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
Source URL: https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/take-care-and-be-well-my-friends/
Joe Nelson: Joe is a psychotherapist in private practice in Minnesota, where he specializes in the psychology of chronic disease and sexual problems and works with couples, families, children, and teens. He has been a Licensed Psychologist since 1985 and has earned a master’s degree from St. Mary’s College Winona, a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota, and an associate’s degree in human services from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Joe has worked with troubled youth in Chicago and Minnesota and on a special project on Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota. He was the first social worker hired by an affiliate of the American Diabetes Association. He worked at the International Diabetes Center for 20 years, directing psychological services there for 12 years. A Certified Sex Therapist, Joe co-developed the Sexual Health Center at Park Nicollet Clinic.
Having practiced meditation for over 30 years, Joe offers instruction in mindfulness-based meditation to patients in groups and as individuals. Joe is married, has a 23-year-old daughter, and enjoys scuba diving, motorcycling, golf, and being outdoors doing almost anything.
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