[Leigh]

Originally Posted by Miss Scarlett

(((((Leigh))))) i've been there. Emotional eating is troublesome, no doubt. i wish i could share some sort of magic way to make it disappear but there isn't one that i know of. i'm an emotional eater too and i suspect we are not alone here.

This is something i have to deal with on an episode by episode basis based upon the reason why i'm feeling this way. One of my major triggers is feeling invisible or insignificant.

Let me explain...my boss is a very quiet woman. She doesn't talk much anyway and there are days we barely speak beyond the odd question or hello and good bye. That's not the problem...when i've done a particularly good job with something there is no feedback beyond her handing me the document back with no edits/corrections/revisions needed. i have to remind myself that that is her way of saying it's a good job but it would be nice to have and occasional sticky note saying "Good job."

Or when with my friends there are times when everyone is talking and having a good time but when i try to participate in the conversation there is no acknowledgment of my comments; or when i walk up to join the group nobody says hello. The latest, and most crushing, is my recent loss of over 16 lbs in the last 2 weeks. It's noticable yet nobody has said a word unless i ask. And if do i ask whether or not they notice something different they look at me and i can see they are struggling to figure it out yet still fail to see it.

And i'm not just talking about the friends i see daily...that's easier to understand. Yesterday i saw a friend who had not seen me since before my weight loss - she failed to notice. When i told her what was different i got a blank, confused look. It's very disheartening, especially when you are feeling so good about it and know you look better too. i was crushed. my reaction last night was to not eat dinner which may sound better than overeating but really is worse for me because once i start down that path it's a struggle to jump the track. Like right now i should be eating my breakfast but am just not interested. Oh i will have my yogurt and fruit but it will be forced and hurried.

What i'm trying to say is that i am trying to improve my health, not theirs. This is for me and i am determined to continue whether anyone notices or not. Because i am worth it and Hon, you are too.

Go to the gym by yourself...it won't be easy, i understand that. But you are doing this for you and, again, you are worth it. If you absolutely must eat for comfort try to choose healthier foods and don't kick yourself. And if you don't and go for junk food, etc. the world will not come to an end. You can always start over. To quote my namesake "After all, tomorrow IS another day." Don't give up...

I am working on reminding myself everyday that I am worth it and that I do not deserve to be treated the way that they treated me. I'm not used to doing things by myself so I guess that I will have to do so ....... not that its a huge deal, its just something I have to get used to. I know that I will do okay, I just have to realize that I am doing this for myself and that I am worth the work that it'll take to lose this weight

Originally Posted by Zimmeh

Honey, it sounds like you need to just walk away. It's a hard thing to do and I've had to do it. I am enjoying not having my ex best friend's negativity and drama in my life.

When you go to the gym, just hold your head up high and show them, that you can succeed in your goals!

Zimmeh

They have already walked away from me, and that is what hurts so much but slowly I am learning to deal with things by myself ~ its not easy for me because as I said above I don't do well with things on my own but I'm learning

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

(((((((((Leigh)))))))))))

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice".

I know that things have been tough for you since your falling out with friends. Yes, it is nice to have friends on the same journey as yourself... especially ones that motivated you to workout. But right now, you need to dig down deep inside and DO THIS FOR YOURSELF! It's easy to fall back into our old routines, patterns and/or eating habits... but there comes a point when YOU have to take control.

It can be scarey to do things on your own... but it can also be a rewarding experience. Try this, when you get to the gym and start working out, look into the mirror and SMILE at yourself and say "YES I CAN!" I can promise you, within a few times of going by yourself, you will have a routine down pat, you will be able to push yourself a lil' harder and you will feel better about yourself. Do NOT let your old ways of thinking keep you from reaching your goals! We know you can do it... and have all the faith in the world in you!

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"

As for food, and dealing with triggers, yes we have all been there. I tell you, sometimes I deal with things on a daily basis. I can be in full blown binge mode with one negative thought or comment... so I know what a struggle it can be. If you feel those triggers come on, try taking a walk around the block or get up & do something like organize a junk drawer, fold laundry, sweep the floor... anything to keep your hands & mind busy.

One day at a time my friend! YOU CAN AND WILL DO THIS!

Thank you Pinkie, I know that I can always count on my friends here ~ thank you to everyone for being so amazing and wonderful