Upon receiving an invitation to join a sizable group for Yum Cha in Sydney’s Chinatown, I quickly accepted. This was a group I’ve regularly met with over the twenty years, and I hold fond memories of our previous gatherings. I gave it no further thought until halfway through last night when I began contemplating the practicalities.
The essence of Yum Cha (at least in Sydney) is the collective group decision needed as the trolleys carrying various foods pass by. As dishes pass by, a quick survey of the table prompts instant decisions on whether to indulge in dumplings, noodlbes, buns, vegetables, and more. Unfortunately, this spontaneous decision-making, while enjoyable, led me to reconsider its compatibility with my recent diabetes diagnosis.
Firstly, many of the dishes could potentially impact my blood sugar levels. Inevitably, white rice is served with the meals (though brown rice is preferred). Combined with noodles and buns, Yum Cha is no longer a suitable option for me, I realised half way through last night.
Secondly, I realized I would be a challenge to deal with in the “group decision-making process.” I would need to make instant decisions that would invariably involve me saying, “Sorry, I can’t eat that.” #paininthearse
Not wanting to be THAT person, I messaged my friend who organized the event this morning, explaining why I couldn’t attend. I resolved to attend Yum Cha in smaller groups first so I can think more closely about how to approach it as a diabetic. I’m sure I can do it, I just haven’t thought about the practicalities yet.
This morning, I felt a bit tired after attending a wonderful group gathering with long-term friends in Manly yesterday. I’ve known this group for about thirty years, and one of them has been living in Ireland for almost twenty years, so I didn’t want to miss it. In the midst of it all, I took a brief mid-afternoon nap at the venue, but I probably spent a little too long enjoying the experience.
As a result, today I withdrew from three planned events: Yum Cha, going to a gallery with a friend, and a mid-afternoon catch-up with some other friends. I was simply too tired and spent most of the day in bed, napping on and off.
I managed to catch up on some TV, including Melodifestivalen (the Swedish Eurovision finals) and ABC TV’s Insiders (part of my Sunday routine).
I seem to be in that “in-between phase” where my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I “think” I can do more than I actually can, so I say “yes” to virtually every invitation, but my body is still not up to the exertion required.
Based on some of the things I’ve been posting here and on social media, a few friends and family have commented, “You need to ease up a bit.” They’re right. It’s time to slow down a bit and let my body relax a little more. It’s only been a few months since I had my emergency operation and was diagnosed with diabetes, and though my mind tells me I feel good, my body is not quite there yet.
Yes, I can understand how you would want to go back to your old way of life and say yes to everything but it does seem you need to pace yourself better. Do a bit less and enjoy what you do more.
Yes most definitely. I’ve had a few days this week where I’ve been a little tired, which I think may also relate to a chance in my diabetes medications. It’s such an adventure.
As a post-script, I’ve visited the diabetes specialist, and she thinks I might soon be able to come off insulin, using another, different pill instead. Until we see the impact of the prescription, I’m still taking insulin twice a day, though at a lower dose.
Slow down and relax a little. “Slow down and love yourself more” . Pace yourself. Its not unusual for people who have been through life changing events or “come to Jesus” moments to be in a hurry to “get busy living” but listen carefully to your body signals.
Many thanks Lynne. Wise advice.