Carmel8sons's Journal, 03 November 2010

Your weather, alone would make feel somewhat miserable. Carmel - my heart goes out to you. Seems like you're really hitting a rough patch. But you also seem to have the kind of attitude that will pull you through it. I think looking into some kind of certification for your people skills may be just what you need to do. Are there any government sponsored programs that will help fund the necessary classes or courses needed? Don't short-change yourself and try to remain positive while going through this. And try to remember that food isn't going to soothe the soul as we are led to believe....for most of us with weight issues, excess food simply adds to the misery and guilt and self-defeating behavior. That may or may not apply to you, so please don't feel I'm offending you. As cliche as it sounds? Exercise - hard, sweaty, breathless exercise REALLY does cleanse the soul and reduces anxiety and depression. And please believe me - I have always HATED exercise. But I slowly came to accept that as a woman my age (hell, anyone over about 35, I think) I CANNOT lose the weight and keep it off without regular, hard exercise. I started exercising daily on Dec. 29th, and with the exception of a couple of short trips and the occasional day off from it, I went strong right up until a few days before my surgery when I felt I might be getting ill. I wish I could say I miss it... in some ways I do. I probably will begin to feel that way soon as I think I've just turned a corner in my recovery (I will be writing more about the process later... funny you mentioned that in your very nice PM to me!). I think as I feel stronger and healthier, I will miss the way I felt with daily exercise. It will be weeks yet before I can begin, but hope to at least be able to start taking walks within a week or so. Anyway, the point is- I actually DID get to the point where I'd more often than not look forward to my workout, rather than just force myself to do it. I had to force myself for the first three months, probably. THAT'S how much I hated it. I've changed my viewpoint toward exercise now and see it as a way to reward myself for eating healthier, a way to remain strong and feel more youthful as I get older. Well, maybe not youthful, but feel very, very good for my age! And that's probably the best benefit - how good I felt about my own strength and my internal AND external health from all of that hard work. So I wish you much luck on this journey and it IS a journey. As much mental work and self-revelation as it is physical work and keeping track of calories. It's actually an amazing process and as difficult as it's been from time to time - the frustration, the anxiety, the occasional bouts of "can I REALLY do this?", even the very occasional binge... it's been a huge growth opportunity, as well. Good luck! 

Thank you so much for yr comment, all you say is true about exercise and this weather is not helping it. I wil do what you say about exercise. i joined leisure centre last month but was actually ill with flu as well so unable use it but from tomorrow I'm going back. Having no routine is a killer, I was up and out everyday whilst at college at 7.3o until 5 pm and 7pm 4 days a week as I went to gym, Thats all stopped now. Yes FÁS do offer these courses and they are free for me, just talking to Daughter in law, she also advised me to do a First Aid and a Handling course. So going on line to the FÁS.ie site now to see what they have to offer. Thank you so much. Your advice and the fast way you replied is so supportive. I find this about the people on this site, realy caring and proper advice not OH Poor you kind of thing.Looking forward to reading yr journal.XX 

Hi Carmel ~ Hope this post finds you well and attacking your exercise. I am one of those who also hates to exercise. I always say I have no time, but I guess while I'm sitting on my rump in front of the TV I could be doing some. Just get so tired. Hard to start something you have never really done at 63 yrs old. No excuse tho, now is when I really need it the most, as I move into less activity in my years. I keep track of my calories tho, and this is what I have to do to lose, AND keep myself honest. At least we have each other here on FS and we can encourage and help, right? I am so glad I found this site. Have a great weekend and I sure hope your weather has improved. Ours is a bit cooler now as we roll into late fall.  

Hi Carmel. You look very pretty in your latest pic, but so sad :( You need to do something for yourself my friend and a bit of pampering would make you feel so much better and motivate you. I know that when I am feeling down about myself I find it hard to stick with the diet and exercise, but if I get my hair or nails done, then I get a little surge of motivation urging me to make the rest of myself look that good too LOL. You need to take care of yourself in all ways, not just with the diet and exercise.