The Cosmic Perspective

There are certain blogs that I log onto each day to sort of “check-in” on what is happening in my little world.  These are the blogs that allow me to remain positive and filled with hope.  One such blog is written by Mara Wilson.  (Yes, that Mara Wilson.)  In one of her recent postings, Mara talks about meeting astronomer Dr. Neil deGrasse-Tyson and asking him a question.  Dr. deGrasse-Tyson’s response sent Mara off on a search to find the answer – to find the cosmic perspective.

Ever since reading Mara’s post I have thought about Dr. deGrasse-Tyson’s answer.  It’s quite a long response but well worth the read.  And, for some reason, I kept finding my mind wandering back to ponder his words.  And I’m glad that it did wander as it led me to some insights into my diabetes.

When dealing with diabetes I have found that I am often overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of all that having diabetes means.  Watch this, avoid that, wonder what happened when something isn’t quite behaving normally, cut back this, increase that, etc.  In short, like Mara, I sometimes “feel so small.”

And that’s where the article that was written by Dr. deGrasse-Tyson comes in.  Diabetes is this huge, cosmic universe.  It encompasses everything in my daily life – from now until my journey on this world is done – and that really makes me feel overwhelmed.  But Dr. deGrasse-Tyson’s article explains that the “cosmic perspective reminds us to see beyond our circumstances.”

On a daily basis I get tied up in the day to day things of diabetes – test strips, carb counting, portion control and food choices (to just name a few).  These things can and do consume most of my waking thoughts.  And even though these items are critically important, I can’t let them focus me to the point that all I see is one thing and miss all the other amazing things that this life has to offer – I have to keep a cosmic perspective.

Is the universe big?  Yes.  Is diabetes a huge thing?  Yes.  Can I see beyond my diabetic circumstances?  I am desperately trying to – and I will.