Normadale's Journal, 24 September 2016

ONE treat seems OK once in the while... 

I agree with HCB. 

Hope you feel better soon. 

Thank you all for your support! 

well, the good thing is you woke up, it's a new day  

There is a learning curve in everything. For some, it is quick. For others it can be a slow process. In conversation with my husband, we are learning and thinking differently than we ever have. This is progress, not staying the same or regressing. I will take that any day over the negativity that surrounds us in our lives. Am I perfect No! Am I better now than I was 6 months ago, Yes! Did I slip! Yes. Will I do it again? Yes. Here is the kicker; the time between these slips are getting further apart. In my personal and humble opinion that is win. 

I agree, Normadale. If we believe it is a lifestyle change, it is not reasonable to imagine we will have a day when a treat is acceptable. Those who have significant weight to lose can better understand we cannot live in a restrictive state all the time and it is progress - not perfection. Supporting people in lifestyle changes is key, it is not enabling. 

I meant not reasonable to say we will never have a treat - it is life and life happens. 

No, time is not on our side. I agree. Saying that, I am doing now what can help my golden years a little better. Too little,n too late. I don't know. I just know I am not going to go backwards. For the first time in my life I know this. Don't know what the switch was that turned on etc. Just know that it has been turned on. Right now that is good enough for me. 

We, here, can exercise an important muscle - and strengthen it. That muscle is what the Dalai Lama calls loving-kindness. Toward ourselves and each other. (it is the opposite of the fat-shaming and blaming that is so hurtful). We can be compassionate and forgiving, because that is what gives us the courage we need. The courage to face the difficult work of healing and becoming healthy and whole. Be kind: it's the only important rule! And it is the basis of what is so wonderful about this site. We're looking out for each other, and that encourages us to take care of ourselves. This is not a small thing (and not something to be sneered at!) Love you all! Correndo! 

@HCB said, "Supporting people in lifestyle changes is key, it is not enabling." This is perfect! 

Yes, it is good to be honest and accept our own imperfections, but to know that we can always start afresh. That is part of being human and not a robot. Also, we can overcome failure and succeed. That is not "enabling" it is just being realistic.