My sister recently commented that she was amazed at how much energy I have, considering that I have a baby and I am diabetic. (This is coming from my sister who is also diabetic and struggles with her energy levels.) It felt really nice to hear her acknowledgment. I don’t think we moms and diabetics give ourselves enough credit for everything we can accomplish in the day and when someone notices, you feel visible. (Thank you SAGS <B)
I told her there are days where I feel like a slug and I stay in my pj’s for the majority of the day. I try my best to keep a healthy diet and exercise because if I’m not healthy, I cannot be the best me/mommy. There are times where those PJ days are necessary because of the lack of sleep and lowered energy levels.
I told her those are the days where I stop and think about my intentions. I have found myself battling the “do it all” paradox that all mom’s face. I want a thriving career, to be the best mom, to be fit and healthy, to have a clean house, and to have dinner made before 6pm. Of course, all of these qualities are important to some, but for me, the most important quality is to be healthy. If I am healthy, then I can be the best mom. The rest may or may not follow suit. If not, I have the rest of my life to figure it out. For right now, it is my health and the care of my daughter that really matters.
The link below provided excellent tips at managing diabetes with a new baby. I found the key to success in anything we do is the relational component. We must involve our loved ones in things we may need help on. That way we aren’t always doing it all. Loved ones want to help, so let them.
Happy Women’s day!