A lesson I was reminded of today: no matter how certain environments or relationships may make you feel, know your worth.

When I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, it took me years to accept that I am worthy of this life – that even with a dysfunctional body, I have value. I felt like a burden to family, friends and society (important note: no one else saw me as a burden). For three years after I was diagnosed, I didn’t write about it.

I regret this. There is so much I now want to know about how I handled this new life, how I coped and how I ultimately felt about all of it. I have a few memories, but that is it. And I didn’t write about it because I didn’t want it to be worth it. What I failed to realize is that I was worth it. 

So no matter how someone makes you feel, know your worth and stick to it. You have value. Own it.

(As I write this, a feline named Norm curls up next to me. Animals are a wonderful blessing sometimes.)

This post is part of my 30 Days With Diabetes series.