‘Tis the Season.

I’m back.

November has been a crazy busy month, both online and off, and I have really just been spending the past week or so regrouping for this final stretch of the year.

Real Christmas trees have become somewhat of a tradition in our house, and last weekend was no exception as we went searching for the perfect tree on opening weekend at our local Christmas tree farm. It really is a mission to find one with a full top!

I spent a few afternoons last week putting up Christmas lights over our patio, and can now be found basking in the glow of my labour on these mild early Summer evenings.

I think it’s a crime that season three of The Crown wasn’t released in time for Christmas (and that Downton Abbey ended before that), however Victoria has been filling my Christmas period drama void quite nicely.

I spent my weekend trawling the internet for Christmas gift ideas. For the first time ever, I have surprised myself and completed all of my Christmas shopping with three weeks to spare!

I need a new iPhone case. My old one is cracking at the edges, and I just know that I’m bound to drop it one of these days.

One thing I’ve often been unconsciously muttering under my breath for a long time is I need a holiday. I’ve actually locked in some plans for early next year that involve no diabetes advocacy whatsoever, and I’m very much looking forward to that.

This little guy is also staying with us for the next couple of weeks while his owner is on holidays.

Diabetes awareness month might have ended on the 30th of November, but most of us affected by it will have to keep on keeping on during December. I tend to feel this moreso in these final stretches of the year, when I want nothing more than a break from the monotony of blood sugar checks, carb counting, glucose tabs, pump maintenance and just thinking about diabetes. 

Stephen at Happy Medium wrote a fantastic post a few weeks ago, and his sentiments really resonated with me. It’s these boring little things that are a part of my self care. All of these things help me to unwind, and remind me that I’m more than just my diabetes.

I also felt extremely validated in my self care efforts after hearing Carly Findlay present at the HealtheVoices conference last month (disclosures here) in her pyjamas, which is what she can be often be found wearing as she works from her bed. When we give up so much of our own time as health advocates, it’s equally important to know when to take a step back and take care of ourselves.

So, as we enter this crazy final stretch of the year, remember that it’s more than okay to stop and take a breath or to put your own needs before those of others.

People dealing with diabetes are awesome.

Don’t ever forget it.

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