Trac1's Journal, 27 June 2016

I am in that same slump you are. meal planning is the start; but, it takes time; but, saves time during the week. I have to get back into exercising at least 20 minutes, twice a day. someone said 'use a reward jar' for each pound lost; but, some goal to reward ourselves, even for 5 pounds. 

Most of the time, it's fear of change. Fearing that you will have to give up things that feel like they make you feel good in exchange for something with uncertain benefit. It can paralyze you. Instead of thinking of it as giving up foods you love, think of it as giving up the expense of doctor's visits and medications (now or later), or of giving up feeling badly about yourself. Think of it as giving up feeling bogged down. Giving up being out of control. Change your thoughts, then change your life. 

wow Mskestrela u hit the biggest point! I never even thought about it that way, but u r soooo right! It is the fear of thinking u hav to give something up forever, for weight that might not even drop. Give up eating what u love, for MAYBE losing a lb or two!  

especially, giving up feeling bad about your weight 

Great meme I saw said: You will never always be motivated, you have to learn to be disciplined.  

Love yourself...Treat yourself with kindness...Positive self talk. 

Believe me, Emmy..I know it from experience. I did a lot of meditation and journaling before I started this in April..2 weeks of intensive self talk. I set a start date, and by the time it arrived, I was not only ready to make the changes, but eager! I don't look at it as a challenge, but as an adventure, and I'm actually having fun playing with my plan, tweaking here, checking there. It's not about the weight, it's about learning how to live in a new way. And it's fun! 

Great wisdom in these FS replies. FS tools for your FS toolbox is all right here. I agree we are often paralyzed by fear or pride or apathy. I say, "STOP!" Whatever you are doing and examine what you need and want to change. It all begins with a vision that you can turn into reality. You can determine who you want to be in one month or one year from now. Otherwise you may just remain the same or worse. But I have a strong inkling you are gonna let the true you come alive soon. You have the power to re-create yourself and your life. Enjoy the FS journey. It is fun! 

I know for me that sometimes I have gotten paralyzed by putting too much in the "change" pile, basically unreasonable expectations. I have not recognized that change comes from many series of "changes"...including lessons learned by retesting myself to see what works and what does not work. When I have been unrealistically upbeat and positive, I dive when too many stressors or steps back are taken. When I have been extremely disciplined I have rebelled when the stress of achieving was overwhelming. Think now I am learning to take all of myself in, practice acceptance for good and bad in me, joy and sadness, silliness and fear, anger and doubt, and pride and humility. I will do what I want for myself in any given moment, and sometimes it is healthy and sometimes it is destructive. When it is healthy I am happy, when it is destructive I feel sad. I am practicing "owning" where I am, even when others are displeased or even when they are encouraging...doesn't matter where they are at so much as my choices reflect where I am at. Balancing out in the big picture is my goal. Hope my ramblings offer you support, know you are in good company to reflect and search out your answers. Take care. j 

Yep! inch by inch it's a cinch! Mile by mile is gonna take awhile. That's why we hit the hot spots first to prevent the forest fires.