Loading ...It’s like having an affair; you want all the perks with none of the sacrifice. We all get to this point, sometimes, where we no longer care if we impress. Maybe because we’re bored or apathetic or just worn out from doing whatever it is we once found so compelling, what we wanted others to know us for; out “it” factor.
But like with every affair, there are consequences to this attitude, and they can be so far reaching that calamity is a near certainty. This is especially true for us with diabetes if we choose that succeeding at living with this disease is no longer “impressive”.
I have found myself at various times, wholly unconcerned with what others have thought of me, either personally, professionally, and with my daily management of type 1. And every time I have been there, I have woken up to the realization that my dismissiveness was all a front. I did care, and do care. I believe we all should, and not for the shallow image-boosting reasons. If we behave honestly then we are reflected in others assessment of us, regardless of how that takes shape. In order to handle life with diabetes, we need to see that image, in order to see our success, whether we like the picture or not.
Therefore, aim to impress, your doctor, your boss, your significant other, your children, your family, your friends, and especially yourself. Aim to be the best you can and desire that others see such and remark on it. This does not imply that you act in order to seek out praise, but simply the acknowledgement that you care to strive, if not for yourself, then, for them.
I know this is a reverse thought for the hyper-vigilant amongst us—myself included—who are primarily concerned with how we are, not how we seem. But, if we take the pains to care about others’ reactions then our relationships with them will be deepened and they will help us shoulder this burden.
Do not act, as the adage goes, “as if no one is watching”, but rather as if everyone you need to be, is. Then you will never fail at being impressive.
