Type 2 Diabetes Is Just a Small Part of Who I Am — My Journey
Key takeaways:
Nikki Nurse, a 40-year-old content creator in Brooklyn, has lived with Type 2 diabetes since 2017.
When she was first diagnosed, it was overwhelming. She felt like her world was crumbling.
Now, she considers her condition just one item in a long list of things that make up who she is.
My Journey is a series of personal essays about what it's like to cope with a medical condition.
When I was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I felt like my whole world was crumbling.
I was terrified. I thought it meant my life was over — that I would never be able to enjoy food again or have a normal lifestyle.
But I quickly realized that I could not let this diagnosis define me or my life. Instead, I took it as an opportunity to focus on my health in a more deliberate way and to really appreciate the things that bring me joy, the things that define me.
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Here are three things that define me as a person (who just so happens to be living with Type 2 diabetes):
I am a passionate advocate for health and wellness. I love sharing information about healthy living with others, and I am always looking for new ways to improve my own health.
I am a creative soul. I love writing and designing jewelry, outfits, and interior experiences.
I am a strong supporter of educating people on and prioritizing mental health in my community.
These are the things that bring me the most joy and define me.
Finding the right balance
I love sharing information about healthy living with others, and I am always looking for new ways to improve my own health.
I firmly believe that one of the best ways to live a healthy life is to focus on prevention. For me, that means eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest. It also means being mindful of my mental health and making sure that I’m taking care of myself emotionally.
I know that everyone’s definition of “healthy” is different, but I think it’s all about balance. I’m constantly striving to find a balance between taking care of my body and mind and enjoying life to the fullest. And I hope to inspire others to do the same.
Getting the creative juices flowing
I love finding new ways to express myself, whether it’s through writing, designing, or making jewelry. I find the process of creating something from nothing to be incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy pushing myself to try new techniques and styles.
For me, creativity is all about self-expression and exploration. It’s how I connect with the world around me and find joy in the simple act of making something beautiful.
Journaling is one way Nikki Nurse expresses herself. (Photos by ©BrakeThrough Media)
Many people see creativity as something that is only for artists or those with a natural talent for it. But I believe that everyone is creative in their own way. It’s all about giving yourself permission to express yourself freely.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, try doing something creative. It could be anything from painting a picture to writing a poem to making a piece of jewelry. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s coming from your heart. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself with how creative you really are.
Realizing mental health is nothing to be ashamed of
Growing up, I was always told that mental health was not something to talk about. Those conversations were seen as a sign of weakness and something to be ashamed of. As a result, I didn't learn how to talk about mental health until I was an adult. And, by then, it was too late. I had already developed anxiety and depression.
It wasn’t until I started working in the mental health field that I realized how wrong I had been. Mental health is just as important as physical health. And yet, it is often ignored or misunderstood. That’s why I am such a strong supporter of educating about and prioritizing mental health in my community.
Mental health illnesses are real, and they can be debilitating. But, with early intervention and proper treatment, people can and do recover. I have seen it happen firsthand. And that’s why I will continue to fight for mental health awareness and education.
It’s time for the stigma to end. It’s time for mental health to be treated with the importance it deserves.
Focusing on the things that really matter
We are all more than our diagnoses. Whether it’s Type 2 diabetes, depression, or something else, we are complex human beings with so much more to offer than our diseases. So don’t let your diagnosis define you — use it as an opportunity to focus on the things that make you unique and special.
It took a while for me to realize that my diagnosis didn’t have to define me. I can still enjoy food, and I can still live a normal life. I just have to be more mindful about my choices.
And, in some ways, my diagnosis actually helped me to focus on the things that were most important to me. It made me realize that life is precious, and that we should all focus on the things that make us happy and fulfilled.
So, if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness, don’t let it control your life. Use it as an opportunity to focus on the things that matter most to you.
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