Hi Friends, 

Spring is in the air, and I have to be honest, this spring put the “savings” in Daylight Savings for me! It’s so good to see the sun  and  have a few extra hours of light every day. 

I’ve been a little more distant on social media than normal the past few weeks, why? Mostly because the demands on my time have increased and I’m struggling to adjust! I think it’s important to normalize talking about struggling with adjustments to new responsibilities, and I’m definitely experiencing that right now. 

So I’ll pose a question to you: “What tactics/routines do you employ when you take a step forward in responsibility?” I’d love to share some of the responses we get in an upcoming podcast episode or YouTube video! 

Last month we celebrated some amazing women with Diabetes for International Women’s Month, and we will continue to do that on the podcast in upcoming episodes. 

These stories are important, and this past week I had an experience that reinforced why.

Because when we are diagnosed we feel alone, confused and like no one knows what we’re going through. 

Last Thursday, my friend and co-worker Andrew sent me a slack message: 

“My 18 year old nephew was just diagnosed with T1D, and he didn’t get any information from the doctor.” 

Instantly, I knew what we had to do because I have been in the booth with over 200 people who have shared their diagnosis story and how it affected the first few years of their life with Diabetes. Not to mention the thousands of you who have shared stories with me in one way or another:

We needed to sit down and talk about the basics.

We needed to hold space for the grieving of the life we once knew We needed to reinforce that “every dream you have for your life is still within reach” the way my doctors did when I was Diagnosed. 

I needed to turn off the phone and be present with this young man and his family. 

I’m so glad I did, because the amount of ground we were able to cover in a few short hours not only helped to shape this young man and his family’s relationship with Diabetes, but it also reinforced to me that the MOST IMPACTFUL work any of us can do is to help our brothers and sisters with T1D. 

Take away of all the newsletters, blogs, takeovers, podcasts, panels, keynotes and social media stuff and all that’s left is helping individual people with Diabetes. 

My original goal was to help 1 person. Last Friday night, I was able to accomplish that goal. 

When my responsibilities increase I sometimes lose sight of WHY we’re doing what we’re doing. Friday night I was reminded. This is about help. This is about support. That’s what “community” means. 

So if you’ve ever doubted that you could make a difference, just remember that the impact you can have on a single individual can cause ripple effects that lead to great change. 

Keep sharing your story, don’t lose hope, avoid discontent and restlessness, be present in the purpose you have to serve. 

I’ll keep trying my best to do the same, 

Rob

Rob vlogged his experience getting the COVID -19 Vaxx! 

DOING THINGS DAY:March was a month of opposite perspectives. We hung out with Dallas' very own @StevenSantoyo and then went all the way to Idaho for a slice of life with @Andi_Archive! Check out their blogs to read more!

THIS MONTH ON THE POD:

Here are some pods and media we think you should check out:

Chelcie Rice hosts The Soul of Diabetes, a podcast with the mission of delivering diabetes information and awareness for communities of color. Available anywhere you stream podcasts!

Bolus Maximus Continues with their Sunday Conversations!