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Spiritual Matters Matter
We all know we are going to die. The
spiritual quest is figuring out how we
are going to live.
Finding the meaning of your illness for
yourself is part of your job, now. You
have a choice in deciding to grasp happiness
or suffering. People without diabetes
are looking to make sense too; the outside
stress of daily living, certainly aggravated
by chronic illness, needs help in finding
the equilibrium inside ourselves.
Individuals with diabetes and their families
are asking why this, why now, why me,
why my family. Is there a God? What have
I done to deserve this? Why does a good
person suffer? How can I face my life?
What is actually important. You have to
ask these questions and find positive
answers that point you in a good direction
for a happy life. (Read Rabbi Harold Kushner’s
When Bad Things Happen to
Good People for some help
as well as any religious people or readings
that you can connect with... go back to
early religious or spiritual connections
or find new ones.)
Do you realize that people who worship
regularly are twice as likely to quit
smoking and one third more likely to start
an exercise program? Individuals with
strong spiritual or religious beliefs
have less alcoholism, depression, live
longer, and recover more quickly. (And
if that isn’t reason enough!) Your
experiences don’t have to be of
a formal nature. Having a focus on “mindfulness”,
paying attention to the present moment-releasing
judgment and fear- is a great place to
start. Adding love, friendship, helping
others, practicing forgiveness, gratitude
and unconditional love are a good mix
to stories, prayer, and meditation.
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