Naomi Kingery is an amazing, fun, inspiring, and accomplished 18 year old who just recently became a published author! She has had diabetes since September 2, 2001, for over six and a half years, and through all the ups and downs, has become a certified yoga instructor since the age of 12. Naomi always has a good attitude about life, and living with diabetes. She says, “these past few years I’ve learned that every breath of air is a blessing, and that every single thing happens for a reason. Times get really hard but I keep a smile on my face until the next good thing comes a long. No matter how bad things are, there is always always something to be thankful for.” From my perspective, there are three factors that make up the foundation for Naomi’s incredibly positive attitude. First, her family, who have always supported her and given the encouragement she needed to attain her goals. Secondly, she always thinks about others, making their needs a priority in their life. For example, she says it is her new dream to, “help diabetics and other people through yoga.” Thinking about others helps one appreciate their own life and keep everything in perspective. The third factor that I believe impacts Naomi’s positive attitude, is her unyielding faith in God…what a wonderful support system she has, family, faith, and humility, which accounts for why this young lady is so inspirational!!
You may wonder why and how Naomi and I became friends. Well, to be honest, we met online. oooh! It all started four years ago on Xanga (one of those weblog communities). Ever since then, we have stayed in touch with each other, kept each other informed about what is going on in our lives. We talk about our experiences related to diabetes, our ups and downs, our good days, our bad days, and we talked about the Medtronic Minimed Sensor, which we both started using at about the same time. The interesting factor is, as close as Naomi and I feel towards each other and consider our friendship a very strong bond, we have never met in person…yet. It feels like I’ve known Naomi forever.
The reason why I am writing about my dear friend, Naomi, is because Naomi is a new author, having justt published her first book, which of course I know will become a best seller! I am SO proud and happy for her success! What an accomplishment this book is for Naomi and what a gift it is for diabetics and their friends and families. Her book is entitled,“Sugar Free Me“ which inspires young people with a positive yet quirky approach to life with diabetes. Sugar Free Me is available atwww.livetolovediabetes.comand buy her book!!! Also, you can go to www.hopethroughyoga.comto learn more about Yoga and Diabetes! I can only imagine what she’ll be doing ten years from now, since she has accomplished so much by the age of 18!
