I think these conflicting mindsets can apply to many areas of life, including diabetes management. Obviously, having diabetes isn't desirable. This disease it frustrating, hard, and debilitating at times. However, many people choose to live well with diabetes, rather than succumb to feeling self-pity and defeat.

That's not to say that we all don't have moments of feeling down about our condition. After my fall this weekend, I finally cried late Saturday night when I got in bed and my ankle throbbed. My husband attended to my needs and I got to be vulnerable about my injury for a little while.

Life really is all about balance. When we fall, literally or metaphorically in life, it's okay to have those moments of tears and self-pity. However, the trick is to quickly transition to more positive, proactive thoughts of how you can overcome the obstacle and improve your situation.