Today is a new and bright day...

Lets make the most of it! If you could choose just ONE self limiting, negative belief that you have in place that may be holding you back from greater accomplishment that you desire in any area of your life, to begin to work at changing, what would it be?
Really consider this. Even if it is one that is not your biggest challenge. just taking the initiative to identify it and acknowledge you want to make changes to it, is a tremendous first step. I encourage you to share this with nour group, so we can really encourage one another and help each other begin to break through just this one barrier.

Here is my One chosen self limiting belief that I want to focus on changing.
I often take the attitude that if I cannot do something to perfection, I should not endeavor to do it at all.  I recognize that this is extremely self limiting, and self defeating. I also recognize that even small but positive steps in the direction I need to go are more powerful and effective than remaining stagnant and trapped by my belief that if it cannot be done perfect, then I shouldn't even try.  So I am recognizing this as being such a defeating approach to my goals. For this way of thinking will never move me forward in the areas it affects. So, I now take responsibility for changing this belief. To do so, may mean stepping outside of my confort zone a bit, but this is exactly what will enable me to flourish & break down a barrier to reaching my goals and desires!

To achieve what you never have ... you must go where you have never been.

Hugs to all!
Patrece

i am full of guilt, for things done in the past and the present and even the future.  this often paralyzes me to a certain extent. i have been going to a shrink for about 9 years now and it has gotten better, but it is still there. after a childhood of being never good enough it will be hard to break. i shall, however, continue to work on it. vick

Ahhhh Vick...how I can relate! And what a truly difficult mindset to live with indeed. I too was that child that was never good enough. Everything I did was wrong or never enough. I was stupid and worthless and undeserving of anything but abusiveness or neglect in one form or another. So, I just want you to know I can closely relate to this battle. I am here for you! I will do all I can to help and encourage you. Just reach out to me, or make a post here. I can relate to the lifelong struggle, that this kind of life beginning creates. I too am progressing in this area, but it continues to be a work in progress. Just recently I am making better progress, but still struggle.

I applaude your dedicated efforts to turning this around. And remember...every effort, no matter how small, brings us that much closer to succeeding. Keep up the good work! I happen to think you are an awesome lady!
Hugs to you Vick!
Patrece

Patrece, thanks for your support and understanding.  your not so bad yourself.  vick

I am working on portion control - trying to think before I put anything in my mouth.  Some people have said maybe you're just thirsty. After work at night is bad for me - I work 3-11 and at 12 Iget hungry - mostly just stress eating I guess.

A wonderful challenge to be working on!  I often tend to get hungry later at night, but when I consider how long it has been since my last meal, its no wonder. Our bodies prefer to be fueled about every 4 hours. So, if your late night hunger is occurring when it has been more than 4 hours after you last ate, this could be real hunger. I'd like to suggest (take it or leave it, just trying to help) that you assess BEFORE you eat, are you experiencing true physical feelings of hunger, or is it truly coming from your head? If it is true PHYSICAL hunger, then feed that hunger with something light and practical, such as a couple of slices of lean turkey luncheon meat, or a protein shake, or a small serving of cottage cheese (1%) etc.  Doing this reassures your body is will be fed, but you are not choosing the really bad stuff to put in there. This is how I handle the late night physical hunger. I do not deny it, because I have noticed if I do, my weight loss actually slows. I just allow myself enough that I do not feel "FULL", but satisfied enough that the physical feeling of being hungry leaves me.
Now, if it is not true physical hunger, try to figure out the root of the head hunger. You mentioned stress. So instead of trying to soothe your stress with food, try a relaxation cd, or nature sounds, or a long hot bath, or dive into a great book that takes you away for a while. These will all provide much better and longer lasting stress relief, without the guilt that food brings.
So, really work on identifying the hunger (physical or head hunger) and then go from there. I hope this helps you a bit. Good luc****ep us posted on how it is going!
Hugs,
Patrece

I really need to be more social. My husband is so worried that I hardly ever leave the house, or hardly ever want to. It's not that Im scared or anxious, its just that Im unmotivated. I really hope that once I start to lose weight that this whole being a loner thing will change. I need friends.

First, you've got friends here, so this is a good starting place for finding some friends, and for getting away from being a loner. You are going to be amazed at the changes you will encounter after you really start losing. You will have more energy and that can be just what you need to want to get out!
In the beginning, you may have to push yourself a little, as it will be like developing a whole new behavior or way of being, but after a few times, it'll come much easier.
Hugs! And I wish you the best of luck on this. Remember to access your friends here, and if I can help in any way, just give me a hollar!
Patrece