Mindset / Self Help
When I was a teenager in the 60s and 70s, I was a Boy Scout. One motto from the Boy Scouts that I still live by today is: Be Prepared! They didn't specify what to be prepared for, but they offered a glimpse into the future, emphasizing the importance of readiness and resilience.
Daily mindset awareness and personal desire for self-improvement will play a pivotal role in your journey. I strive for the independence to have a say in my success and recovery.
You might have heard the phrase that "A positive attitude, proactive action, and committed behavior are essential for success in life". I find this essential. For example, I have a friend who has been managing diabetes with a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and various medications like insulin and Ozempic. Despite these measures, the struggle with maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and weight persists. This highlights the broader global trend of dependency on external aids rather than fostering self-reliance. What does this have to do with self-control and self-help? Let me share my perspective:
Action: I regularly check my blood sugar by pricking my finger after waking up to monitor my overnight levels and adjust my daily behavior. Sometimes, I check it multiple times a day to reflect on my eating habits. I choose to self-monitor because I know myself. Attitude: If I used a CGM I know that I would become overly reliant and anxious about its alarms. I prefer to maintain self-aware and push myself to control my daily acitvites. Behavior: By being mindful of portion control, knowing when to fast or eat, and choosing quality (non-ultra-processed) foods I empower myself to use food as my remedy. When my blood sugar goes out of control or I gain weight, it’s because I control what enters my mouth as I track my food intake, weigh myself daily, collect and review data often. Success: My continuing journey has puzzled my oncologist, especially since I rejected chemotherapy last year. Chemotherapy was detrimential to my mindset, physical well being and my marriage. I was referred to palliative care . This care path is meant to relieve symptoms and reduce suffering caused by life-threatening diseases. Palliative therapy can make a person more comfortable, but it does not treat or cure the disease. At my request to my Oncologist I continue to undergo Immunotherapy treatment pshing my body to heal itself with drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and trastuzumab (Herceptin.) Through it all, I will remain committed to my path, guided by self-awarenes; determined to take control of my health and well-being. Self-awareness will guide how I feel or want to feel. I will reject social pressure to conform to unhealthy trends.
By doing so, I have become part of a minority. Had I continued to follow the crowd, I might not be here today. At one point, as a 245-pound man with mounting health issues, I decided to change my path. Now, for 4 years, I've maintained a healthy weight of 155 to 162 pounds, and I'm approaching my 5th year of cancer survival in the fall of 2025.
While I still aim to reverse my type 2 diabetes, at this stage in my life, managing my cancer and keeping it stable is a higher priority. My research has given me a greater understanding of the connection between diabetes, obesity, and cancer. I focus on what I can control. I focus on the most debilitating and life-threatening aspect of my health... Fight this cancer!
Daily mindset awareness and personal desire for self-improvement will play a pivotal role in your journey. I strive for the independence to have a say in my success and recovery.
You might have heard the phrase that "A positive attitude, proactive action, and committed behavior are essential for success in life". I find this essential. For example, I have a friend who has been managing diabetes with a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and various medications like insulin and Ozempic. Despite these measures, the struggle with maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and weight persists. This highlights the broader global trend of dependency on external aids rather than fostering self-reliance. What does this have to do with self-control and self-help? Let me share my perspective:
Action: I regularly check my blood sugar by pricking my finger after waking up to monitor my overnight levels and adjust my daily behavior. Sometimes, I check it multiple times a day to reflect on my eating habits. I choose to self-monitor because I know myself. Attitude: If I used a CGM I know that I would become overly reliant and anxious about its alarms. I prefer to maintain self-aware and push myself to control my daily acitvites. Behavior: By being mindful of portion control, knowing when to fast or eat, and choosing quality (non-ultra-processed) foods I empower myself to use food as my remedy. When my blood sugar goes out of control or I gain weight, it’s because I control what enters my mouth as I track my food intake, weigh myself daily, collect and review data often. Success: My continuing journey has puzzled my oncologist, especially since I rejected chemotherapy last year. Chemotherapy was detrimential to my mindset, physical well being and my marriage. I was referred to palliative care . This care path is meant to relieve symptoms and reduce suffering caused by life-threatening diseases. Palliative therapy can make a person more comfortable, but it does not treat or cure the disease. At my request to my Oncologist I continue to undergo Immunotherapy treatment pshing my body to heal itself with drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and trastuzumab (Herceptin.) Through it all, I will remain committed to my path, guided by self-awarenes; determined to take control of my health and well-being. Self-awareness will guide how I feel or want to feel. I will reject social pressure to conform to unhealthy trends.
By doing so, I have become part of a minority. Had I continued to follow the crowd, I might not be here today. At one point, as a 245-pound man with mounting health issues, I decided to change my path. Now, for 4 years, I've maintained a healthy weight of 155 to 162 pounds, and I'm approaching my 5th year of cancer survival in the fall of 2025.
While I still aim to reverse my type 2 diabetes, at this stage in my life, managing my cancer and keeping it stable is a higher priority. My research has given me a greater understanding of the connection between diabetes, obesity, and cancer. I focus on what I can control. I focus on the most debilitating and life-threatening aspect of my health... Fight this cancer!
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I came across the above YouTube videos about CGMs for non-diabetics and healthy eating habits. Click the links to watch in a seperate window.
Many videos like this have opened my eyes to the random swings of daily life.
Influancers like Dr. Boz, Dr. Berg, Jason Fung, Thomas DeLauer,
Virta Health and Dr. Sarah Hallberg.
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