Hey Living4Today, I thought of a wonderful challenge for you (if you choose to accept this mission).  :-)

You know, a lot of people might join our Community Group as part of their New Year's Resolution.  Since you are a writer, how about you write a 'Welcome' post for them?  (no pressure - just a thought)  ~ bye, GM50 

Hi Living4Today,  :-)  Hey, when you get a chance, do another post.  Let us know how you are doing.  Remember, we are all here for each other.  Hope to hear from you soon.  Have a Happy New Year!  :-)  ~ GM50

You say that this is so very depressing.  Don't take that lightly.  I have been in a full-blown clinically depressed for almost 6 years now.  My weight didn't matter, nothing did.  Then I woke up about 6 months ago and realized that I was eating, and sleeping the rest of my precious days away.  You're only 20, I'm 56 and don't have as much to look forward to as you do.  But gosh darnit I'm going to make the next 20 years count.  If you need help with the depression get it.  It will only hold you back.  Free yourself and get moving on to all the wonderful things in store for you.  Stay committed to the group and the plan and you won't be doing this again.  You'll be too busy living a happy, healthy, productive life.

Hi Living4Today,  This is the last suggestion that I'll have for this week.  (If you chose to accept this mission).  :-)  Let's hear your ideas for ways that you can do a better job of being successful in your weight loss journey.

CHALLENGE #3 -  1. Today, weigh yourself.  Don't weigh again for two weeks.  2. Every morning, when you wake up, say out loud, "I'm living for today".  "Today, I will ______ and __________ to lose weight".  3.  When you brush your teeth, look in the mirror and make 'goo-goo eyes', 'kissy lips', and 'bunny rabbit nose wiggles'.  (All of this should help you 'lighten up' and smile).  4.  Get a manicure.  5.  Get a theme song.  If you don't have one yet, how about using Miley Cyrus' song "The Climb", until you get a theme song of your own.  6.  Dance by yourself at home.   7.  Take a tour through your town.  Make a list of things that you like about your town.  There has to be at least one thing.  :-)  ~  OK, I'm out!  GM50

Hi Living4Today,  Here's your next Challenge (if you chose to accept this mission).  :-)

CHALLENGE #2 - Go to MTV 'Made'.  Look at every episode of 'Made'.  Take notes on how they accomplished their goals, by their deadlines.  Imagine that you are the next star of 'Made'.  What do you want to be Made into?  ________________    Living4Today, it's time to live up to your User Name.  :-)  It's time to get excited about your fabulous life.  Get to work!  :-)  bye, GM50

Hi Living4Today,  1.  Almost one month ago, you PLANNED to go to your local YMCA.  YEAH!!!!  Congratulations!!  Did you go?  2.  You THOUGHT that you would be nervous around the people in the YMCA.  Were you nervous?  3.  You said that WRITING WAS your PASSION, but you stopped writing.  Could it be possible that writing is STILL YOUR PASSION?  4.  You said that you are embarrassed by the way you look, but you put an exclamation mark after stating that you like your hair.  :-)  You also like your tiny hands, ears, feet, and nose.  5.  You wrote a loaded sentence on Nov 12th: stating that  ... you are 20 yrs old ... living on your own ... in a town that you can't stand ... you don't know anyone ... and you hated your life (at that time).

Well Living4Today,   You've had difficulty staying motivated and committed to losing weight.  Your feelings about that could contribute to feelings of depression.  I challenge you to create a new approach to weight loss.  Think about it.  I'll think about it, too and come back soon with a list of specific challenges.  So, fire up your computer (or get a pen and some paper) and let's get to work! 

CHALLENGE #1 - Since YOU ARE A WRITER, I challenge you to start keeping a 'weight loss journey' journal.  It could be helpful to you after you get down to your desired weight and YOU become the person who motivates others who struggle with weight loss.  Since YOU ARE A WRITER, who knows, maybe your journal could become the foundation for a play, a novel, a freelance magazine article, your motivational speeches, your lesson plans, etc.  You are a WRITER now.  After you overcome your journey with weight loss you might become a PUBLIC SPEAKER.  You are 20 years old!  :-)  That's wonderful!!!   DREAM WITHOUT BOUNDARIES!  Your weight loss journey can be whatever YOU want it to be, for any of the reasons that are important to noone else but YOU.  (I'll write to you again before the end of next week).  Get to work!  Smile a lot!  :-)  Hopefully, you will add your smile to the list of things that you like about the way you look.  :-)  bye, GM50

Thanks for bringing this back to the top of the board. I'm so glad I didn't miss this discussion. There's so much wrapped up here. I have lost weight before and I remember as the weight came off, feeling like I was losing some of my protection from the world. I wanted to be a wallflower, but at the same time, wanted to shed what allowed me that status. The complexity of being overweight is that like other addictions, our addiction is our comfort. The difference is, food is such a social gatherer - it's not illegal and so easy to access. I think I became seriously overweight for the first time right around 20, and I remember feeling so much like you - a new environment, far away from family. I remember my brother and his wife coming for a visit for the first time in a few years, and crying because I didn't want them to come. Instead of being excited for their arrival, I feared it, because I didn't want them to see me that way.

You do have to be happy with you. Even at my highest weight, I will still put on a swimsuit (with a little modesty skirt) and go for a swim. You can't let weight stop you from enjoying life - because then you get caught in the endless cycle that can trap you so easily. Set small goals for yourself and keep track of your accomplishments. Today a small walk, just to enjoy your environment. Just to enjoy your self. There's space in this world for overweight people. The more you think that way, the more you'll claim that space, enjoy it and eventually need less of it.

You can do this, but the wise ones who have posted before me, you need to change the way you think first or at the same time, otherwise the change is superficial and often temporary. I'm learning this - I hope - for the last time. So far I think I'm among the heaviest people in this group. After my second pregnancy, I find myself at 311 lbs! And I'm scared - my first major threshold is 100 lbs more than yours. And through diligence of action and - there's that word again - commitment to myself, along with the wisdom and insights on these boards, I will change.

I hope you'll stay with us for the long haul. I certainly plan to.

Thanks for opening these feelings and challenges up for discusssion.

- Suzy.

Since we have so many new people I am bumping this post forward. There are a lot of good ideas here. It got us all motivated! Suzanne

OP give yourself a pat on the back for having the courage to realize there is a problem and you want to fix it. Emotional overeating is worst because you have to figure out healthier ways to deal with your problems. I love being creative so I'm working on a film and theater project for myself. Find something that you are passionate about and love to do that will take your mind off you situation but you must confront any serious issues you are dealing. Find someone you can talk to some outside support.

Hey there :)

Lets put this into prospective......you are aware of what is hurting you, emotionally and physically. For most people it takes a long time and sometimes never to figure out that once you get past the excuses, looks and even comments all you have left is you. I'm proud that you have come here and joined us in our battle and letting us help you in yours. I am proud of you for taking that step and admiting that you need help and I am proud of you..for being just that....YOU <3

 xoxoxo

Jen