Everything's going to be OK... with a little work!

Confession time: Last week, and so far this week, I haven't done a single pushup or crunch. I haven't run or sparred, either. I'm absolutely exhausted, and I'm taking a much needed rest. Two months ago today, my 18-month old daughter was diagnosed as having Type I diabetes. Life has been chaotic since that day: constantly monitoring blood sugar levels, checking for keytones, weighing food, counting carbs, administering insulin injections, re-thinking daycare options, careers, and more. We've been up in the middle of every night to make sure Ava's blood sugar levels are safe — Neither I nor my wife have slept for more than 5 consecutive hours in the last two months. Somehow, I've managed — mostly — to keep up with teaching, training, working, shopping, paying the bills, and all of the other things that life requires, but last week, I finally got sick and had to slow down.

Feeling better now. Not 100%, but "better". And although I don't know what tomorrow or next week will bring, the smiles on the faces of my wife and daughter this morning tell me that everything is going to be just fine. Somehow.

I've been reading a lot. It's a nice distraction from "diabetes information overload." Currently on the bookshelf: My old, dog-eared copy of the Tao Te Ching, "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan, and "Fist, Stick, Knife, Gun" by Geoffrey Canada. Some good self-defense lessons in each.

From the Tao Te Ching:

"Blunt your sharpness, untie your knots, soften your gaze, settle your dust."

In the midst of chaos, it's amazing what a little quiet yoga and meditation time can do for your soul.

From "In Defense of Food":

"Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

Proper diet leads to proper health. Eating at a table and establishing mealtime rituals has been huge in reinforcing loving connections with family, especially in these stressful times.

From "Fist, Stick, Knife, Gun":

"There is no safe way to deal with the violence that our children face. The only way we are going to make a difference is to place well-trained and caring adults in the middle of what can only be called a free-fire zone in our poorest communities."

It's time to roll up our sleeves.