A letter to myself (diabetes)

This is the letter I wish the future me could have sent me when I first got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I hope it can inspire someone else to never forget that they are worth the effort.

Dear me,

You may not have known that life was going to throw you a major curveball, but looking back, you realized that this made you who you are: a strong, responsible, caring, courageous, funny, empathetic, and determined person. You faced life's challenges head-on, taking charge, even when confronted with the reality that this disease meant constant intrusions to your body—a small price to survive.

You quickly understood that rebellion was futile. Refusing to prick your fingers for a drop of blood was a simple act, but one that gave you the knowledge to manage your disease. Giving shots of insulin blindly, hoping for the best, could only do you harm. Your reality shattered. Your parents were shaken, and your brother was clueless of the impacts it would have on their lives, on yours. Regardless of this massive change, you took control, learned a lot about yourself and the diseases that decided to be with you forever.

If you couldn't be mad at your diabetes—the disease that stole your life, that stole so many options away—what could you do? You couldn’t hold it against anyone, not even yourself. Your only salvation: acceptance. Loving yourself enough to care, to work within the limits you decided.

You deserved to be happy, to experience life, to free yourself from the self-imposed shackles, only there if you let them remain. You found friends that loved you, a life partner that supports you, children that you were able to have and love, a career different than the one envisioned, but nevertheless fulfilling.

You have a life worth fighting for; never forget your worth.

Your future self,