Let the head games begin!

It really is worth all of the effort. But, in addition, I was just thinking about the fact that we come into this entire process with preconceived notions about how easy it might be to work this tool and what our goal or ideal weight should be. It seems that perhaps we need to lighten up on ourselves and try to always see the positive side of where ever we are in this never-ending journey. After all, this is a life-long process and we seem to be so focused on what our weight is today, how we look today, how we feel today...we seem to give very little thought to the future and our ability to maintain these high expectations that we seem to have so early out when it's still relatively easy. This is clearly where the head games come into the picture. Our minds and hearts may tell us to work our asses off -literally, but our ability to achieve or maintain those high hopes for the long term are much more difficult than we can imagine. Our past issues with food and emotional triggers are never buried too deep...it takes just the slightest nudge for them to surface and start us down the path to poor eating and health choices that comfort us, if only for the moment. We get to view and feel the physical fallout of those impulsive emotional choices for much longer than a few moments. Yikes...this is getting deep....

It was getting deep! But it is oh so true!! I think you hit it dead on and this paints the picture better than I ever could of where I stand in my journey. I read a post before called "The inner me is the enemy" and I thought how deep just the title was. We are harder on ourselves than anyone else and put lots of unnecessary stress on ourselves to be perfect when it is not possible. Nothing wrong with striving to perfect yourselves, but know that we will ever be striving and never arriving. I think I expected to arrive and be able to stop striving and got a wake up call that was not too pretty...but I am also glad to have learned t his early out as well....and I have not lost hope and I am going to keep striving until I get it together.

"but know that we will ever be striving and never arriving" I like that. Maybe thinking like this would take a bit of the pressure off if we knew that we were really here to better ourselves to our best individual abilities...not to perfection or someone else's individual best. Now...the trick is to retrain our silly selves to truly believe that just "striving" is okay and good enough.

so as soon as you figure out how to retrain our thoughts....please clue me in too!!

Wow Suz, when I fall off of the wagon I know who I'm going to. You are so supportive and bring a lot of knowledge and wisdom to our group. You said everything that I was thinking but could never put into words. You are so right, it doesn't take much for us to want to turn to food again. A bad day at work or w/ the kids or hubby could send anyone of us back to the binging. We have to be aware of this each and everyday. And if we fall sometimes, that's ok, recognize it and get back up. You have a great outlook on this whole weight loss journey. I always look forward to reading your posts.

TY It means a lot to know that what I am feeling and able to put into words actually means something to someone else, too. Believe me...there's a lot more "deep thoughts" rolling around in this crazy head of mine...things that might strike a cord with others on this board. If I keep thinking, you may all be begging me to shut up soon!

Suz, I am sure I told you before...I enjoy reading your posts...no matter how deep or even if they strike a chord...the ring TRUE and need to said!! U say what I am thinking usually but just know how to put it out there in writing...I am not that great with getting the thoughts that are rolling around in my head down onto paper in a way someone else can understand the thoughts....shoot..sometimes I dont even understand my thoughts! lol And you are more than welcome!! We have in this for almost two years together now (boy does time fly) and you aint gettin rid of me! And I know you and the other regulars will just be an email away when needed!! u guys are the best and I am so happy to have you in my corner!

I think I am guilty of not posting because I am scared of failing. I am so scared that I am going to be the fat ugly person I was once before. I do NOT want to be that person. I am in desperate need of help, words of wisdom, words of encouragement. Words to tell me to get BACK to the gym and start working out! I need to be told what to do to help me, because obviously I can not do it on my own. I am slowing gaining the weight back and I don't want to, in the same time, eating, I tend to forget all my worries while eating and the minute I am done eating the GUILT comes sliding in. I want so bad to choose healthy foods and find it harder to grab an apple rather than some chips or cookies.....I need the STRENGTH right now to get this back in to order.

{{{{Laura}}}} We're here for you...you are not alone in this struggle. Please know that (I think I am perfectly safe in saying this) NONE of us on this board are behaving perfectly or always making the best choices. All any of us can do is really try to do the very best that we are able. Sometimes that falls short of what is right...but we are human...and we are still MO in our heads. If you, or any of us, ever feel as though we are back sliding or falling apart...please post a new thread asking for help or advice...or just to start a conversation on the topic at hand. That thread may speak for many others that don't have the strength to post for themselves. Also, PM someone you trust if you want to keep it private. But, no matter what...ask for help!!! We all know how easy it is to start sliding downhill...and how quickly those few pounds can add up to many. ~Suz

Laura, you have the strength, you may not know it, but you do. Just think, if you didn't, how would you have come so far? You can do this on your own and the first step is recognizing that you have done it, look how far you've come. Just think about the positive more and try not to focus on the negative. I crave the carbs now, more than before. Maybe because I'm at goal and so I want to go back to bad habits. BUT I do allow myself a treat. Instead of eating the whole candy bar in one sitting, I'll have a bite or two and be satisfied w/ that. So, maybe don't totally deprive yourself of the snacks that you enjoy, but do it rarely. How 'bout having a few chips (5) and then some grapes or an apple? Also, be sure you are getting your water in. It took a lot of courage for you to come out here and talk about this. I think many of us have the same fear as you do. Come here any time and we will give you encouragement. Hang in there.