Perfection?

What makes a good picture? More than you think. Just like keeping your blood glucose in check it can take more than you would expect. In photography it requires a subject, good composition, great light, and many more things that I won’t bore you with here. In diabetes it takes a balance of nutrition, exercise and medication supported by a good knowledge base. But even when you have the right formula sometimes things just don’t work out quite right.

Trying to catch this butterfly digitally was quite challenging, this little creature flits and floats 99% of the time and only lands for a split second. Then it happened, it stayed still just long enough for me to press the shutter button. Hurrah I got it! I am sure that there have been many times when you have eaten well, exercised, remembered your meds “been perfect” and you have though the same, Hurrah I did it!

On viewing the image in the computer to my disappointment it was not the perfect butterfly, but one that had damaged wings. Sitting back into the chair I reflected upon just how it must feel to ‘be perfect’ in your diabetes management and then to check your blood glucose only to find it is not within range, I would be disappointed too.

Does it mean that because the butterfly was imperfect the image should be deleted? Maybe not, as it was the imperfection in beauty that sparked this article.  Blood glucoses that are out of range can be used as a prompt to spring board you to better health. It might be a change in medication, a chance to evaluate the stress in your life, or just the opportunity for you to show yourself self compassion.

Understand that the creature of diabetes often flits and floats too. But it can be captured even if your blood sugars are not 100% perfect 100% all of the time your effort is not in vain. Anything positive that you do in your life has a short and long term impact making you healthier and happier.

Remember It’s all about progression, not perfection