ByeFitlisha's Journal, 03 March 2024

if my son had his way, he would do nothing but video games. it can become an escape, which leads to dependence and then addiction. i have a rule: no games until chores are done. I am a gamer too. When i was a child/teen, it was definitely an escape. Now i probably dont play for more then an hour a day, if that. (I have crochet projects im working on to get a side business going.) My fiancee is a gamer and he used to prioritize that above all else ond leave ALL housework to me, and i did stupidly try my hardest to keep up. The cycle was destructive. Id ask for help, and it was as if i had to do so EVERYTIME. Its taken many many conversations to get him to see the family around him, the kids that need him. The xbox doesn't care, we do. His gaming addiction was driving a wedge between us all. Anyhoo, idk if TJ is your son or not/his age. but, out of concern for their well-being maybe a conversation can help open doors for possibilities to break free of the constant gaming, to explore other avenues of interests. 

Thank you for your support and advice. 

I know how easy it is to indulge (mindlessly) and avoid what we really know is going on. You took a first BIG step by deciding to make some changes, you purchased new walking shoes...all very positive things! Next step is putting them on and walking out the door...you can do it!!! (I'm in the same boat, except I already have the shoes, lol). My P/T did a new eval yesterday for Achilles & ankle, and in addition to 4 new exercises specifically targeting that area, he said "walk more" a couple of times. I know it will help take pressure off of my very bad Achilles & Ankle, plus knees that were already replaced in 2001, hips that need replacing, cervical & lumbar disc replacements pending when I lose weight. Good luck to you! I know you can do it! And your post has encouraged me too...I'm ready to get those shoes on and get going for a walk... woo hoo! 

I saw something yesterday, I think on here? (If it's you, step up and take credit!) About other people's behavior and releasing expectations of them. It was two words, "let them". My daughter has a saying, "They are my monkeys but it's not my circus." Always makes me laugh. 

I went back and read some of your prior post. You seem like such a good woman. In mentality and spirt from what I gather. I wish I could help you get to where you want to be. What I would say is I looked back and you were just 250 last August. Something you can tell yourself today is this. I'm not going to continue to let stress or the lack of support from tj stop me from getting where I want to be. I said this yesterday to someone. If you don't look out for yourself meaning your health and happiness. Then who will do it for you? We both know the answer to that. You have to decide in your heart and soul that enough is enough. That you deserve to be happy and healthy. That nothing will stop you! For me it was praying and a lot of self reflection. Most of us just self sabotage over and over. Or we gain a little momentum drop a few lbs then we let it all come back and then gain even more. My best advice although I know you didn't ask for it. Is you have to evaulate your relationship with food. You have to use food as fuel. Each day tell yourself if I have 2000 calories I'm going to burn at least 200 to 300 in some way or another. We often make this so much harder than it really is. Drink water, move around for at least 30 mins to 1 hr a day, get an adequate amount of sleep. BOOM... results start showing immediately. I don't know you but I want you to know. That I'm pulling for you and here to support. Your future self will thank you if you just commit with everything you have. Sorry for the long post. But I like to be detailed. 🙂