Reclaiming Childhood Wonder on the Journey with Chronic Illness

Reclaiming Childhood Wonder on the Journey with Chronic Illness | Julia Flaherty | Chronically Climbing

When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10, I felt overwhelmed by uncertainty. What would my life look like after leaving the hospital? Would things ever feel “normal” again? Would my friends see me differently? And, at 10, perhaps my biggest question was, “Will I still be able to eat ice cream?” I used to joke that it felt like my own personal “Fear Factor” episode.

Imagine a Joe Rogan of the early 2000s telling you that you’d need to prick your finger and give yourself insulin shots indefinitely — or risk serious consequences. But unlike the show, there was no cash prize waiting at the end; instead, I’d need to pay to keep up with it all. (Though I still think cash prizes for those rare “unicorn” CGM readings would be pretty great!)

Over the years, like many others, I’ve experienced the highs and lows — both physical and emotional — that come with managing diabetes. Yet, I feel incredibly grateful. Diabetes has connected me to a deeply inspiring community and has taught me patience, resilience, humility, and a profound understanding of myself and others. Despite the challenges, I’ve found strength and a sense of calm. Type 1 diabetes reminds me every day that life isn’t predictable, but I’ve come to see the unknown as an adventure rather than something to fear. I’ve learned that nervousness and excitement are two sides of the same coin, depending on how you look at them.

Diabetes keeps me humble and aware of how much there is to learn, and I’m grateful for each lesson. Even with every CGM change, insulin dose, and blood sugar alert, I see how leaning into my experience with diabetes has always brought me more growth than trying to avoid it.

I’m Julia Flaherty. I’ve worked in healthcare and diabetes for the past three years and marketing for over a decade. I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly 21 years — a journey marked by physical, emotional, and professional ups and downs. In 2019, I had the privilege of speaking at a Change.org event about insulin affordability, an experience that fueled my commitment to raising awareness of what it’s like to live with diabetes and the multi-layered challenges it brings. Honestly, I’m still not quite sure how I ended up there, but today, I feel a deep responsibility to give back to this community. In 2011, during my junior year of high school, I began to recognize the impact diabetes had on my body image, with weight gain and hormone fluctuations adding layers of complexity to the emotional experience.

In 2021, I published Rosie Becomes a Warrior, a children’s book series meant to empower kids with type 1 diabetes to live fully and confidently. Although I had planned to bike for a cure with Breakthrough T1D in 2020, the pandemic postponed that dream; it’s still something I hope to pursue.

This year, I’ve been on a path of self-discovery, working toward a Health and Wellness Coaching certification through MindBodyGreen to deepen my skills, broaden my impact, and support others affected by chronic illness.

Reflecting on my diagnosis, I remember feeling isolated and grieving the life I thought I was losing. For weeks, I felt alone, but the support of my favorite teacher, Miss Schirmer, and my new friend, Billy, helped carry me through those early days. Despite my diagnosis, I still dared to dream of becoming an actress for the next 11 years, believing in myself despite the threat of medical insecurity. Today, I strive to re-channel that version of myself in refreshed ways.

Needless to say, I’m not Hollywood-bound today, but I’ve found a wonderful life in a vibrant city in the Midwest, alongside a puppy, a cat, and a partner I never saw coming — something I thank the universe for frequently.

Through all the highs, lows, and everything in between, I feel like my journey is just beginning. There is still so much I want to contribute and countless ways I hope to make a difference. While life with chronic illness has its ups and downs, I’ve found a steady rhythm of peace and stability beneath it all. Yet, it’s often the highs and lows that stand out, capturing our attention and making the more consistent moments feel less memorable. I truly hope I have the time to see my visions and goals through.

Now, as I approach my 21st diaversary, I’m struck by how much this journey has shaped me. Living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t make me a perfect role model — it’s a daily challenge with no roadmap to perfection. But in my quest to be more “human,” I’ve found peace in the imperfections. And in our community, we’ve learned to find humor in it all: I hear we call ourselves “wizards” and those without diabetes “muggles.” Someone might need to fact-check me on that!

I can only imagine how different I might feel if, back in 2004, the first words out of my doctor’s mouth had been, “You’re a wizard, Julia.” Diabetes may not be magic, but the journey it has brought me on certainly feels like one.

May we each dare to rediscover and embrace the magic within, reclaiming — and perhaps reimagining — the wonder of our inner child, throughout National Diabetes Awareness Month and beyond.