Over the years I’ve learned that what I think about expands and if I’m thinking negative thoughts, they just get bigger. I’m also learning that I’m in charge so when I’m in a foul mood, I need to check my thinking. I’ve discovered that when I’m down I’m thinking negative thoughts and I have the capability to change my thinking. And, as a consequence my mood brightens. I’ve changed my belief as a result.

I typically monitor my self-talk and when it’s negative; I thank it for sharing and move on. This idea comes from “Taming Your Gremlin” by Richard Carson. The more I can maintain positive thinking, the better I feel and that’s clearly one of my goals. After all, I call myself The Joyful Diabetic so feeling joyful is important and it all starts with my thinking where I’m able to exercise control.

I’ve heard fellow diabetics say, “I can’t achieve an A1C less than 7, or I can’t lose weight, or I’m unable to exercise.” These statements remind me that our beliefs (just a habit of thought) have an enormous impact on the results we achieve. The title of this post is a slogan I’ve had for many years and I know it works. For example, I believed that I could manage my BG to be less than 6.5. I did it; however, there was a downside to achieving this goal. When my A1C was below 6.5, I had too many lows and my Endocrinologist, Jill Abelseth has encouraged me to increase my goal a bit since lows can be harmful to my body in the long run. She’s adjusted my pump settings and the results are stunning. I had my A1C tested at the AADE Convention and it was 6.6. A review of my log shows that in addition, I’ve had very few lows. I’m convinced that this is an appropriate goal and I Dare to Believe that I can continue my BG management to achieve a long and healthy life.