Welcome!

Why type 1 diabetes dilemma?

Because people with T1D are put in the impossible position of “managing” or “controlling”a dynamic condition.

But it’s really more like sailing. You navigate calm seas, stormy seas, and all kinds of conditions in between. You have to check wind, weather and waves, radio for help, ask for advice, read the maps, hire a crew. It’s a combination of knowledge, support, self awareness and letting go—especially letting go of shame and blame to make room for curiosity and adaptability.

Who is Valerie?

I’m a life coach dedicated to nurturing the mental, emotional and spiritual health of folks with T1D because I’ve lived with T1D for over thirty years. I’m also a writer and poet and publish another Substack, Glorious Ordinary. You can read more about me there too.

I was diagnosed at a crazy time in my life: I was in recovery from an eating disorder, and had two children under six, seven years into an abusive marriage. In that context, I regularly faced all the issues you’re familiar with, from unexplained highs and lows, to caring for a chronic condition through trauma, parenting, working and more. I share those stories including what was most helpful at the time, and what I’ve learned since.

And I’ll ask you to join the conversation!

Career

Eclectic career as a published author and freelance writer, with two Substack newsletters: Glorious Ordinary and The Type 1 Diabetes Dilemma. I was a homebirth assistant and doula, and co-founded a pioneering postpartum doula service, MotherCare Inc. After that I had a career in public health directing complex multi-sector partnership programs focused on health equity.

In 2017, I was certified as a Life Coach and have been building that practice along with a return to writing ever since.

Meditation & Mindfulness

Running like a shining, inspiring thread through all of that and into the present is meditation. In my early twenties I was introduced to vipassana, or Insight Meditation, and I immediately resonated with the teachings. Over time (a long time) I developed a sitting practice,. But when I was diagnosed I didn’t suddenly apply “mindfulness” to “managing” diabetes—at least not consciously, my life was too chaotic—but in retrospect, meditation practices like pausing, and observing life as it is, nurtured my ability to be patient with myself and others, to sit with ambiguity, to navigate change and develop discernment. They continue to lead me in the direction of making choices that align with love and compassion.

They also help me accept mistakes as part of the process. This is crucial. They continuously expand my capacity to love myself and others. Also crucial.

Identities

We are shaped by the conditions we grew up in. I am an older, white, cisgender woman, of mostly northern European descent. I’m a mother of sons, grandmother of grandsons, sister, daughter and friend. I’m a visual artist, writer and poet. I’m spiritual but not religious—raised Catholic but stopped practicing in elementary school. Buddhism is most aligned with my values, but honestly, I’ve been an animist since childhood. I knew then, and it is continuously apparent to me, that this precious planet is animate. Everything in the Web of Life is alive.

Contact Me

* For questions and invitations, message me here on Substack, or on LinkedIn. This Substack is my website.
* For coaching, check my coaching page. I offer flexible options including drop-ins. For 1:1 coaching, schedule a FREE 45 minute Discovery Session.

Please share this with someone you think might benefit, or with your network. It really helps.