As a T1D parent, mindset is the bedrock of the diabetes journey. The way we approach each day’s challenges and triumphs has a profound ripple effect on our entire family.
When we invest in our mindset as caregivers, we set an incredible example. Diabetes care can then be approached from a place of strength, hope, resilience, and proactive empowerment.
A strong mindset doesn’t just happen overnight – it’s cultivated with intention. At Type Won Coaching™, mindset is the first of four health pillars we focus on.
That’s because we believe it’s one of the most influential factors in the diabetes journey. Our mindset – what we think, believe, and feel about diabetes and beyond – affects everything.
It influences the food we eat, how we show up for our loved ones, navigate challenging days, and believe in our worthiness for change and vibrant health.
Our T1D family likes to think of our mindsets as the foundation of our “diabetes home”. Before building our dream oasis of progress and transformation, we must pause, reflect, and lay a strong foundation, brick by brick.
Mantras are a powerful tool to strengthen our mindset. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a mantra is “a word or phrase that is often repeated and expresses a particular strong belief.”
Mantras date back thousands of years, with their origins traced to Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Research has shown that mantras can reduce negative thinking while promoting a sense of well-being and positivity.
In fact, a 2022 systematic review examined fifty-two studies on the effects of mantra-based meditation.
The researchers concluded that the use of mantras led to small-to-moderate reductions in anxiety, burnout, and stress, while improving emotional self-regulation and mental health-related quality of life.
So for today’s blog post, I’d like to highlight three comforting mantras our T1D family turns to again and again.
Whether repeated aloud or silently, these mantras help you refocus, ground, and find your center. I hope they provide you with similar comfort!
Mantra #1: Every day, in every way, I am getting better
This mantra was first coined by Émile Coué, a French psychologist from the early 1900s. He encouraged his patients to harness the power of mantras and autosuggestions by repeatedly using this phrase.
Having turned to it myself countless times, I can attest to its power! “Every day, in every way, I am getting better” helps anchor you into a growth mindset.
Diabetes demands so much from the entire family, and no day is the same. So whether your T1D warrior was recently diagnosed or you’ve been on this journey for years, there is always something new to learn!
As a T1D parent, try this mantra out over the next week. Say it to yourself first thing in the morning, while brushing your teeth, or preparing food in the kitchen.
There is power in repeating mantras on great days, but what about the more challenging ones? That’s when our T1D family relies on mantras the most!
So whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the learning curves, bad blood sugar days, or just plain old burnt out, remember you’re doing an awesome job.
You’re learning, and it’s important to take it one day at a time.
Mantra #2: Everything is figureoutable
I’ve definitely written about this mantra before, and for good reason! Thought leader and super successful entrepreneur Marie Forleo coined this phrase.
In her book Everything Is Figureoutable (which I highly recommend), she shares how her mom reminded her of this mantra’s power during uncertain or challenging times.
Any T1D parent navigating diabetes knows it comes with uncertainty and challenges. Lean on these wise, comforting, and powerful words!
As a T1D caregiver, I’ve lost count of the times I’ve repeated this mantra. For example, during a recent vacation, my T1D husband eagerly jumped into the pool – only to realize he forgot to remove his insulin pump, which is not waterproof!
We were miles from home, with a malfunctioning pump, and needed a backup ASAP. Instead of panicking, we took a deep breath. I said to both myself and my husband, “everything is figureoutable,” and sure enough, it was.
After a few emergency phone calls to the doctor and insurance company, a new pump was on its way. How about you? Have you faced a diabetes challenge recently where this mantra could have helped? Or how can you start to utilize it this coming week?
Mantra #3: We are connected to a stream of well-being
This last mantra is incredibly powerful for all things health and wellness! It was inspired by Abraham-Hicks, who said, “There is only a stream of well-being that flows. You can allow it, or resist it, but it flows just the same”.
This mantra offers powerful reassurance and a different perspective to health, while providing great comfort. It can remind us that our health, well-being, family, and diabetes journey are well supported.
Repeating the mantra “we are connected to a stream of well-being” can help you feel a greater sense of comfort in uncertain times.
Diabetes can be scary sometimes, and it’s normal to feel angry, frustrated, overwhelmed, sad, or in disbelief.
While these emotions are natural and valid, staying in them isn’t always helpful. Instead, we can allow ourselves to express and process our feelings through journaling, prayer, meditation, exercise, or talking with a trusted professional like a health coach or therapist.
Coaching is all about forward movement, and I believe this mantra helps us get there. Even when our bodies aren’t firing on all cylinders, and we feel uncertain or frustrated, we can reach for a better thought by reminding ourselves, “we are connected to a stream of well-being.”
As a new parent, I constantly repeat this mantra to both myself and my daughter. My hope is that it will inspire and remind her that she is always supported, and that the daily choices we make can either hinder our health or foster it.
So, what choice will you make today? How can you and your family reconnect to your own stream of well-being, whatever that looks like for you?
Let’s wrap up!
Incorporating these three comforting mantras into your daily routine can provide a sense of peace and strength as you navigate the ups and downs of the diabetes journey.
As a T1D parent, remember that you are not alone in this. These mantras are here to support you, helping you to stay grounded, hopeful, and resilient.
So, take a moment today to try out one of these mantras. Whether you’re starting your day with “every day, in every way, I am getting better,” calming yourself with “everything is figureoutable,” or reminding you to “connect to a stream of well-being,” let these words guide you.
Embrace the power of positive thinking and see how it can transform your mindset as a T1D parent and your family’s well-being.
You’ve got this! Stay strong, stay positive, and always know that you’re doing an incredible job.
And if you’re looking for further support, know Type Won Coaching™ has you covered.
Please send an inquiry here or email me at hello@typewoncoaching.com to learn about our individual and group coaching programs.
Until next time, sending tons of love to you and your family!
Allee
This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed healthcare provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.
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