Diabetes Blog – Happy-Medium.net

Another Diabetes UnConference is in the books.

This one was the first UnConference on the east coast of the USA. It will not be the last (more on that in a minute). Resorts Hotel and Casino was very kind for our few days along the New Jersey coast, and other than scorching late summer temperatures, the weather was great. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

What made the weekend really wonderful was the same thing that makes every UnConference special: the people.

There is something refreshing and honestly, for me anyway, necessary about getting together face-to-face with others who live with diabetes every day, discussing the things that are important and frustrating and funny and scary and sweet (no pun intended) about something that we understand better than anyone else: our own diabetes.

Each Person With Diabetes in attendance knows their life with diabetes better than anyone, and each attendee was able to convey their feelings and expertise on a variety of psychosocial aspects of living with this condition in a unique and respectful way. The format, along with our social media blackout during sessions, made for a safe place where everyone felt Welcomed, Valued, Respected, and Heard. Each Person who Loves Us (PLU— it’s a thing) in attendance was able to share, also in a comfortable, respectful, safe space, how it feels to share a life with a PWD.

As a facilitator in many of the sessions, I was once again humbled by the openness of people who have lived with diabetes for decades, and people who have lived with diabetes for just a few years. Many from the USA, and some from other countries, all seeking to understand themselves, each other, their jobs, their lives at home, and so much more. In the process, friendships were made, existing bonds were made stronger, and in one case, actual physical assistance made all the difference in a difficult moment. When the moment was over, it meant so much to be able to spend time with people who understand… people who get me. Priceless.

I think we all learned a lot. We certainly shared a lot. I think we all understand how important it is to:
#FindYourTribe

The next Diabetes UnConference will be at the Westin Las Vegas February 10, 11, and 12 next year. And I’m happy to report that The Diabetes UnConference will be coming back to the east coast in October of 2017. It will be in the Washington, DC suburb of Alexandria, Virginia. Details to come at a later date. If you’re looking for a little assistance to get to Vegas, the scholarship window is now open.

There is nothing like finding a safe, comfortable place to discuss the things that are most important to you. Especially when you live with diabetes, or you’re close to someone living with diabetes. Our pancreases don’t function properly. Our hearts are beautiful.