Amazon815's Journal, 24 October 2009

You are now where I was a few years ago (my weight was 268). While my weight loss was through surgery, I still had numerous obstacles to overcome, the biggest being emotional issues. It wasn't any easier than traditional dieting methods. One of the things I have learned is to stop "whining" about what is going wrong. I learned you have to grab yourself by the collar and jerk hard. When you are "tired" of something you take a rest, then you continue with whatever it was that you were doing, right? Stop thinking like that. If you want a healthier, leaner you, then think "I am done being out of control with my health." Jerk on your collar and move ahead. Depression is a horrible, horrible thing and overcoming it will be a huge challenge. Have faith in yourself that you can and will do it. One foot in front of the other. Don't you dare stop. If you find yourself having a hiccup, give yourself a period of time (1 hour, 6 hours, 1 day, etc.) and then move on. The unemployment situation is a huge stress factor. Take this time as opportunity to improve yourself. You tell that next person who interviews you for a job why YOU are the better candidate than the next person. Would you believe I said in my job interview (panel of three) when they asked me "What is your greatest achievement?" I said "I took charge of my health and got rid of 40 pounds and am still on my way to a better new me." They saw that I was a big girl but hearing that they just LOVED me. I was candid enough to say it, and it said a WHOLE lot about my drive for improvement. Think about it. I'm not sure what you mean by "down period"...the economy? Your depression? It's going to take time and patience is mandatory. Meanwhile, again, one foot in front of the other. This is a time where you need to be strong. I apologize in advance for writing you all this, and you don't even know me, but I saw your journal entry and it smacked me in the head. I have been there, and I sure as hell didn't want to stay. Neither do you, I can see it in your writing. go after what you want, and don't stop until you get there. Do it in a way that works for you. And on that note, feeling melancholy myself, I am going to go put on my gym clothes, driving in the cold wet rain to the gym, trudge through the parking lot, and step up onto that boring treadmill, and I WILL push myself for 45 minutes. (I really don't wanna...but...dammit, gotta practice what I preach, eh?) Feel blessed in life, no matter where you are. Unemployment is opportunity to focus on getting yourself strong for your next interview. Freshen up that resume, eh? Laura Jo Anchorage, Alaska 

Amazon815, We have all been there... some of us are there with you. :) The best part is you took the courage to write about it. Please don't beat yourself up. That is the worst thing we can do. Don't look at the big picture either... it is too overwhelming! Just take one day. Today. Be the best that you can. Eat a little healthier, walk a little further, you are worth it! Lately I have been asking myself "why" before I eat the food I shouldn't. I don't have a good answer and then tell myself "it will be there tomorrow". Guess what. When tomorrow gets here, I don't want it anymore! I'm happy you are here! Keep blogging!