Chats That Change
Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 9:41AM Last night’s DSMA chat on Twitter had me in a whirlwind of emotions.
Diabetes and exercise were the focus of the questions given throughout the hour and at first I was really upset. Since I am not exercising I felt like I was going to waste my time not being able to contribute anything to questions like, “Does exercising help you manage your diabetes better?” or “What motivates you to exercise?” I felt guilty, depressed, fatter than ever, and like a complete loser.
I closed my chat window.
Not a second later I realized how pointless that would be. I should just say what I feel and let whatever happens happen. I mentioned how I don’t exercise. I tweeted that I cannot seem to be motivated to do anything at all. I admitted to how much I hate the way I look and feel that it keeps me from going to any gym. I just let it all out.
And something happened that is a constant here in the Diabetes online community. I found I was not alone.
Many others felt the same way and also were struggling to get moving. Just that feeling of being understood and not the only one made me feel so much better.
Don’t get me wrong, this is not in a misery loves company kind of way. It was just knowing that I am not the only person struggling with this and if I am not alone than I know I will have the support and encouragement I need to do whatever I want to do.
My Facebook status currently reads “Somewhere between motivated and depressed.” That is a good way to describe it.
Before the chat I was much more depressed when it came to my physical health but afterwards I felt inspired.
A few people even offered to workout with me! How cool is that?
This community never ceases to amaze me. If you are not engaged or feel disconnected just reach out to anyone and see how they respond. I bet you will find a friend.
Some of my favorite people in the world are a part of this community and I do not know what I do without them. Their encouragement and support is going to help me to accomplish my goals.
Even as terrifying as it is to start on the road to better health, I know I will have lots of friends cheering me on along the way.
Reader Comments (6)
When we began the chat last night, and I saw the topic, I had several thoughts. (1) as someone who works out regularly, I just might have something to contribute tonight... and (2) will the friends whom I love so much (both those who are exercising and those who currently aren't) feel I am boasting/throwing the fact that I am in their face? (3) damn it, regarding d and exercise, just like with d & testing, d & checkups, d & a million other things, I can only be responsible for myself and what I choose to do given the circumstances I often find myself in regarding any of the above mentioned areas.
I remember sitting in a hotel room a few years ago, as you and I enjoyed a hamburger, a few hot dogs and more than a few glasses of Makers Mark over diet whatever, and how much I fell in love with your openness, your spirit, how easily we talked about so many d and non-d topics, just as we had before over skype and have so many times since. And so it was last night as I begin answering those questions, you were on my mind... and knowing some of our recent conversations, I had an additional few thoughts... (1) crap, this is going to be hard for my friend, maybe really hard... and (2) I know his heart, and he is going to be more than fine, and just as he always does, I'm pretty sure he is going to surprise us all yet again... But then thought number (3) hit me... Why should I, or anyone be surprised... after all, it is 'NinjaHEART' we're talking about here.
George, just as I am every time we get to talk, every time I read your words, and every time we get to be in the same room together, it is I who is once again encouraged...
love you,
-t
You are definatly not alone. I am just beginning to tap into the online community of diabetes support. I should also say I am a little behind the times, and don't really understand how to even chat through twitter. From what I have gathered, you have kids, and multiple priorities, diabetes, advocating, life, and the list goes on. My wife puts it into perspective and said to me once, don't be so hard on yourself, its like poker, you only have so many chips to use, and you have to save some for yourself. Take care of yourself, as a Type 1 with 2 type 1 kids, and three non-d, job, diabetes, life, even going to the toilet is hard to fit in somedays!
Cheers!
Sorry I could not have been more active in the chat; I was running my computer club's Mobile Devices meeting. The topic was "text messaging", but I also had (as I was hoping would start to happen) someone who came with an issue that needed resolving. We started at about 19:30 Eastern and ended just after 22:00...
I'm quite serious in being happy to see people who don't have perfect bodies using the gym, and the gym equipment. Whether it's health maintenance, prescribed therapy, or just a way of trying not to lose whatever level of fitness they had at a younger and/or thinner age. As for myself, I really don't care what people think of how I look or what weights I use -- either you're going to coach me and help me (which really does happen at a gym with a good communal attitude) or you're going to wait in line for the machine/equipment, or you're going to do a different part of your routine for that day... none of which bother me (though I may check you out to see what sort of exercises you're doing, as they may be something I'd like to use in my own workouts).
The big keys to being happy with a gym are good floor trainers who are willing to help, show you new exercises, spot you, etc., and a good supportive community. Not everyone can be Charles Atlas or Jack LaLanne -- and a good gym will recognize that and help you reach your personal goals.
Your incredibly honest and that's one of the reasons I love you - And your not alone.
Getting (and staying motivated) to exercise is tough for many of us, including myself.
But our community and the weekly inspiring #dsma chat shows us that we're not alone and that there is strength in numbers and in belonging.
LYLB
Kelly K
George-
You are not alone! When I was putting the questions together for the chat, I prayed that the questions wouldn't offend anyone but help motivate us to get moving. I struggle with exercise but I'm starting to take baby steps. I agree with Kelly, I love your honesty and glad you shared your thoughts during #DSMA and DSMA Live. Continue to SIP (Support, Inspire, Pray).
Love ya!
Cherise
G-Money, you are more like most people than you think, which is one of the reasons why it is so easy to relate to you and identify with you. I have often said, our job is to tell the truth, and the whole truth, about any and all of the challenges and successes we face living with diabetes.
I have no doubt that you'll find your way, and you'll do it because you want to, not because you think you should want to. When you want it, you make it happen. But you can't force that want.
For me, I am very blessed that I enjoy basketball so much, and have found a place where they play regularly (and where my skill level fits in). The weights? I feel better in my head, and that makes it worth it to me.