After experiencing a family tragedy, someone told me to redefine myself. The words seemed hopeful at the time and have carried me a long way in my journey to now. Whether a loss of a loved one, a scary diagnosis, or some other unexpected turn in life, sometimes the way through begins with the simple acknowledgment that there is no way back.
I remember reading in The Art & Science of Diabetes Self Management Education Desk Reference (3rd ed.) (AADE, 2014), about personal identity and the different aspects of this identity as it relates to diabetes. As I recently read through the list again, I was reminded of just how similar we all are. Think about it: if you have experienced a personal tragedy, received a scary diagnosis, or encountered an unexpected turn in life, how did you respond? Did it cause you to question your beliefs? Did you blame yourself? Did you wonder how it would affect your future? Did you receive a new prefix, label, or take on a new role? How did you begin to see yourself differently?
While our personal struggles and all that impact those struggles may be different, there seems to be a common thread - the search for personal identity.
Candy Williams, RN CDE EP-C