We are Beautiful Magazine WRBM Jan Feb 2018 Issue | Page 77

when you say you’re diabetic folks often think you’re
lazy, overweight, and not concerned about personal
health. This can make you quite self-conscious in “own-
ing” your disease. I have always adopted the mindset
that the disease is something that I have, but it’s not a
defining characteristic of me. I try to “own” it so that my
peers can better understand it, but also not make it a
crutch for something that I cannot do. With a little bit
of extra preparation and planning, I can pretty much do
anything!
I find peace in knowing that God has a plan for me, and
this is only one piece of my story. Also bonus, that plan
is to keep me from harm. I find comfort in knowing that
the trials I battle here on Earth will only be rewarded in
Heaven. From time to time I get a bit anxious as I know
that this disease can eat away at your body, but then I
remember the future is uncertain for everyone.
I work in the fitness industry, which I think at the sur-
face some folks find contradictory. HOWEVER, I am in
the business of inspiring others to live active and be
well so that they can thrive. By walking the talk, I am my
own best salesperson!
I am organized (very type-A) and that helps to stay on
top of my disease, my career, and managing my fam-
ily of 4. I plan meals, plan snacks, and am never with-
out something close by to manage a low blood sugar.
I also stay on target with seeing my team of doctors
routinely.
Through these habits and practices, I’m able to help run
a large Fitness Program at the University of Maryland.
For those of you with a chronic condition, we see you
and the courage your daily life embodies.
Likely, you know someone who is living with an illness.
There are people who inspire us to live our own lives
better because of it.
Here are to the brave women who are wearing their
scars rather than hiding them and owning how those
scars have shaped their lives so they can help others
live vibrantly too.
WE ARE BEAUTIFUL MAGAZI NE
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