I’m not an expert on how this social media thing is supposed to work. I tweet. I blog. I podcast. I tumble. I even Instagram. But I genuinely have no idea what I’m doing. I think that’s part of the fun. Guess and check, after all, is the most scientific of the methods.
@mewithd @SweeterCherise social media is about building relationships. just bc people aren't responding now doesn't mean they never will—
Christopher (@iam_spartacus) May 11, 2012
Q5. Has diabetes helped you become more social? how? #dsma—
DiabetesSocMedAdvoca (@DiabetesSocMed) April 26, 2012
On the surface, it’s weird to think that something like diabetes can have a positive impact on someone’s life. That diabetes can be helpful. Diabetes is unrelenting. It demands constant attention and even when you have both eyes on it, it manages to run amok anyway. Control is a relative term when it comes to living with diabetes, and as a result it’s tough to associate positive emotions with this disease – but when you look deeper, the good is there.
Kim “My Corgi was featured on the Daily Corgi” Vlasnik wrangled up a bunch of us people with type 1 diabetes that were diagnosed as adults for a group video. Both Dayle and I recorded our piece (about 15 minutes each) and passed them along to Kim and the magic of the editing room. I did not envy that task. The result? An awesome contribution to the You Can Do This Project.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around part of the conversation I had with Kerri on this Just Talking Revisit about support for those that support us. There are blogs by people with all types of diabetes and blogs by parents of children with diabetes but the next frontier may be blogs by friends of people with diabetes.
Not just hope for me. Not just hope for her. Hope for everyone dealing with this disease. Hope for the children whose parents pray their blood glucose stays stable overnight. Hope for the families dealing with the rush of confusion upon learning of a loved one’s diagnosis. Hope for the 50 year veterans, proving that life does not end with diabetes. Hope for the people working tirelessly to end this madness.
Hope.
Finally, I’ve made a contribution to the You Can Do This project. What started as a small collection of YouTube videos is now a fundraising phenomenon building the foundation for appearances and outreach in ways that weren’t possible without the enthusiasm and support of people like you. And you. And you. Here’s a little something from me, for you, and you, and you. A reminder that despite all the silly, tomorrow will be better and yes, You Can Do This.
On a whim I decided to search ‘diabetes meter’ on Flickr. This was on the first page of results.
It’s not directly about the pageviews. It’s about the connections that can come from those pageviews. One single pageview could put a person down a path to a happier, healthier life. It’s a bit hyperbolic but that’s the power of this community. That’s the power of support. Sure, it can be about the numbers, just make sure you’re focusing on the *right* numbers.
-Me
Today is World Diabetes Day. It’s a big deal.
Honestly, I can’t think of much to add to the discussion so I’m posting the unofficial, official theme song of World Diabetes Day. Blue is the color of choice for the movement and I couldn’t think of a better song to represent this color. I’d say you can thank me later, but I think I should probably be apologizing.
This post represents an informal “thank you” to those of you that donated to my Step Out fundraising goal. The event was uncharacteristically rain-free and the turnout was extremely impressive. I know it can get exhausting coming to this blog and constant seeing donation asks. I do my best to keep that balance in check so thanks for your support.
