Wake Up Call

As a caregiver, it is extremely easy to fall into the trap of self- negligence. Throughout the last 5 years, I swore to myself that I would not do that. Turns out I lied!!! I was so focused on being everything to everyone else that I forgot about me. I took vacations here and there, and as needed as they were, I still wasn’t taking care of myself. I ate my feelings and neglected my health by not consistently sticking with healthy eating or any exercise regimen. I fell into a spiral of yo-yo dieting and working out. I’d be good for a few weeks, then BOOM, something would happen and I’d turn to food. Fast forward to mid-April 2021. I go to a, seemingly, routine eye appointment and it’s there that I received news that rocked my world. Blood vessels in my eyes are leaking, indicating that something is going on internally. Not only that, some of the vessels that are leaking are close to the portion of my eyes that control my central vision. WHAT?!?! Am I going to lose my sight??? So now I’m off to see a specialist. The specialist confirms the initial findings but assured me that it isn’t an extreme condition so I shouldn’t worry. THANK GOD! However, she then tells me I need to see my Primary Care Physician because my eyes are indicating that I am a diabetic. WHAT?! I thought I was healthy. That can’t be so…. How did I miss this?! Now I’m experiencing allllllll types of mixed emotions! Trust God for healing one minute to mad at myself for neglecting my health all these years to being saddened by the diagnosis. I finally get in to see my PCP and everything (plus more) is confirmed. Blood sugar was alarmingly high, blood pressure elevated, so now this calls for additional tests. Thankfully, my organs (heart, liver, thyroids, and kidneys) are all good! However, I have now been diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. Why??….. all because I neglected myself while caring for others! Instead of finding healthy options/outlets, I succumbed to using food as my comfort. Add in laziness and there’s your recipe for disaster! BUT THE STORY WON’T END HERE!! Those diagnosis won’t define me, nor will it be the end of my story!! Now I’m fully committed to taking care of all 3 of us (mom, dad, AND MYSELF)! I’m turning over a new leaf for myself so that I can be here to take care of others. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and you cannot care for others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. I received my WAKE UP CALL and now I’m committed to reversing the damage my self-neglect has caused. I’m determined to ensure that I am “Anchored” in every aspect of my life!