Returning to BuddySlim
A couple of months ago I left this site. I was in a bad place in my life - extremely depressed and wanting nothing to do with anything healthy. Life has changed, well, I have changed. I have theories as to why, but they are unimportant.
I took some time away from my every day life and visited family and friends in Maine for a week in early May. It was worth every penny spent on gasoline. Yes, I drove the 1100 miles each way with two preschoolers and a dog in the car. My Mom was with me most of the time, but I did all of the driving. It was good to get away and see people I hadn’t seen in a long time, some in more than 10 years.
I’d been feeling forgotten. Since I was already depressed, it just made the whole situation worse to feel as though I had no friends anywhere. By the time I left Maine I was once again myself and, even though I know I probably won’t hear from some aside from a Christmas card, that I am not forgotten. Everyone is going through their own struggles and it made mine seem not so significant.
So, what lessons did I learn from my time away? First - to lose weight, don’t obsess about it! I just ate right most of the time, tried to fit in exercise and lost 5 pounds the first month. Second - everyone has their days. Get over myself and choose to be happy. Depression isn’t fun and life is supposed to be.
Getting back into a routine at home has been a little more difficult. Eating healthy is not second nature and getting in exercise must either be done early in the morning or at the gym. I hate getting up early and my son has decided he doesn’t want to be in Child Watch so it’s a bit of a challenge.
I’m going easier on myself. Exercise 4-6 days a week, not 7. I have an occasional ice cream, but make it a small one instead of no ice cream and then binging on a half gallon in two days. Trying to find different outlets for exercise - Wii Sports, swimming, being more active when playing outside with the kids.
I did check in from time to time and catch up on my buddies’ blogs, but I didn’t feel I had anything to add so I didn’t comment.
Sounds like you turned the corner. Better days are on the way. Hang in there!
You might be interested in this blog from a few days ago, especially if you’re trying not to obsess. Welcome back!
I keep telling everyone, don’t diet. It almost always fails. For me it has only ended with a bigger gain and more guilt. I finally decided it was to late for me to get ‘thin enough’ and just decided to concentrate on learning to eat healthy and increase my activity level. (I couldn’t say “exercise” any more than I could say “diet”) Finally, my body is responding with a slow, steady weight loss. I average about 2 lbs a month and I am content with that. I know I’m stronger, healthier and look better than I have in years. My only regret is that I didn’t discover this about 30 years ago! Oh well, it’s really never too late. Take my word for it! I owe much of what I’ve accomplished to Buddyslim and the many friends I’ve found here. I’ve learned a lot about healthy eating and how to ‘increase my activity level’ from my teammates in the weight-loss challenges. Believe it or not, I’ve learned that looking and feeling your best isn’t something you get by ‘dieting’.
Glad to have you back Diane…Love ya girl….
Hey Girl! I am so glad your back!!
Seems that you and I were going through the same thing at the same time. Glad you are feeling better.