Change Can’t & Won’t to Can

October 11th, 2007 · 1 Comment · Diabetes, Health, Think

Adjusting to a major change in the way you live can throw one into a tailspin of doubt and anger. I felt that over three years ago when my life completely changed after being diagnosed as a diabetic. After a good cry and a last great hamburger meal, with seasoned fries, I vowed I would beat this thing.

After a week, I was again in tears and frustrated and the only thing I said and thought was “I can’t.” In actuality, I was saying “I won’t”. I didn’t want this; I didn’t ask for this and I wasn’t going to play anymore. I was taking my toys and leaving the sandbox.

But turning your back on a tough situation and saying I can’t does not change it, does not cure it, and does not hurt anyone but you. The frustration of no control, being dependant on a machine that gives a reading and having to walk by my favorite foods - and mind you these foods were not all sweets - was bringing to the forefront of my mind the I can’t/won’t thoughts.

What can you do to change these thoughts into the positive? How do you take control of the can’ts and won’ts rolling around your brain and wrangle it into “I will and I can”?

You tell me! Just kidding … actually, I’ve learned from my own experiences, once acceptance of the situation settles in, the “I can” starts to creep out. Yes, there will be hills to climb during the journey, but they will get smaller and smaller with the positive thoughts of moving forward and wanting to take control.

Many people never get to “I can” and live in the darkness of “I can’t/won’t” because its safe. Like a baby blanket soft and warm from the dryer, the can’t/won’t blanket is comfortable. Throwing off that security blanket is more terrifying for some than that which threw them into the valley of “I can’t”.

Alcoholics Anonymous espouses “One Day at a Time” and this works for all in your life you need to over come. One hour, one day, one week all eventually become one year, etc.

So today stand up - throw off the “I can’t” blanket and walk one step at time. You can … You will … I have faith.

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