LIVING A HOLYSTIC LIFE MY BODY IS A TEMPLE
BY MELISSA KESSLER, INHC, MA Wellness has never been a thing I could take for granted. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 2½, 38 years ago. Since that day, I’ve had to prick my fingers many times a day and carry needles with me in case I decide to eat, whether at home, at a party, or just out and about. When I was a child, other kids were jealous because I was allowed to carry juice boxes around with me in case of hypoglycemia (a condition where blood sugar drops too low). At that time, I didn’t see this illness as a reason for jealousy. Here I am, now at the age of 40, carrying feelings of appreciation for this health condition - without sadness or embarrassment and without a reason 56
to ask for pity. Instead, I have feelings of pure joy that God gave me a reason to focus on my health throughout my life. Truly, I sit here in gratitude for the diagnosis of diabetes at such a young age. I know you think I’m speaking some crazy talk right now, but hear me out. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV) In my early thirties, I became a holistic wellness coach with a deep passion and purpose for helping people improve their health and prevent disease.
