It’s March, friends! 

It’s hard to believe this month marks 1 year since COVID-19 disrupted our lives and changed the way we live and work forever. A friend from Phoenix sent me a photo of us from the JDRF Arizona Type One Nation Summit, when it popped up in his Facebook memories. Hard to believe that was my last in person Diabetes event before COVID. 

I’m really looking forward to seeing all of you in person again, however long that may take. 

Also, February was tough for us in Dallas, and for millions of Texans. It highlighted many issues that continue to be topical about inequitable conditions in the United States for many people, but specifically people with chronic illnesses. 

So, I’ll ask - Do you have an emergency Diabetes plan? 

I didn’t have anything formal. I didn’t have a bag with all my immediate supplies in it to grab in the middle of the night where there was no power. 

And I was fine, honestly the best part of the Texas Snowpocalypse for me was that my Diabetes was super cooperative. But it easily could have not been agreeable. 

All that to say, we are ALL much closer to being without power, without heat or A/C or without the essential utilities that we take for granted every day then we are to going viral or making a million dollars or to pay out of pocket for insulin without batting an eye.

So now, I am committing to reminding myself to be grateful. Operating from a place of gratitude when I’m able to turn on a light, when I’m able to keep my home warm, when I don’t have to worry about if my insulin is the right temperature, and when I calibrate my cgm & pump and my blood sugar is in range. 

I’ve talked about the importance of celebrating small wins for years, but I haven’t implemented that same practice into noting when things go right. When things work out. Those are so easy to skip over, but nothing cements how important they are like many of your basic needs getting taken away. 

SO all that to say, I’m starting this month with gratitude and controlling what I can control within that. I’d encourage you to do that as well! So if you feel compelled, send me a reply to this email with something you’re grateful for - I want to celebrate those things with you. 

Have a great month of March, continue to care for others around you and be kind to yourself and your loved ones.  

Rob Howe 

Episode 4: Misdiagnosis, Stigma, and dealing with unsolicited online comments.

DOING THINGS DAY:We went on a little bit of a yoga kick this month! @YassminAlshalabi took over all the way from the UAE and @Evan_Soroka showed us around the Colorado Mountains. Cant thank these two yogis enough. 

THIS MONTH ON THE POD:

Here are some upcoming events on our radar:

Bolus Maximus is hosting the following Zoom's: 

3/7 - Type 2 Discussion (3PM pst)

3/14 - Hiking / Backpacking with T1D (3PM pst)

3/21 - Outdoor / Sports for Spring (3PM pst)

3/28 - Clearing the Mind (3PM pst)

Dope Diabetic Girls Club is hosting a Women's month celebration zoom 3/27 @ 6pm to celebrate Women's Month! Follow them on IG for upcoming announcements!

PRODUCTS & MERCH MADE FOR DIABETICS BY OTHER DIABETICS

"I started designing part time a few years ago after teaching myself how to use design software. Naturally being diabetic myself, I started to make designs that were more my style in the diabetes space. I focused on making simple, minimal designs that were able to tell the message with as little information as possible. I really like being able to convey a message in really creative ways, which is why I think my most successful design has been the insulin molecular formula. Insulin is the major factor in our lives and I think people like the design because it is a subtle way of saying hey I'm diabetic. A lot of my designs do that where the message isn't obvious to everyone and it causes people to ask "hey, what does that mean?". It's a cool way to start a conversation and I like that good design has the power to create conversation. Redbubble is where most of my designs are available for sale and there is a category where you can view just my T1D designs as well. I also do part-time freelance graphic design work and you can view my design portfolio at j

ordanlaiche.com

"- Jordan Laiche,Designer.