In addition to being a marketer with over a decade of professional experience across various industries and functions, I have recently obtained my certification in health and wellness coaching through MindBodyGreen.

I aim to integrate my creative and strategic marketing skills with my service-driven approach as a health coach. Part of that means sharing tips from my lived experience and professional training with members of the community!

What is a reframe?

So, let's talk about reframes—reframes aren't meant to invalidate your feelings or gaslight you into believing you don't feel a certain way. Instead, they're intended to help you see a new perspective or feel a new emotion towards a situation.

I once heard that situations are neutral and we assign an emotion to them, and for most things, I believe this to be true.

Reframing helps health and wellness coaching clients see new perspectives in their challenges or obstacles. It's healthy to acknowledge our challenges and obstacles in life, but not to let ourselves live in a victim mindset or let negative feelings become us.

Health and wellness coaches like me can help their clients develop new ways of thinking, change small habits, or meet big goals. I especially enjoy helping women going through significant life transformations, individuals impacted by chronic illness, and anyone who wants to start small yet impactful habits that lead to substantial health improvements over time.

If you're ready to change, I'm here!

5 T1D Reframes I Practice as a Health & Wellness Coach

I wouldn't be doing my job as a health and wellness coach if I didn't practice reframes on myself, so today I'm sharing five type 1 diabetes (T1D) reframes I use when I'm feeling like sh*t navigating this complex chronic illness.

Please note: The reframes I’m sharing are intended to inspire and empower, not prescribe. As a health and wellness coach, my role is to support self-discovery, not give medical advice. I’m also a fellow member of the T1D community (I've lived with it for over 21 years) and love sharing what’s worked for me. Be sure to consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your care.

I will illustrate these concepts using examples from everyday life to paint a clearer picture, so let's get started...

Reframe #1

"I am so mad I'm not going to be on time because I have to sit and treat my low (blood sugar) first." >>>

"Maybe I would've gotten into a car accident if I had left earlier."

I know it's a bit of a dramatic turn but I truly believe things happen for a reason or we find reason in the things that happen to us. And sometimes, there simply isn't a reason...things just are how they are.

Type 1 diabetes constantly reminds me that life is fluid. There are few things we can control, and the universe has a way of nudging us in the right direction if we learn to listen and feel its guidance.

I recently heard someone else in my diabetes circle encourage a friend to "lean into the low (blood sugar)." I love that and carry it with me now.

The universe has a plan. We don't always get to know what it is. We rarely, if ever, do. Yes, it's frustrating to have to stop and wait because of type 1 diabetes, but I think it also tests us as humans. It evolves our character.

Type 1 diabetes doesn't control us. We can harness the energy of this frustrating moment and turn it into something positive. Leaning into lows can make us more patient, forgiving, and empathetic people when others are late.

You never know a person's whole story! My T1D teaches me patience and how to prioritize my health. Without our health, we'd have nothing!

Leaning into my lows helps me flow with my life instead of pushing against it.

Reframe #2

"I feel like I'm never taking the right amount of insulin." >>>

"I'm constantly learning what works for my changing body."

Type 1 diabetes is never straightforward, no matter how long you've lived with it. Yes, there are ways to identify your patterns and leverage them to achieve success, but sometimes, no matter how much you do, your body won't cooperate. That's T1D!

As your body changes and you age, so do your needs for managing type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes evolves as you do. Hormone shifts, stress levels, major life events, you name it; they all impact your body with diabetes. Give yourself grace through the changes. Your needs will shift over time. That's not failure; it's just a part of the journey.

Also, give yourself credit for how many times you get it right! It's so much easier to remember the times we get it wrong. When you look back, you'll often find you were better than you ever gave yourself credit for.

Reframe #3

"I feel like my CGM is always off." >>>

"I'm grateful to have access to this technology."

In no way am I telling you to shut up and be grateful. You're allowed to feel how you feel about diabetes. Your feelings are valid, but at the end of the day, it's essential to lean into gratitude above all else (in all things).

By acknowledging what we're grateful for, we're likely to lower anxiety and reduce the noise in our minds associated with diabetes. I hope, more days than not, you find peace and joy with chronic illness.

No technology is perfect, and this reframe isn't meant to excuse any tech companies. Tech companies should be accountable just like humans. It's normal to feel frustrated when your devices don't work.

Just try to remember: these are moments in time.

Deep breaths.

If you're facing consistent challenges and have the opportunity to explore new options for your diabetes care, permit yourself to explore those paths. You deserve to feel confident in the tools you use to manage your health.

Reframe #4

"I feel like my doctor just doesn't understand..." >>> "My doctor is doing their best."

I know this is a tough one, but it's important to assume positive intent with our doctors. They might be overwhelmed, understaffed, or navigating their own challenges, and sometimes that means they can't give you the specialized care you truly need (and deserve).

If this feels like a consistent issue, it may be time to reevaluate your care team or consider additional support. You deserve a team that understands your T1D and advocates for you!

Remember to lean into community, online and in-person, along the way. They are a wealth of knowledge and share valuable tips for things the doctor doesn't have time for in the office. Always follow up. Your health is a worthy investment at every stage of your T1D journey.

When you have good health, you can have more fun, peace of mind, and freedom in life, even with diabetes. You can figure this out! And you are not alone.

Reframe #5

"I feel like a burden because of my type 1 diabetes." >>>

"Everyone has their challenges, this just happens to be mine."

Everyone has something. We are often the hardest on ourselves. And perhaps this feeling reveals more about you than it does about others. We might feel like we're too much. When there are no breaks with type 1 diabetes, this is so normal.

If you ever find yourself saying, "I don't want to deal with this! Why would someone else?" know that you're not the only one.

Talk about that with your diabuddies. They get it. They really do.

And if you have none, let me be your first. I'm always up for chatting about this!

I remember not wanting to date for the longest time because I didn't want anyone else to be involved or susceptible to it. However, honestly, I'm better off for it, and here I am, seven years into a relationship with a great guy!

When someone truly cares about you, they'll never see any part of you as a burden. They'll nurture your sense of safety, not drain your energy or make you question your worth.

If someone is making you feel that way, it's time to say bye-bye! That's not love. That's not what you deserve.

Those are just some of the ways I reframe challenging moments with T1D. What moments do you need support reframing? What do you think might help you reframe your most difficult moments with T1D?