A few thoughts...

I was on here tonight and looked back on Lauren's post about the change in the board and it got me to thinking.  First I want to say I am sorry for ditching out on everyone.  I got really overwhelmed with some things and had to walk away a bit.  Due to some stress in a lot of areas of my life, my depression battle got hard and the depression was winning a bit.  I just needed some time to myself to get a grip.  I am working on the stress factors and taking it day by day.  Going to make more of an effort to work on me & taking care of myself. 

There have been some changes in the board and I have had the discussion with others.  I have been on the board for a bit over 3 years.  There have been cycles & changes through out the whole time.  Something that seems to happen in life in general.  I do have some thoughts & opinions on the reasons and they come from many different areas.  1st of all, as we progress in our journeys I truly believe that our personalities do make adjustments, and this could be a factor in the change in the board.  2nd, a lot of us have been going through some major life changing issues, illness, death of loved ones, marriage, divorce, school, job changes, home changes, etc.  Also things that affect our lives/personalities and our participation on the board.  3rd, the nation itself is going through a lot of changes, the economy sucks and so many of us are affected daily by the impact of the money issues.

As we make this part of our life, it is what we put into it.  I have missed everyone but struggled with having the energy to participate.  After checking in & reading Lauren's words it helped me to remember that this is important to me, my success & my enjoyment.  Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!  Will do my best to catch up but may just start fresh so to speak.

Courtney:

I look forward to getting to know you in future posts. 

Blessings,

Jeane

Courtney,

I think Laurens post affected us all (thanks Lauren). This board is so important to all of us...new and old.

I hope you are doing okay. Depression is so tough... I know. Please take care of yourself.

Penny

Hi, Courtney:

I am sorry to hear you are going through such a difficult time.  I hope things get better for you, and soon.  Remember we are all here if you need us!  Feel free to PM me any time...I am not far from you, and find myself in Manassas 4-5 times a week.

Lauren's post was "right on," and as Penny said, was a great reminder for us all of how important this Board is in our growth through the WLS journey.  Providing support for each other has so many amazing benefits, whether on the giving or receiving end, regardless of where in the process we are.

Again, I am here if I can be of help.  Hang in there!  :)

Thank you so much for your thoughts and good assessment of reasons for changes.  :)  BIG HUGS.  I understand completely how hard and challenging depression can be. 

I have been away from the board for a few days, just a really busy weekend!!!  I went back and read Lauren's post to catch up on everything.  As a fairly new poster to the board I just want to offer some encouragment.  I found the OH main board first.  After a few days on that board, I wasn't sure I wanted to stay on OH.  The cattiness, the nastiness that I saw in just a few days was terrible.  Don't get me wrong, there were some great people there too and some awesome and encouraging posts, but the overall feeling I got from that board was not positive. 

I was so THANKFUL that I found the VA board.  You all have been a source of strength and encouragment to me.  I read your stories and I know that I can do it too.  I hear your struggles and I know that I am not alone.  I am blessed to have an extremely supportive family, BUT, they don't know what this is like or the changes I am experiencing.  I hope that in the future I can be an encouragment to you all just as you have been for me.

Amanda

Hey Court,

:) I heart ya and we've talked and I understand quite well. When you're ready to catch up, you will and we'll still be here. :P

Hey Courtney!

Sorry  you (like a lot of the rest of us) are going thru things right now.  It will get better and we will all still be here when you are ready!  Miss you much!