I have another word for superstition: habit.
Often, we get so used to doing something in a such a specific way, it seems unnatural to do it any other way. When I was younger, I played a lot of baseball. And then softball. And I subscribed to every last superstition. Don’t touch the baselines, don’t mention a streak or a no-hitter in progress or you’ll jinx it. Take the same number of practice swings before each at-bat. Oh, I had a superstition for everything.
Well, today I’m not a big fan of that. In fact, I enjoy doing things differently. I like variety. I dig changing things up now and then.
But I do have a few habits when it comes to my life with diabetes.
Prior to my pump, I used to hold the syringe exactly the same way before each injection. I tapped the syringe the same number of times before getting down to business, whether it was necessary or not. And you can bet that I had my favorite injection sites, and used them more often than I probably should have.
Do I have my favorite infusion sites today? On my sides, although I’m a side sleeper, so I have to be careful. I also like to keep the pump clipped right in the middle at night. At least while I’m sleeping…
I also have my favorite fingers to test on (the ring fingers). I almost never use my index fingers. Why? I’m not sure I can tell you. I think it has to do with the clunky lancet devices back in the early nineties that made my fingers feel like they were being pricked by a dull icepick, with the force of a cannon blast. Doing that, and then using a computer mouse or holding a pen was actually painful back then.
I have a couple of pills that I take, plus a couple of vitamins each day. And you know what? I take them in exactly the same order every day.
Looking back on it now, I think I should change up some of those routines. Don’t want to get into a rut. But I also have to realize that I should do what works best for me. Because right now, things are working pretty well.
Do you have superstitions? Or are they habits? Whatever they are, I say go for what works for you. But don’t be afraid to change it up! You might find a new habit that works just as well.
Diabetes Blog - Happy-Medium.net 