I tried the cauliflower pizza finally AND did not tell my hubby that crust is cauliflower....he loved it! He hates cauliflower.Too much cheese in recipe so i will adapt it next time. I used Canadian bacon, sauteed onions and mushrooms, raw slices green pepper and tomato and shredded basil. The crust looks and feels like bread-pizza crust.Next i will try steamed mussels which i have never made but need change from meat.
Nothing is happening. No weight loss. No weight gain. Plateau. I decided I'm thinking too much, so I went online looking for inspiration; found some...
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| source: Motive Weight |
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| source: Pinterest |
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| source: Sayings and Quotes |
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| source: Dawnely Dawn |
Continuing the conversations about the key concepts of Compromise and Sacrifice, these are personal stories, from my survey, about the key concept example.
(Each paragraph is a response from a different person in response to my survey.)
I made one year on maintenance; I hope this is an appropriate example for people who continue to be on this journey to the best of their ability, and that I am a positive example for following correctly.
I remember Julie talking about setting an example for oneself--for one's body. Sort of like showing it what you want it to do, exemplifying a new pattern, that it can follow. I recall being struck by how it was for ourselves. I thought of it in terms of neuroplasticity…. the habits we have fallen into have actual neuronal pathways…sort of like wearing a groove into the road during mud season. When you refuse to go into those ruts any more, and begin to carve a new pathway, new neuronal networks are created, and each time you use them they are strengthened. And as time goes on, the old pathways, ruts, can actually atrophy. So I think of setting an example is sort of like a signpost in the brain saying "This way to sanity and health"--or-- "Detour-old road unsafe - not to be used anymore," that we have to show our bodies how they can function more effectively and healthily.
By staying true to the key program, proving it works, is the greatest example and I live it daily. Being successful is a gift I can give to others. For a few days now lots of off-program foods have been on my mind, making me crazy! I even believe I've gotten bigger just because I'm thinking of them. So I'm looking within for the cause and I know it's because I get anxious when go away. I'm going away for a month and my old tapes are playing "eat for comfort." It's like having food dreams while I'm awake. Thanks to this program I won't indulge, I will do what we do for little kids: divert my attention; maybe take a cue from Jennifer and clean something!!
I remember Julie speaking briefly about example. She suggested experimenting with leaving some primo bite on the plate. At this point, I'm taking baby steps. I'm noticing, but not trying to control my appetite, or limit when and how much I eat-as long as it is healthy. That seems about as much as I can tackle for now. When I am more stable with that and I feel more confident, perhaps once I reach goal, I will take on more. Anyway, the grasshopper is very glad to have something to offer to the master.
As for example, I am looking forward to being that person who is a living testament that a healthy lifestyle is attainable.
To steal a quote from the "12 step" programs "It works if you work it." The key program works, but you need to "work it" the way it was designed. Then we can be an example of hope for those who are still hopeless. We can't pass on the gift of Julie unless we are true success stories!
When I was in Julie's third class, she said it was more than just waiting for results and calling that an example...
The example -- this is the hard one -- but I agree with Eva in how she looks at it EVERY DAY. I've practiced this lifestyle over the past 4 months (today is my anniversary day), I am setting a new example... creating new pathways for me to follow even when I'm out of the river someday. I'm getting good at not eating until I'm hungry. I am ALSO, trying to practice that even though we are ALLOWED something, it doesn't mean I HAVE to have it all the time. I now only have cheese every other day and in much less quantities. When I'm hungry before bed, I no longer eat a whole container of pepperoni. Instead, before I open the bag, I decide how many pieces I'm going to allow myself; 5 usually works. This may not sound like much of a sacrifice or compromise, but at night I used to binge eat; for me--this is example, compromise and sacrifice!! Another compromise is that even though sour cream comes with fajitas, I substitute blue cheese dressing; I'm glad I never liked guacamole. Another example I started: even though they give me tons of cheese and dressing for my steak fajita, I don't HAVE to have some with my steak EVERY bite. It feels good to send the empty steak plate back with most of the cheese and dressing! I'm trying to work up to sending my plate back with one GOOD "primo" bite left on it -- I have a hang up about feeling like I get my money's worth, when I go to dinner and think that's why I don't like leaving protein behind.
I went to a refresher today and she explained each concept:
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| image source: Each One Teach Won |
I made one year on maintenance; I hope this is an appropriate example for people who continue to be on this journey to the best of their ability, and that I am a positive example for following correctly.
I remember Julie talking about setting an example for oneself--for one's body. Sort of like showing it what you want it to do, exemplifying a new pattern, that it can follow. I recall being struck by how it was for ourselves. I thought of it in terms of neuroplasticity…. the habits we have fallen into have actual neuronal pathways…sort of like wearing a groove into the road during mud season. When you refuse to go into those ruts any more, and begin to carve a new pathway, new neuronal networks are created, and each time you use them they are strengthened. And as time goes on, the old pathways, ruts, can actually atrophy. So I think of setting an example is sort of like a signpost in the brain saying "This way to sanity and health"--or-- "Detour-old road unsafe - not to be used anymore," that we have to show our bodies how they can function more effectively and healthily.
By staying true to the key program, proving it works, is the greatest example and I live it daily. Being successful is a gift I can give to others. For a few days now lots of off-program foods have been on my mind, making me crazy! I even believe I've gotten bigger just because I'm thinking of them. So I'm looking within for the cause and I know it's because I get anxious when go away. I'm going away for a month and my old tapes are playing "eat for comfort." It's like having food dreams while I'm awake. Thanks to this program I won't indulge, I will do what we do for little kids: divert my attention; maybe take a cue from Jennifer and clean something!!
I remember Julie speaking briefly about example. She suggested experimenting with leaving some primo bite on the plate. At this point, I'm taking baby steps. I'm noticing, but not trying to control my appetite, or limit when and how much I eat-as long as it is healthy. That seems about as much as I can tackle for now. When I am more stable with that and I feel more confident, perhaps once I reach goal, I will take on more. Anyway, the grasshopper is very glad to have something to offer to the master.
As for example, I am looking forward to being that person who is a living testament that a healthy lifestyle is attainable.
To steal a quote from the "12 step" programs "It works if you work it." The key program works, but you need to "work it" the way it was designed. Then we can be an example of hope for those who are still hopeless. We can't pass on the gift of Julie unless we are true success stories!
When I was in Julie's third class, she said it was more than just waiting for results and calling that an example...
The example -- this is the hard one -- but I agree with Eva in how she looks at it EVERY DAY. I've practiced this lifestyle over the past 4 months (today is my anniversary day), I am setting a new example... creating new pathways for me to follow even when I'm out of the river someday. I'm getting good at not eating until I'm hungry. I am ALSO, trying to practice that even though we are ALLOWED something, it doesn't mean I HAVE to have it all the time. I now only have cheese every other day and in much less quantities. When I'm hungry before bed, I no longer eat a whole container of pepperoni. Instead, before I open the bag, I decide how many pieces I'm going to allow myself; 5 usually works. This may not sound like much of a sacrifice or compromise, but at night I used to binge eat; for me--this is example, compromise and sacrifice!! Another compromise is that even though sour cream comes with fajitas, I substitute blue cheese dressing; I'm glad I never liked guacamole. Another example I started: even though they give me tons of cheese and dressing for my steak fajita, I don't HAVE to have some with my steak EVERY bite. It feels good to send the empty steak plate back with most of the cheese and dressing! I'm trying to work up to sending my plate back with one GOOD "primo" bite left on it -- I have a hang up about feeling like I get my money's worth, when I go to dinner and think that's why I don't like leaving protein behind.
I went to a refresher today and she explained each concept:
- free will: do not weigh yourself on a scale
- compromise: meat and vegetables only
- sacrifice: never let anything sweet touch your lips
- example: the examples she used are: eat only when you are hungry and do not eat the salad before your meal
Continuing the conversation about key concepts, from my post about Compromise, here are responses from my survey about what the concept of sacrifice means. These personal stories exemplify the power behind sacrifice.
I was whining to myself about how others can "cheat" and
seem to be doing fine: Why am I sacrificing all of that good yummy evil
food, while others are enjoying it? (Well, I don't know if they are
enjoying it) All of this effort when others seem to be able to have
stuff off-program, but are able to do "3 hard days" and be fine! But, I
am an addict. And I will sacrifice temptation.
For Julie to say up front that this was going to take SACRIFICE, that it was normal to feel cravings, and that we are going to suffer, was such an incredible relief. The biggest thing I have finally learned, not just intellectually--but in my gut, is that I can feel deprived and survive it, that I can sacrifice and be just fine. It just depends on what you want and need most. There is nothing wrong with a little suffering. I sometimes think of Olympic athletes and what they go through to get where they are. They give up a lot! I'm in training too. In training for a much better life for myself and those I love. And for that I have to give some things up. I happen to be addicted to them but they are really, really trivial.
The "sacrifice" concept has probably been the most powerful for me, and has extended to other areas of my life. In the past I always felt that someday the addictive hold of food would leave me and THEN I would be able to eat properly. All of the ads, the whole American lie that you could "eat everything you want and lose loads of weight", that you could do this and "never feel deprived" just made me feel that there was something deeply flawed about me, because I couldn't eat everything I wanted without becoming a blimp and getting sick and because going against my addictions does indeed make me feel deprived.
I've been sacrificing for 3 weeks now! Yesterday was my last 'Birthday' luncheon. I had a naked bacon cheeseburger with a side of coleslaw, water, and coffee. Friday night I celebrated with friends and had Chinese takeout and a vodka with club soda. The pay off? The weight is coming off. People have started to comment about it and I feel it. Just this morning I tried on a skirt with tags attached, which I probably bought a year ago and was unable to wear because it was too tight. Guess what? I am wearing it tomorrow. I just have to remember to cut off those tags! Oh yeah! I'm pretty darn happy!!!!
For me, sacrifice leads to compromise. I was on a vacation in CO in January and we were vacationing with friends who love to eat, and I mean EAT! Appetizers, breads, salads, entrees, desserts, after dinner drinks. In the past I ate right along with them, hence my before picture. Drinking would begin at our lunch break in the lodge and continue through the night. This time, I drank seltzer water or unsweetened iced tea during our lunch breaks. At dinner, there was no pre-meal eating. I made sacrifices to not eat along with everyone else and instead stayed on program. I watched everyone else eat the warm buttery bread. When dinner came, I savored each bite of my meal and I knew in the end I was not going to feel deprived. Nor stuffed or ashamed. For dessert I treated myself with a nice hot latte with whole milk. Never once did I feel deprived. I actually enjoyed watching others eat their desserts. For me, I see their enjoyment and I'm not gaining any weight from it. I think my success on this program is my example to others, that even on vacation--this is a lifestyle that's fits anywhere.
We all know the sacrifice we have to make to reach our goal of shedding the excess weight and getting healthy. We need to change the way we eat, plain and simple.
The funny thing is that I totally forgot to point out what my ‘sacrifice’ was during all these different celebrations. In short: I stuck with the plan the whole time. I did not have a sip of the fruity daiquiris my girlfriends so enjoyed, nor did I participated in eating the General Tso’s Chicken or those creamy desserts. Well, if you want to call that sacrifice... I didn’t suffer, believe me. I had a great time and I ate until I was full, which is a big part of this plan I really enjoy.
Never let anything sweet touch your lips.
These stories are inspirational examples that resonate with me, which is why I'm posting them to my blog, so I can come back to read them again.
How about you? What sacrifices do you make for yourself to support staying on program or maintenance?
Related Posts:
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| image source: Evil Mad Scientist |
For Julie to say up front that this was going to take SACRIFICE, that it was normal to feel cravings, and that we are going to suffer, was such an incredible relief. The biggest thing I have finally learned, not just intellectually--but in my gut, is that I can feel deprived and survive it, that I can sacrifice and be just fine. It just depends on what you want and need most. There is nothing wrong with a little suffering. I sometimes think of Olympic athletes and what they go through to get where they are. They give up a lot! I'm in training too. In training for a much better life for myself and those I love. And for that I have to give some things up. I happen to be addicted to them but they are really, really trivial.
The "sacrifice" concept has probably been the most powerful for me, and has extended to other areas of my life. In the past I always felt that someday the addictive hold of food would leave me and THEN I would be able to eat properly. All of the ads, the whole American lie that you could "eat everything you want and lose loads of weight", that you could do this and "never feel deprived" just made me feel that there was something deeply flawed about me, because I couldn't eat everything I wanted without becoming a blimp and getting sick and because going against my addictions does indeed make me feel deprived.
I've been sacrificing for 3 weeks now! Yesterday was my last 'Birthday' luncheon. I had a naked bacon cheeseburger with a side of coleslaw, water, and coffee. Friday night I celebrated with friends and had Chinese takeout and a vodka with club soda. The pay off? The weight is coming off. People have started to comment about it and I feel it. Just this morning I tried on a skirt with tags attached, which I probably bought a year ago and was unable to wear because it was too tight. Guess what? I am wearing it tomorrow. I just have to remember to cut off those tags! Oh yeah! I'm pretty darn happy!!!!
For me, sacrifice leads to compromise. I was on a vacation in CO in January and we were vacationing with friends who love to eat, and I mean EAT! Appetizers, breads, salads, entrees, desserts, after dinner drinks. In the past I ate right along with them, hence my before picture. Drinking would begin at our lunch break in the lodge and continue through the night. This time, I drank seltzer water or unsweetened iced tea during our lunch breaks. At dinner, there was no pre-meal eating. I made sacrifices to not eat along with everyone else and instead stayed on program. I watched everyone else eat the warm buttery bread. When dinner came, I savored each bite of my meal and I knew in the end I was not going to feel deprived. Nor stuffed or ashamed. For dessert I treated myself with a nice hot latte with whole milk. Never once did I feel deprived. I actually enjoyed watching others eat their desserts. For me, I see their enjoyment and I'm not gaining any weight from it. I think my success on this program is my example to others, that even on vacation--this is a lifestyle that's fits anywhere.
We all know the sacrifice we have to make to reach our goal of shedding the excess weight and getting healthy. We need to change the way we eat, plain and simple.
The funny thing is that I totally forgot to point out what my ‘sacrifice’ was during all these different celebrations. In short: I stuck with the plan the whole time. I did not have a sip of the fruity daiquiris my girlfriends so enjoyed, nor did I participated in eating the General Tso’s Chicken or those creamy desserts. Well, if you want to call that sacrifice... I didn’t suffer, believe me. I had a great time and I ate until I was full, which is a big part of this plan I really enjoy.
Never let anything sweet touch your lips.
These stories are inspirational examples that resonate with me, which is why I'm posting them to my blog, so I can come back to read them again.
How about you? What sacrifices do you make for yourself to support staying on program or maintenance?
Related Posts:
Last week I did a quick survey on how others apply or define these key program concepts: compromise, sacrifice, and example. A great dialogue followed. I am in awe of the complexity and the simplicity how others responded.
Each of these concepts are important for us to fully understand, so today's post focuses on compromise. I'll write about sacrifice and example in the days ahead and publish those later this week.
For me, I get compromise and sacrifice, but I always have a hard time with example. I don't get this part at all. There are others out there who are excellent examples for me to follow. Is this what she means by be the example? So many of you are an inspiration to me. I look to you as an example of where I want to be and how you got there is the example I want to follow.
What compromise means to others:
I decided, after reading some of the things people said about "cheating" that I wasn't going to eat. I was going to go clean my living room instead. I'm not hungry, so I am not going to eat. This is one of my whiny "why can't I?" moments...
Recently I had a very strong craving for junk food and I couldn't stop thinking about subs. So I stopped at D"Angelo's and bought a big, greasy steak and cheese pocket with mushrooms and onions. Brought it home, dumped the steak out of the pocket, gave the pocket to the dog and enjoyed the steak and cheese in a bowl.
Personally, I've realized that I will have to sacrifice and compromise every day for the rest of my life with my commitment to change my lifestyle.
Julie assures us that if we sacrifice the food (& drink) and do as she taught us, we will achieve our goals.
I still get to order my same meals (sandwich, chicken Parmesan, Fajitas, etc) but now without the bread/breading/tortillas.
Keep the conversation going -- what does compromise mean to you?
Related Posts:
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| image (modified) source: Project Interfaith |
For me, I get compromise and sacrifice, but I always have a hard time with example. I don't get this part at all. There are others out there who are excellent examples for me to follow. Is this what she means by be the example? So many of you are an inspiration to me. I look to you as an example of where I want to be and how you got there is the example I want to follow.
What compromise means to others:
I decided, after reading some of the things people said about "cheating" that I wasn't going to eat. I was going to go clean my living room instead. I'm not hungry, so I am not going to eat. This is one of my whiny "why can't I?" moments...
Recently I had a very strong craving for junk food and I couldn't stop thinking about subs. So I stopped at D"Angelo's and bought a big, greasy steak and cheese pocket with mushrooms and onions. Brought it home, dumped the steak out of the pocket, gave the pocket to the dog and enjoyed the steak and cheese in a bowl.
Personally, I've realized that I will have to sacrifice and compromise every day for the rest of my life with my commitment to change my lifestyle.
Julie assures us that if we sacrifice the food (& drink) and do as she taught us, we will achieve our goals.
I still get to order my same meals (sandwich, chicken Parmesan, Fajitas, etc) but now without the bread/breading/tortillas.
Keep the conversation going -- what does compromise mean to you?
Related Posts:
When is the last time you did any form of exercise? If you exercise on a regular basis, are you doing the same thing week after week? Is it time to change things up and get moving in new ways? I say yes, yes it it!
On Monday, as I worked out on the elliptical next to Aime, she told me she's planning to do a10k and to prepare, she downloaded a 5k to 10k running app. She hasn't been running much lately, so she's starting by following the first 10 days of the program and then start from day one again. I'm impressed. I would have started with the couch to 5K app and worked my way up, but she's jumping right in there. As we worked out, I watched Aime use her app to intensify her workout. Go Aime!
Me, I kept going at my own pace and as we moved to the incumbent bike, I didn't commit to anything. But I have to say, earlier when we talked about going to the gym, I said flat out I wasn't going and within a minute I turned it around and said "Do you want to go right now (it was 11:35) or at noon?" and within a minute I was on my way to the gym. While I didn't intensify my workout, I spent 40 minutes in the gym. My recent workouts were 20-25 minutes. As I walked back to my office, I felt great and I know the extra long workout was the reason.
After my shoulder injury in Dec., I stopped working out. An injury is a good reason to stop. On the positive side here, I did walk as much as I could during my 2 weeks in Florida in Dec., but when I returned home, I clung to the injury as a reason not to exercise. When the PT guy gave me clearance to return to the gym, I didn't resume my 3-4 times a week schedule and there were weeks that I didn't make it in at all.
After my injury I told a friend I didn't think I'll be a runner anymore. She encouraged me not to toss that idea out so quickly, to just give myself more time and to give it another try. I've decided it's time to take that advice and follow Aime's lead: I'm going to run in a 10k race too. What - did I really say that aloud? Yes I did!
I encourage you to get moving too. You don't need to start by running a 5k, but it is a good idea to have a clear goal of what you want to accomplish. Start by walking in one direction for five minutes and then walk back. Or walk to a specific place and back. Begin with a goal you know you can reach and commit to walk a specific number of days for a week. Halfway through the week, set a goal for the following week, such as increasing your time by a few more minutes or covering the same distance in less time. Don't worry about your pace, walk the set time and increase the amount of time over the weeks and months ahead.
If walking isn't for you, find something that you can do. Stretch for 2 minutes once a day. There are online videos of exercises you can do in a chair. Try yoga. Well, I say that, but I have yet to do yoga, because I had a hard time getting to the floor or up once I got down there. My point is, find some form of exercise and make a commitment to get moving.
If you want to take off weight and keep it off, you need to exercise at some point or it's going to take a really long time to reach your goal size. Plus, once you've taken off some weight, you'll want to be more active so you can spend the rest of your life healthy!
Does this sound too overwhelming? For those of you who don't exercise yet, start today by committing to have an exercise goal that you will start on the first day of spring - March 15. The rest of us - let's look at our exercise routine and determine what we can to kick it up a notch.
So, what is my goal? My goal is to find out what 10k Aime is doing and determine if that will fit into my schedule. Plan B is to look at the running events in Western Mass and commit to a 10k run. There are a couple races in June and Sept. that I will take a closer look at. I want to give myself time to really prepare for the run and in the meanwhile have a reason to keep running. This will encourage me to run during my European vacation in April/May. How cool will that be!
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| photo source: Kick it Up Asana |
Me, I kept going at my own pace and as we moved to the incumbent bike, I didn't commit to anything. But I have to say, earlier when we talked about going to the gym, I said flat out I wasn't going and within a minute I turned it around and said "Do you want to go right now (it was 11:35) or at noon?" and within a minute I was on my way to the gym. While I didn't intensify my workout, I spent 40 minutes in the gym. My recent workouts were 20-25 minutes. As I walked back to my office, I felt great and I know the extra long workout was the reason.
After my shoulder injury in Dec., I stopped working out. An injury is a good reason to stop. On the positive side here, I did walk as much as I could during my 2 weeks in Florida in Dec., but when I returned home, I clung to the injury as a reason not to exercise. When the PT guy gave me clearance to return to the gym, I didn't resume my 3-4 times a week schedule and there were weeks that I didn't make it in at all.
After my injury I told a friend I didn't think I'll be a runner anymore. She encouraged me not to toss that idea out so quickly, to just give myself more time and to give it another try. I've decided it's time to take that advice and follow Aime's lead: I'm going to run in a 10k race too. What - did I really say that aloud? Yes I did!
I encourage you to get moving too. You don't need to start by running a 5k, but it is a good idea to have a clear goal of what you want to accomplish. Start by walking in one direction for five minutes and then walk back. Or walk to a specific place and back. Begin with a goal you know you can reach and commit to walk a specific number of days for a week. Halfway through the week, set a goal for the following week, such as increasing your time by a few more minutes or covering the same distance in less time. Don't worry about your pace, walk the set time and increase the amount of time over the weeks and months ahead.
If walking isn't for you, find something that you can do. Stretch for 2 minutes once a day. There are online videos of exercises you can do in a chair. Try yoga. Well, I say that, but I have yet to do yoga, because I had a hard time getting to the floor or up once I got down there. My point is, find some form of exercise and make a commitment to get moving.
If you want to take off weight and keep it off, you need to exercise at some point or it's going to take a really long time to reach your goal size. Plus, once you've taken off some weight, you'll want to be more active so you can spend the rest of your life healthy!
Does this sound too overwhelming? For those of you who don't exercise yet, start today by committing to have an exercise goal that you will start on the first day of spring - March 15. The rest of us - let's look at our exercise routine and determine what we can to kick it up a notch.
So, what is my goal? My goal is to find out what 10k Aime is doing and determine if that will fit into my schedule. Plan B is to look at the running events in Western Mass and commit to a 10k run. There are a couple races in June and Sept. that I will take a closer look at. I want to give myself time to really prepare for the run and in the meanwhile have a reason to keep running. This will encourage me to run during my European vacation in April/May. How cool will that be!
This past Thursday, a few of us got together at Roma, in East Hartford to send 2 girls off on their trips South to warmer weather. As always, Miss Emelia did a wonderful job feeding us, and as always, we had a wonderful time chit-chatting while we ate our meat crust pizza!
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| One of Emelia's meat crust creations |
One thing that I have learned while on this journey is how to surround myself with people that make me feel good. I mean, who wants to be around depressed people, especially while we are finishing out a gloomy winter? These ladies do it for me. Everyone brings laughter, wonderful stories, smiles, etc etc and it rubs off on those who are around them.
It is also empowering watching all of
us come out of our shells, and learning how to be comfortable in our
"new/old skin". The cocoon is slowly releasing each and every one of us,
and we are in the thick of relearning who we are. We have all stayed
the course, accepting each challenge, and embracing each obstacle as it
comes, passing each "test" as an achievement.
Nights out like this, surrounded by those who know exactly what each is going through, has gone through, or who will soon be going through is very empowering. Listening to goals and challenges is always interesting ("I am going to go one more month and see where I am", "slow and steady wins the race","I am looking forward to adding fruit back in"). Knowing these women all know what I am talking about, speaking about our fears ("I don't know if I will ever be able to eat popcorn", "I am so afraid of gaining weight", "I am scared but know it is right having surgery"), is not only fun, but, I walk away knowing I am not alone. It is a way of making sure everything is ok, internally and externally!
It is neat putting names, faces and voices together! We are all so happy to see each other, hug each other, listen to each other, and eat good food, knowing that there is no judging or questioning, all the while being ourselves.
I hear Julie in my head again, louder and "refreshed" after I have been around other "Key People". Adding more support around me has only fueled me to continue on this journey. Not only does it make it easier, it has made it way more fun!
I can't wait until our next get-together! I love you all! Thanks for another wonderful evening out!
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| Jennifer and Jill |
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| Karen and Theresa |
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| Sandy and Linda |
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| Susan and Chris |
Nights out like this, surrounded by those who know exactly what each is going through, has gone through, or who will soon be going through is very empowering. Listening to goals and challenges is always interesting ("I am going to go one more month and see where I am", "slow and steady wins the race","I am looking forward to adding fruit back in"). Knowing these women all know what I am talking about, speaking about our fears ("I don't know if I will ever be able to eat popcorn", "I am so afraid of gaining weight", "I am scared but know it is right having surgery"), is not only fun, but, I walk away knowing I am not alone. It is a way of making sure everything is ok, internally and externally!
It is neat putting names, faces and voices together! We are all so happy to see each other, hug each other, listen to each other, and eat good food, knowing that there is no judging or questioning, all the while being ourselves.
I hear Julie in my head again, louder and "refreshed" after I have been around other "Key People". Adding more support around me has only fueled me to continue on this journey. Not only does it make it easier, it has made it way more fun!
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| Emelia with "the gang" Thank you again! |
I am having the odd feeling that as I become smaller, I will more vulnerable (to what I dont know) and less significant. Does anyone else have this sensation? It is a kind of fear that is surprising to me.
