Everyone Deserves a Fun Summer, Including Those with Disabilities

The first time I donned a two-piece swimsuit at the beach following my diagnosis, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. Every meal I ate and every blood sugar check I performed was already under scrutiny. I often heard people remark about how they could “never” inject themselves or that they found the sight of blood unsettling. I was convinced that my chronic illness would be on display for everyone to judge at the beach or pool.

The alternatives weren’t appealing: staying away from the beach, wearing a full-coverage swimsuit with a hidden pocket for my insulin pump, or covering up my two-piece with a sarong. I decided to embrace the moment and headed to the water with my family, my pump tubing casually hanging off my hip. Yes, I received some curious glances and a few questions, but at least I wasn’t hiding who I truly was. Being authentic, including my chronic illness, was liberating. Now, fifteen years later, I firmly believe that everyone, including those with disabilities, deserves a fun-filled summer.

My Journey with Type 1 Diabetes

My journey began when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a young adult. After a year of feeling unwell, losing thirty pounds, and battling relentless hunger and fatigue, my health took a serious downturn. Despite multiple medical visits, it wasn’t until I was near death in the emergency room that I received the correct diagnosis.

Learning that I had a lifelong autoimmune disease was daunting, and the education that came with it was overwhelming. Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition that requires constant management; I had to administer insulin through injections or a pump, test my blood sugar several times a day, and meticulously count carbs. It was a lot to handle.

Fortunately, advancements in diabetes technology and education have made life easier since my diagnosis. Although I still encounter people who share horror stories or mislabel my condition, I’ve developed resilience. I’ve learned to brush off comments and focus on what truly matters.

Embracing My Body

Living with type 1 diabetes means it’s nearly impossible to keep my condition hidden. I need to administer insulin from my pump multiple times a day, which means it’s often visible, especially when I wear a swimsuit. Over time, I’ve stopped worrying about what others think of my insulin pump or any of my physical imperfections. Instead of hiding, I choose to embrace my body and enjoy life.

Society often tries to dictate who is worthy of enjoying the beach or pool, but there are no true qualifications. Regardless of perceived flaws—whether they’re medical devices or unique physical features—everyone has the right to enjoy summer activities. There’s no perfect body; we all deal with body image issues to some extent.

I believe that if we all show up as we are, in whatever makes us comfortable, we can shift the narrative around summer fun. After all, the beach isn’t a runway or a magazine cover; it’s a place to relax and enjoy. Plus, it’s way too hot to layer up just to hide what we don’t love about ourselves. When I see someone confidently showcasing their medical gear, I want to celebrate them for their bravery—it takes guts to be your true self in a world that often judges.

I realized I had a choice: I could fixate on others’ opinions or focus on enjoying my time at the beach with my family. It required practice to feel comfortable, but I’ve learned that showing up authentically is what matters. I refuse to cover up for anyone else’s comfort. My only rules are to wear a swimsuit I love and ensure my pump is easily accessible.

So, here’s to a summer filled with joy—I hope yours is just as vibrant!

Resources for Further Reading

If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this informative post on home insemination. For those looking for expert guidance, Make a Mom provides an excellent resource on fertility kits, while IVF Babble is a top-notch site for all things pregnancy and home insemination.

Potential Search Queries:

Summary

This article shares a personal journey of embracing one’s true self while navigating life with a chronic illness, specifically type 1 diabetes. It emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically, enjoying summer activities without the burden of societal expectations, and celebrating the courage of those who might feel different.