As I expected, this morning’s Today Show featured another segment on Richard Cohen’s new book, “Strong at the Broken Places.” Five people are profiled about living courageously with chronic illness. Today they had 4 of the 5 people on the show and here’s basically what they said:  

“Our thoughts and our beliefs go into our cells and become us and what we do.”

“Saddle up for your life. Life isn’t going to be easy, but make the best of it. Sometimes it’s an ongoing battle to accept myself, but I’m going to do what I can while I’m here.”

“It’s hard that people can’t tell you’re ill.” Boy, I know this one. 

“What you believe about mental illness may be more destructive than the illness itself. Look at our strength and think of us as strong as other people.”

Personally, I find “courage” a really great word for describing the quality we embody living with chronic illness well. 

Later in the program there was a segment on Supercharged Changes for Better Health. A series of segments they’ve been running this week to get us off to a fresh start for the new year. plus size model, Emme, and a therapist were talking about accepting yourself and stop beating yourself up because it’s not motivational, and give up the guilt – about weight and body image. They gave these general recommendations which I thought  apt for anyone:

1. Leave body-bashing and low self-esteem by the roadside

2. Hang out with friends for soul nourishment

3. Enrich your life with new hobbies, activities and people

4. Don’t forget you’re a role model, especially for your children

You can easily apply these to living with diabetes. So, I’m sensing a cosmic shift in the public consciousness that a more positive mindset will help one live a healthier, more fulfilling life. I’ll raise a glass to that!