[sylvie]

Hi Leigh,
It's definitely all very overwhelming - i found that when i first started trying to lose some weight and gain control of my eating, that i was miserable because i couldnt handle all of the changes at once.
For me, i had to try doing one thing at a time.. i tend to be a girl who needs small and very focused steps.. i do much inner processing as i walk this journey and so i really needed to get myself to a better understanding of everything. So i did that by taking small steps at a time..
So one week i focused on one thing only, such as drinking "x" number of glasses of water or getting 15 mins of exercise in.. ANYthing so i wouldnt get overwhelmed..
The second week, i would find something new to try, but would continue doing what i started with week one as well.. So i slowly merged in a step a week and it helped me adjust to change ..

Also, remember there will be many falls..It's always about getting back up and pushing yourself again. For me, it's been a series of many things to work on...weight, self-esteem, food addiction, getting active, dealing with emotional triggers because i am an emotional eater as well, etc... We all have different journeys, different triggers and it's important to get to know yourself and be extremely mindful of what works for you, what doesn't work for you and what triggers you.. You wont get it all right on day one.. In fact it's been since April 2011 and i still am getting to know myself on so many levels.. Be easy with yourself, gentle and practice much self love. And always, always celebrate every small success and accomplishment, you deserve it! And the accomplishments will always outweigh the falls... Remember that.. Don't get bent on the falls, take them as lessons and the ways to get to know yourself, your body and your needs.

It is a lot of hard work, and i really can relate on the difficulty of staying focused and on track. Thank you for thinking i am an inspiration.. i've a long way to go still..But i definitely owe this journey to all of you for sharing your own journeys, challenges and celebrations..i feel you are all an inspiration to ME.

Good luck! & i'm always here for advice, a hug or a smile!
All of you here have definitely been those things for me, & more!