I Thought I Should Have Been Able to Figure This Out
Hello, my friend, and welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox, where we are on a mission to end Type 2 diabetes, one family at a time, through education, support, and empowerment. If this is our first time meeting, my name is Renee. I am an emotional eating and diabetes lifestyle coach and yoga teacher.
Today, we are talking about why you do not have to do this alone, and really, I don’t think you should. Believe me, I tried. When I was diagnosed with prediabetes, I was embarrassed and confused. I was embarrassed because I kept thinking about the woman I used to be. I was the woman who had given birth to five children and still wore a size ten. I ran 10Ks. I taught yoga classes. Exercise had been part of my life. And somehow, I found myself 45 pounds heavier, struggling with my blood sugar and dealing with what felt like a sugar addiction that I didn’t know how to manage.
I kept thinking, “How did I get here?” Maybe you’ve asked yourself that same question. Maybe you used to be more active. Maybe your clothes used to fit differently. Maybe there was a time when you didn’t think twice about your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, or what the scale said. Then life changed. Your body changed. Your responsibilities changed. And now you’re looking at numbers from your doctor’s office, wondering how you’re supposed to find your way back. I understand that feeling. But one thing I eventually had to understand was that knowing a lot about health didn’t mean I automatically knew how to navigate this season of my health.
There Is No Prize for Figuring It Out by Yourself
I think embarrassment can make us isolate ourselves at exactly the time we need support. We tell ourselves we should know better. We don’t want anyone to know we’re struggling. We decide we’re going to fix everything before anyone notices. So we start another diet, promise ourselves we’re giving up sugar, decide we’re going to exercise every day, and try to make all these changes privately. But managing your blood sugar isn’t a test of how strong or disciplined you are. There are things you need to learn. You may need to change some habits.
You may need to understand emotions connected to food. You may need your healthcare team. You may need someone to walk with. You may need a friend you can call after a difficult day. You may need a community of people who understand why a seemingly simple ten-minute walk can feel like a big accomplishment when you’re trying to become active again.
And sometimes you simply need someone to say, “Here’s what we’re doing today.” Support doesn’t do the work for you, but it can make doing the work feel much more manageable. Looking back, I wish I had understood that sooner. I spent too much time thinking I needed to prove that I could get myself back to the woman who ran those 10Ks. What I actually needed was to learn how to take care of the woman I was right then.
Let Someone Walk With You
That’s one reason I created the 30-Day Walking & Blood Sugar Challenge. Yes, there is a progressive walking plan. Yes, there is a 14-day Mediterranean-style meal plan, stretching routines, and a weight-training guide. But don’t overlook the support. You’ll have a private community and direct access to me for encouragement along the way because I know what it feels like to sit with a diagnosis and think you should be able to figure everything out yourself. You don’t need to prove anything before you begin. You don’t need to lose ten pounds first. You don’t have to get in shape before you start walking. And you don’t have to become the person you were ten or twenty years ago.
We’re starting with the person you are today. Maybe that’s a ten-minute walk. Maybe it’s asking your doctor a question you’ve been afraid to ask. Maybe it’s telling someone you trust that you’re struggling. Maybe it’s joining a community where you can say, “I need some help with this.” Whatever that first step looks like, you are still the one taking it. You just don’t have to take every step by yourself. Thank you so much for spending a few minutes with me today. Let us know in the comments: What kind of support would make taking care of your health feel a little easier right now?
Where could your blood sugar be in 30 days? Ready to take the next step? Join my 30-Day Walking & Blood Sugar Challenge. Inside, you’ll receive a progressive walking plan, a 14-day Mediterranean-style meal plan, pre- and post-walk stretches, my weight-training guide, private community support, and direct access to me for encouragement along the way. Let us know in the comments what the best way is to support you.
Remember, change happens one habit, one choice, one day at a time.
Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
With Peace & Love,
Renee
More Resources From The Diabetic Toolbox
The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast
Prefer to listen? Join Renee on The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast for practical, honest conversations about managing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in everyday life. Each episode explores topics such as blood sugar management, emotional eating, movement, healthy habits, weight loss, mobility, and building a lifestyle that supports your health without extreme diets or hours in the gym. Explore previous episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.
Reference Guide: Starting Your Movement Plan
Want something you can save and use when you’re ready to exercise? Download the companion reference guide, Starting Your Movement Plan: Yes, It Might Hurt, But This Will Help. This simple guide gives you practical reminders for preparing your body before movement, paying attention to how you feel while exercising, caring for your body afterward, and choosing an appropriate place to begin.
Disclaimer
The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before changing your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.
