable is not easy, but it will help you find out who will truly be there for you in the tough times. Be honest with yourself about what diabetes means to you in your life, what the emotional toll is, and how it affects your relationships. Be honest with your health-care professionals so they are not left guessing how to work with you in the best way they can.

Second, have faith that you can do what you need to do in order to be well. We must have hope to continue moving in a forward direction, and this faith—often in something greater than ourselves—can make a huge difference in how we persist.

The last thing that I think serves people well is trust. Trust in yourself and trust in some others, like health-care professionals or family members, gives us some additional strength in the tough times. If there are no tough times, great (although I'd be shocked), but when there are, you will have people on your side who can make a difference.

I want you to know that I will continue to be active in the diabetes world, as this is my primary professional commitment. I will continue to speak, teach, write when I can, and do therapy, since that is primarily where my heart is. Thanks for letting me come into your computer room. Take Care and Be Well.

Namaste,

Joe Nelson
www.mindfuljoe.com

POST A COMMENT E-MAIL A FRIEND

Thank you for the blogs you have provided. Sometimes it is difficult to understand why, as a Diabetic I react to certain situations as I do. Your blogs have helped me to sort some of these out.

Posted by: Linda | May 30, 2007 11:27 AM

Joe, your columns have been the most helpful part of this website/blog. I hope they will be archived here. There is plenty of help available about the physical aspects of this disease--testing, eating, weight, etc. What I appreciate about your writing is that you address the emotional components of living with diabetes, and have provided a place for your readers to interact around these issues.

Thank you for the huge service you have provided to all of us, and best wishes for a fulfilling future!

Posted by: Mark | May 30, 2007 03:35 PM

Hi Joe, sad to see you stop but is it really necessary? Why can't you just write one article monthly or even bi-monthly so it poses no pressure on you? That way you won't deprive your appreciating readers (like myself) of the wealth of information you have to offer?

I urge you to reconsider.

With fond regards.

Posted by: H.C | May 30, 2007 07:56 PM

Joe,
Thank you for the real-worldness of your blog. I appreciated the human touch to the issues you presented and the understandable language in which you wrote. The range of topics covered represents a tangible community. Your contributions touched many.

Posted by: Lee Zard | May 30, 2007 11:05 PM

Best of luck Joe, thanks for making the effort and taking the time to share your thoughts. I've always wanted to sign off this way.
Yours in Diabetes,
Andy

Posted by: Stuckey | May 31, 2007 10:28 AM

Hi Joe,

Sorry I'm late to the party here. It's been a busy week for me!

It was a real pleasure for me to express, in person, my appreciation for your work. I think that the psychological aspects of living with diabetes are often overlooked until there is some kind of crisis or meltdown. It's too bad really.

While I will certainly miss your posts here, I definitely understand the reasons behind your decision.

I'm sure that I will see you around (I am fortunate to be in the local area).

Take care!

Posted by: Scott K. Johnson | Jun 02, 2007 12:47 AM

Joe, your blogs have been very appreciated by many of us. We will miss you. I hope your life is full and enjoyable. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Posted by: Ephrenia | Jun 02, 2007 10:14 AM

Hi Joe

I am a recent reader to your blog so I haven't known you long. However I enjoyed what you have written. Right now I am in a very burned out area and have an I don't care attitude, not good but that's the truth.

I thank you and wish you all the very very best in your future endeavours.

Burnt out

Posted by: Burnt out | Jun 02, 2007 04:02 PM

Dear all readers, but especially Burnt out,
Thanks so much for your comments, I am honored and touched. I do continue to believe the support you can all get from each other is still the most heartfelt and often comes with the best advice. Burnt out, this happens. The combination of diabetes and life may leave you with less energy and a hard time in focusing, but as I told a mom of a newly diagnosed 5-year-old today, this pain and fear too will pass, and the energy will come back. It is hard to believe when you are in the midst of it, but time, family, friends, and persistance will have payoffs. If it lingers too long, get some professional help or at lest talk with your educator. Peace
Joe Nelson

Posted by: mindfuljoe joe nelson | Jun 05, 2007 06:11 PM

Emotional Health

Free Depression Screening, In Person and Online (10/10/08)
Does Health Affect Your Relationships? (10/08/08)
Speaking Up for Myself (09/24/08)

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The Paranoid Moments (10/09/08)
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A Week In The Life (10/02/08)

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