I am so sorry but I have to cut back.....

I have been so absent lately because I just haven't had time to devote to my message boards and I have come to realize that I just cannot keep up this pace. I have between 15-19 message boards that I frequent and I just can't keep up. I love them all and feel like I want to stick around forever, but I realize that it is not working for me. I occasionally will lurk, but I find myself not responding because I don't have time to both read and post, and I don't want to post responses to just one or two people when I really want to keep connecting with EVERYONE. But I can't. I can't keep trying to chase this crazy ideal. My counselor yesterday addressed this "issue" I have and concluded that I'm just as scattered with my online world as I am in real life. The problem with that is that I waste time online being completely non-productive. I'm not saying I will never come back here. I don't think I could hack that. But I am just saying that I can't keep up the pace and I probably won't be around much in the future. I just feel it is so important to ME to make sure that you know you all are very important to me and that I wish I could spend all the time I need here, but I'm simply stretched too thin. I think I will take a break from all my boards for a little while and then re-evaluate what I have time for. I have a lot of things I would like to accomplish online and maybe just having time away to do those things will enable me to come back and play on a more regular basis. I realize this is more about me needing some sort of parting word or closure, rather than the board needing it. But there are some of you here who I've bonded with, and I just would never want you to think I didn't care anymore. I definitely do!!! I will try to check in from time to time. Thank you to everyone for being such an important part of my life!!!! Dina

Dina, Thank you for letting us know. I can completely relate! There is only so much time in the day...and we all need to organize and prioritize our lives. These boards can be so addicting and they can be such a good resource for information and inspiration and the nudges we need once in awhile. But they can also suck up a lot of time that can and sometimes be spent elsewhere. I don't think anyone would ever feel like you didn't care. Your kind words of encouragement have always shown otherwise. Heck, you're just a busy wife and mom...like so many of us! I've had to drop some of my "board habits" as well. I scaled back and lurk a bit more often. I sort of feel like it's a natural progression as you get further out from your surgery date as well. Be here as a resource for the "newbies" and check in. But like it's been said in my support group....once you get a ways out, it's natural to wean yourself from some of the contact and basically "get on" with other things in your life. I still hope we can plan a road trip down your way this summer. Patty Cassidy and a few others have still had the thought of doing that. As for me...my bday is in May and I told my SO the other night that what I wanted for my bday was a trip to Rogue River to see my Gma and other relatives. So, maybe by then you'll be in a position to meet for that cuppa Joe. Take care and I wish you the best! Don't be a stranger.....but being strange can be okay, lol! Michele

Dina, I miss you whenever you are not here, but I alway understand that we all get busy with life. I have gotten so much from your posts, and really like you so much. Thank you for letting us know it is life getting in the way, and not that is something about us. I agree with Michele, it is a normal progression to wean from our WLS community the farther out we get. I am in awe that you visit so many more boards than me, being that I only go to this one. It just occurred to me last week that there might be something targeted towards folks with my surgery date. There it was, and you were on it! Duh! I probably couldn't handle much more than this anyways, and would find myself having to pull back like you eventually. You are the best Dina! You look so beautiful and I am so happy for your success. Check in with us once in a while, just because I must know how you are doing. I think it is good for you decide what works for you, because addressing those kinds of things are going to ensure your long term success. I myself have worked on not being the go to girl for every event at my kids schools, church, and the booster club at my daughter's gym. It is hard for me to do, but it has been so good for me to learn that my whole family benefits from that decision. We understand Dina, and thank you for all of your input! Patty

I understand. I have gotten a lot from these boards and from your information so generously offered. I am getting busy with our handyman/renovations business as the season gets going. It's hard to do it all, isn't it? Take care and do what you need to. You'll be missed. tee