Have I told you about Darla yet?
Darla is a 22 week old Golden retriever, she is quite possibly the most gorgeous thing in my life, whilst simultaneously being the most disgusting – I’ll not tell you what she digested this morning….
Darla came into our lives after a few too many glasses of prosecco, a friend of mine posting on Facebook that she needed a home after not being collected that morning – and me being impulsive (and a bit pissed).
Don’t get me wrong, I always wanted a second dog, and a retriever, so she could possibly have been a case of right place, right time – or it could have been because I was a bit pissed so I got a puppy for Christmas (and am keeping her for life!)
Ironically, Darla has reaffirmed to me, the importance of support and experts (whilst also destroying my slippers.)
Let me explain.
Darla has been a bit of a dick, which has lovingly earnt her the nickname, Darla the Dick. She hated the crate, terrorised my older dog, and has incontinence issues…
I had to buy earplugs for my neighbours.
In order to train Darla, I bought a book – it was a good book, and had loads of ideas.
But…
And it’s a big but – I am quite time short in my life, and therefore hours of book reading and training isn’t quite a match for my life – and I wanted results quicker.
Because, I didn’t want a life where a dog howled in a crate all night, or slept with me in my bed as a happy alternative.
I also wanted a dog to walk to heel, to come back when I call and generally be a happy, settled little soul.
I invested money in the training book, and realised that it needed more of my time than I have.
So I sought an expert, and for quite a considerable amount of money, Darla went for a couple of days training, an overnight stay, and is still doing hourly classes every couple of weeks.
I’ve still had to invest my time, but not as much as I am not fumbling around trying to see what training best suits me and Darla, but instead I am being coached by an expert whose role is to support me, guide me and help me live the life I want with my puppy.
Forward to now, Darla and the crate are best buddies, my older dog still has both her ears and is no longer used as puppy snacks, and her walking to heel is pretty spot on for a little pup.
Although the money I invested at the start of the process felt like a significant amount, there is no price that I can put on a decent nights sleep and a happy relationship with my beautiful new puppy.
My point?
Most people find me because their life with Type 1 in their household has got to the point where happiness no longer seems to be achievable. When anxiety has left them curled up in a ball, reluctant to leave their child with anyone else, and consumed by the what ifs.
With no idea where to turn for help, outside of a GP practice and anti-depressants.
That route may work for you, it is certainly one I tried, and whilst it numbed the world, it didn’t help me develop, grow and move forward in my life to one that I was fully invested in living.
Investing in yourself is something we don’t do enough of, because of the cost implications.
That’s the reason I almost didn’t ask for help with my puppy was because I didn’t want to invest.
Do I regret it now?
In all honesty, I would have probably paid more to be where we are now….
This is your life, your one shot, every freaking day is a gift.
Buy the book, book a coach, do something that means you will feel better – because you absolutely deserve to.
Life with Type 1 diabetes is what it is, but it shouldn’t be ending yours.
Reach out and grab some help.
Your future self will thank you
Jane xxx
P.S – want to find out more about how my coaching works, just drop me a note and we can book a free discovery call.
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