Living on the Bright Side with Thad Novak

While promoting the Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research I asked New York Times Best Selling Author Brenda Novak if her son Thad would like to share a message with other teens about living with diabetes. Thad’s response is: “Whenever I start feeling as if it’s unfair that I have to take so many shots and test my blood so many times a day, I think of people who have it worse. At least my disease is one I can fight by trying to eat right and manage well. Looking on the bright side helps.”

Wow! That I am so impressed. If all my patients I’d treated in the past had that kind of attitude the would have done much better. Thad is a great example for his peers. I know it’s tough having to eat different than your friends, and poke yourself so many times a day to check your blood sugar. He will be blessed with less complications than those patients that don’t follow the recommendations and watch their diet, exercise and keep close track of their glucose levels. What I’d like to elaborate on the most is your last sentence about looking on the bright side.

There is a story that is credited to Gulistan of Sadi’. “I was barefooted and unable to procure slippers. But when I entered the great mosque of Kufah with a sore heart and beheld a man without feet I offered thanks to the bounty of God.”

Dr. Martin Seligman says that “quietly reminding yourself that you do have the skills and resources to handle most of what you will have to handle today is a good way to cultivate an optimistic attitude.” I think when Thad is focusing on the positive facts that with advances in medicine, a supportive family, and improved technology he has the chance to live a good life, compared to some other individuals, he gives himself the opportunity to save the energy that could be wasted if he moped and complained about his lot. It is  like looking at the silver lining around the clouds or to survive the storm you dance in the rain.

Research suggests that maintaining a positive outlook during distressing times can optimize not only your emotional wellbeing, but also your cardiovascular health. What Brenda did by organizing and sponsoring the Brenda Novak Annual On-line Auction for Diabetes Research for six years is stopped stressing and started doing – it looks like her valuable service will reach her goal of obtaining $1,000,000.00 this year. Her positive approach benefits all those with diabetes, their parents and caregivers. Most of all, Brenda’s example has obviously influenced Thad.

The University of California researchers found that actors could influence their immune system by the emotions they portrayed. There are studies upon studies done at well respected institutions such as Harvard, Duke University, the University of Chicago and more showing a direct relationship between improved health, extended live, and overall sense of well being and having a positive attitude. While it is true that positive thinking will not cure Diabetes, it is apparent that approaching living with a positive attitude has helped the Novaks cope with their challenges.

Thank you, Thad for sharing your bright side with us.

Best wishes,

Margaret Turley RN