The Glad Game

This post is by Annie, she’ll be blogging with us each Thursday and on her own blog here!

These past couple of weeks have been a bit stressful for me, and I’ve been annoyed at the fact that I have to deal with diabetes, especially in the beginning of a pregnancy when all I want to focus on is the health of my unborn child. We’ve all been there, but this time, instead of getting angry/upset/emotional/etc., I thought it would be interesting to try to play The Glad Game.

For those who don’t recognize this charming game, it comes from the movie, Pollyanna, and it consists of finding something to be glad about in every situation. It originated one Christmas when Pollyanna, who was hoping for a doll in the missionary barrel, found only a pair of crutches inside. Making the game up on the spot, Pollyanna’s father taught her to look at the good side of things—in this case, to be glad about the crutches because “we don’t need ‘em!”

I’ve thought of this game often in my life, and it gives me a sort of warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s comforting to know that even if the situation is undeniably horrible, there is always some way to turn it into something positive.

So, what can I possibly be glad about when it comes to my diabetes?

First, I am glad that diabetes has made me mature for my age. Often in jobs I’ve been told that I am “mature beyond my years” and it has always served me well professionally. Being diagnosed with diabetes at 14 years old forced me to be “wise beyond my years,” and that is something about which I can be glad.

Second, I am glad that diabetes has made me a good problem solver. We’ve all been in situations where we don’t have some supply/medication that we need and we need to come up with some MacGyver-esque work around to get us through the day. Being able to solve problems in potentially life-threatening situations makes it much easier to do in the rest of my life!

Third, I’m glad that diabetes has taught me how to listen to my body. I am very in tune with my body and what it is telling me, mostly because diabetes demands that of me. But because I’ve learned to sense when things are off, I feel more confident in my ability to care for myself, even though I have a “chronic illness.”

Finally, I am glad that diabetes has given me something to conquer. Some people go their whole lives without really being challenged, without knowing whether or not they have the strength to fight for their lives. Having diabetes has shaped who I am, and I like who I am, so I am glad that it has helped to make me the person I am today.

Hopefully sometime when you’re feeling down, you too can play The Glad Game!