It’s no secret: we’ve dropped the ball on our global tour/culinary adventure. But that doesn’t mean it won't bounce. And when it does, we’re going to try to catch it. Even though we didn’t venture anywhere or explore any new-to-us culinary treats, Sparky and I did end up spending a lot of … Continue reading Sparky and Reba Eat the World: It’s all Greek for us
Tummy Troubles
I’m in the middle of an IBS flare up – it’s delightful. I also have my period. And it’s a fucking nightmare. My cramps have never been this bad. EVER. On top of all those fun things, I’m utterly exhausted (like, where the fuck did June go?), and now summer has started. And my depression … Continue reading Tummy Troubles
Your value is NOT measured by numbers.
Living with type 1 diabetes has found me hyper-aware of the numerical value attached to nearly everything. Even to us, as individuals. As a woman, I am far too conscious of this. Female worth has long been derived from a quantifiable place – how many goats can I get if I trade my … Continue reading Your value is NOT measured by numbers.
Sparky & Reba Eat the World: Grounded
No one and nothing can prepare you for the busy times. And while I sound like I’m on loop, the months this year have just flown by at a wildly unpredictable pace. We don’t even seem to catch our breath before the next month begins blazing a trail. Sparky and I had such high hopes … Continue reading Sparky & Reba Eat the World: Grounded
Your body may not be resilient, but YOU are.
You may have noticed the name of my blog. A Soul is a Resilient Thing. I honestly believe that to be true. In my heart of hearts, I believe that a soul is a resilient thing. Living with chronic illness leaves a lot to be desired some days. Especially when you live with multiple … Continue reading Your body may not be resilient, but YOU are.
My Self-Guided Transition to Omnipod DASH®
Change is hard, regardless of why it is taking place. We are naturally wired to respond to ambiguity with hesitation. We are, in a sense, programmed to favour the present. To champion our current situation. Like most people living with diabetes, I have a routine. Living with diabetes can be unpredictable on the best of … Continue reading My Self-Guided Transition to Omnipod DASH®
It’s Your Personal Promenade
Peculiar are those pieces that come together when an unexpected, yet planned event occurs. It is amazing what light the present can bring to the past. That is, if you can slow yourself down long enough to reflect on the now it will help you piece together why your path has led you here. Like … Continue reading It’s Your Personal Promenade
A Fleshy Form of Friendship
In January 2020, I posted the original version of this story, to my old blog. Since then, it has required some updates and additions, beyond an extra 20(ish) pounds… It was happening again. I was trying on my entire closet worth of clothing and, much to my dismay and embarrassment, truly little of it fit … Continue reading A Fleshy Form of Friendship
Beware the Straight-liners
No two diabetics or people with diabetes are the same. They just aren’t, and everyone living with diabetes (regardless of type) does so differently. And yet, I have found there is a great deal of pressure in the community. I have found there is an unspoken notion that some T1Ds are better “at it” than others. This notion, though … Continue reading Beware the Straight-liners
Me and My Anxiety
Having been together for some time, we have developed a routine - anxiety and me. But it does not mean our relationship lacks surprise. Anxiety continues to bring the unexpected into my life. A lot of people do not understand what it means to live with mental illness. Some people view it as a mechanism … Continue reading Me and My Anxiety
A Rant Regarding (Under)Representation
How we see ourselves in the world has a lot to do with if we see ourselves in the world. The world is a fast-paced social media-centric place nowadays. And a lot of what we deem to be normal and/or acceptable comes from pages and/or screens. Pages and screens that are created using sweeping brush … Continue reading A Rant Regarding (Under)Representation
Employing Emotional Flexibility to Navigate the Bad Days
**This was a guest blog post on DMP - The Diabetes App originally published there about a month ago. Unfortunately, if you do not have the app you cannot access the article. I have decided to post it (in modified form) here as I feel it has value and want those who do not use … Continue reading Employing Emotional Flexibility to Navigate the Bad Days
Earth Underfoot
**I penned the original version of this poem in March of 2007; it took until September 2008 for me to stop revising it and finally be happy with the outcome. Only to have me reexplore it in February 2021.** This is a photograph (I took) from one of my most treasured places to hike - … Continue reading Earth Underfoot
Culpable Consumption
Life with chronic illness (or several) is not what most would describe as a perfectly pleasant cup of tea. In fact, most would consider one more than enough. But we do not dictate the dishes life serves off its menu. Instead, we are force fed situation and circumstance. So, you either make do, add a … Continue reading Culpable Consumption
The Days
**This is a poem I wrote nearly a decade ago - it was published here in this space back in 2013 after it suffered failure in a Diabetes Poetry contest (the winning submissions far cheerier). I revisited it, tweaked it, and offer it up to you, once again.** This photo was taken by me during … Continue reading The Days
Am I a resilient thing?
I have not always been vocal about my mental health issues. But I have always written about my feelings. Somewhere (in my unsorted chaotic mess of teenage stuff) there were books and books of my ramblings. But those were lost somewhere along my timeline. If I am truthful, it is likely I did a BIG … Continue reading Am I a resilient thing?
Powerful Patients
The patient experience matters. Our lived experiences and those of our caregivers matter. Right now, those of us living with diabetes in Ontario are struggling. We cannot equally access the technology and drugs necessary for sustaining our lives. People are dying. We have an opportunity to raise awareness and our voices - the ADP program … Continue reading Powerful Patients
Sparky and Reba: Into the unknown
Twenty years is no short amount of time. Yet it feels like a minute. It was the summer of 2003 and southern Ontario was experiencing all kinds of wacky weather, rolling brownouts for days, and boodles of other strange events. Like Sparky and Reba meeting. We should not have met. It really didn’t make … Continue reading Sparky and Reba: Into the unknown
A Soul is a Resilient Thing 