Turning Challenges Into Inspiration: Regina Lawrence

It used to be that Regina Lawrence would be the first to describe herself as a Type A personality, the kind of person who gets a second wind at 5 pm and wonders why everyone else is ready to go home. This has served her well throughout 32 years with The Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project, Inc. (STOP), an agency providing programs and services for the disadvantaged. Currently she acts as Director of Management Information & Employee Resources, though she has worn many hats at STOP. A 2005 diagnosis of

Type 2 diabetes changed Regina , not just from the outside in, but from the inside out.

A few years ago, chronic insomnia convinced Regina to go to the doctor. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism came as a complete surprise. But once her thyroid was under control, she found her Energizer Bunny tendencies had evened out. Then last May, a routine checkup revealed another surprise - Type 2 diabetes.

Regina recalls asking, “So what does that mean and what are you going to do for me so it'll all go away?” Enter SDI Dietitian Phyllis Woodson, who proposed a completely new lifestyle plan that included regular exercise and healthier eating habits.

She left that day unconvinced - and determined to manage the diabetes her way. But after two weeks, with her glucose levels “through the roof” she reconsidered, and began the journey she now considers a great blessing.

“Phyllis promised me that if I did what she told me, my weight that day would be the highest I'd ever be for the rest of my life.” Now that she's given away 22 pairs of size 18 pants, Regina gives an enthusiastic thumbs up to her new way of living. She has more energy but at the same time has become more laidback and open to enjoying life.

Her assistant Susan Baublitz has been well aware of the changes in her supervisor of 12 years. “She's much more relaxed. Now, something that before couldn't wait to be done until tomorrow actually can be.” Prior to being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, her husband Tyrone adds, “She would have to have her whole hand in the pot all the time. But now, she's fine with just a few fingers.”

For any new challenge, Regina always gives herself two weeks to grieve, then to accept, whatever lies ahead. “If you don't embrace whatever your challenges are, you'll get run over by them. Give yourself permission to go through a process of acceptance. Then it's all downhill from there.”

She maintains that denial is the biggest stumbling block, not just for people with diabetes but for anyone facing a potential obstacle. And pride can keep people from getting much-needed support. “If you continue to do what you've always done, then you'll continue to get what you've always got.”

A smart first step was rallying support at home and work. Regina doesn't follow a specific diet, but carefully monitors her sugar, carbohydrate, fat, fiber and sodium intake, and has increased her activity level with regular walking, dancing and gardening. Increased energy has led to new pursuits, including a new online travel agency she is beginning with her husband of 26 years.

She also hopes to become a spokesperson for diabetes. “Before my diagnosis, diabetes wasn't something I thought about, it was someone else's disease,” says Regina , “That's how we think about everything that doesn't affect us directly. But I believe the Lord blessed me the way he did unless I was supposed to bless somebody else.”