mzacha

Part of the holiday spirit is helping one another. I believe the online community of those affected by diabetes is amazing. Never have I felt so alone. Never have I felt so apart of something. Never have I had access to so many who are ready to support me.

Times when I am down and feeling bad there is always someone to encourage me. When I lost some weight I had many cheers sent my way and when I gained that weight back I received many, “You can do! Don’t give up” messages that not only helped motivate but made me feel cared for.

A week or so ago I got an email from someone I did not know but who read a blog post about quitting smoking. Her name is Erin and she is a type 1 who has smoked for several years. She was feeling guilty for being a smoker and knew she needed and wanted to quit once and for all.

She asked me how I did and explained to her about the whole “toes” motivation which I shared on an episode of dLife TV. Her husband and kids try to encourage her to quit but she still is struggling.

Until now.

Erin had planned on quitting smoking once and for all on Sunday, December 21st.

Not after last night.

She watched the dLife episode and then hopped on You Tube to watch other diabetes clips about smoking. She came across some very disturbing stuff. Stuff that made her ask, "What am I doing to myself?"

So she did it. I got an email last night that said, "I DID IT! I DID NOT WAIT! I QUIT!"

I am so excited for Erin that I am trying to get as many people as I can to offer her encouragement, support, and cheer her on! She is a member of Tu Diabetes, which is an awesome social network but it centers around those who have or are touched by diabetes.

Maybe you could head on over there and drop her a line or leave her a message here.

I know when I quit I needed all the support I could get. So many of my online friends lifted me up and kept me going that I thought I should pay it forward.

Would you be willing to offer some support to Erin?

Consider it a free but priceless Christmas gift!