What makes it worth it to me to take care of my diabetes?

This is a question that someone posted on her blog (that she got from another blog).  It really got me thinking.  She said not taking care of herself was a type of "passive suicide."  That really got me thinking!  My comment to her blog post was:

I think about what motivates me on a daily basis. The main thing for me would be the other six people that live in my house – my husband and five children. However, your blog has me thinking… What else motivates me? Shouldn’t I be doing this for my own health just as much, if not more, than for them? Your “passive suicide” comment really hit home. If I want to live a long, productive life, then I need to take care of myself. Hmm, I think I might take on this question for my own blog post tonight.

So here I am, posting this on my own blog.  Whether you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other medical condition, think about what motivates you to take care of yourself.  When times get tough and you just want to throw up your hands (oh you know you've been there!), knowing your motivators ahead of time will help you get through those times a lot faster. 

One day I was trying to talk my youngest into going home after dropping her sisters off at school instead of heading to the YMCA.  To my surprise, she wanted to go to the nursery instead of going home and watching TV.  Then I found out why.  I am honest with my children about complications of uncontrolled diabetes.  My grandfather lost both of his legs to diabetes.  My sweet angel looked at me and said, "Mommy, I want you to go to the Y so you don't have to get your legs cut off."  That was enough motivation for me!

What motivates you?