“There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.”
—-Goethe
There are a few phrases you should know to keep your sanity in this world of diabetes. Whether it’s a discussion, a phone call, a support group meeting, or a lively discussion on-line; you should probably learn to say these phrases; or at least add them to the end of a statement in your head as you are listening.
These statements are: According to you (me); in your (my) experience; It is your (my) opinion that….; and I (you) believe that….
When it comes to something being absolute; being universal is a bold and cautionary tale of which we should all be aware. I certainly am included in this and I have read/heard so many statements in my life that I just had to tell myself; THAT just would not work in my house.
Recently there was a discussion on-line about wearing flip-flops. It got pretty lively at times and when I read some of the follow-up comments I just wanted to chime in and say; ‘…according to you, and that’s great.’
One does not NEED TO BE right; but merely–this is what worked for me and I can tell you my experience. If it works for you, GREAT! Or as I say so often; spaghetti on the wall….if it sticks, it’s done.
I have learned that my opinions matter little to those who do not do, or see, things the same way I do. And here is an important thing to remember; THAT’s fine. If it works for you, I say more power to you but as the recipient of any advice, you must do your due diligence in finding out what works for you and/or your child who has diabetes.
Universal advice can be dangerous at worst, and meaningless when it does not apply. The take away here is; do your homework. Like anything in life where people’s opinions are involved; they are just that–opinions that worked for them. Know that.
Even people who have been at this a long time, if you take everything as gospel truth, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. If fifteen people tell you something that your doctors is completely opposed to; what would you do? I think the simple answer is to get as many opinions and points of advice as possible across the spectrum, and in the end, YOU will have to make the decision that is both medically sound and that you believe is the right course of action for you and/or your child(ren).
All of this stems from the fact that so many want to help and that surely is a good thing. Listen, say thank you, and do everything you need to make sure you are not just looking for the answer you want to hear but the answer that makes sense, and there is a difference.
Doing this will help you as you move forward in this diabetes world………but this is just my opinion on what has worked for me.
I am a diabetes dad.
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