Part 2: Practicing Inner Self-Care As A Type 1 Diabetic

In my first article on this topic titled: Practicing Inner Self-Care As A Type 1 Diabetic found here, I touched on some ways that I practice inner self-care. I use the term ‘self-care’ as a broader term that encompasses other things involving ‘self’, such as self-protection, self-love, etc. Here, I continue and go in depth with some additional ways I practice inner self-care in my Red Sugar Life.

Being Unavailable

I don’t allow myself to be or try to be available to everyone, all the time. That is unfair to me and inhumane to expect me to be. I am not glued to my phone/devices and I refuse to allow anyone to make me feel like I should be. Their texts/messages can wait, I will return that call when I can, if I even want to. Whatever it is they are bugging me about, can and will wait. I can’t be everywhere at once or focus on everything at once. I don’t even give the illusion that I can be or even want to be either. I do not allow other people to spread me thin or exhaust me. I’m human, not some sort of omnipresent AI.

Setting Strong Boundaries

I learned to prioritize my needs and wants first. I can’t have everyone grabbing at my attention, energy, and time incessantly. If I tolerate that, then what on earth is left for me to function with and get things done for me? Thin air? Also, I don’t need to be preoccupied with something draining or stressful all of the time in order to justify me being unavailable. I am simply unavailable, doing my own thing IN PEACE. No explanations needed.

I learned that no one but ME is entitled to my time, energy, and attention. I can’t have everyone overloading me with THEIR stress, problems, chaos, (bad) energy, and interruptions. My time and energy are not an open resource for other people to waste or have unfettered access to. Protecting my energy is important and it is something only I can do for me. And I take that responsibility VERY seriously.

I Say “NO”

Adding onto setting strong(er) boundaries, the word “NO” has become one of my favorite words. Me and “NO” are best buddies now and forever <3. It’s not selfish (in a negative or malicious way), it’s self-preservation and self-care (positive). I say “NO” when I want to say no, and “yes” when I want to say “yes.” I do so without allowing false guilt, shame, or fear influence me to say “yes” when I really want to say “no”, nor to influence me to not assert my “NO” and my boundaries when someone is trying to circumvent my “no” or my boundaries.

Keeping Toxic People OUT

I discern and keep in the good for me, and keep out the bad for me. No if’s, and’s, or but’s. Toxicity is not a good thing to have in my life for any length of time in any capacity. Toxic is toxic and it needs to be avoided or go once detected. There are no losses there. Protecting my energy is important.

Again, Self-Care Wins

I value and protect my peace of mind, quality of life, and well-being. I unapologetically keep my life as stress-free and peaceful as possible. Not only is that simply who I am, but it is also important for me in getting through my Red Sugar Life.

~Luna