How?
 

How do you muster up the strength to push ahead?...I just saw a reflection of myself in a window and wanted to die. I just want to wake up and not think about how much I weigh or what can I wear that fits...How do I motivate myself with such a long road ahead.

you think about how far youve already come, and think "i can do that again..and again"...because you can! think about the rewards you will recieve-it takes time, but it will happen :) good luck!

One step at a time...

Just make one good decision, then another. You make more good ones than bad ones and suddenly you're making progress. It's so overwhelming at first, but maybe if you chunk it into smaller goals you will feel successful sooner. break it into 10%'s or 10 pound increments or 5 if that's better for you.

You just have to decide that you matter enough to take care of and plan accordingly. You can do this.

Don't look at the length of the road. YOu only need to walk it one step at a time. Pick the size of your steps. I get overwhelmed easy, so my steps are 5 pounds. I stay focused on that because 5 pounds is do-able for me.

You have come a long way already- you can do this!!!

Thanks so much...I need to take it one day at a time (sometimes one hour at a time)..

Sometimes it is one minute at a time.

Hi Holly. I always like to steal from E.L. Doctorow:
Losing weight is like driving alone at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can go the whole way like that.

This is an invitation to post on our "positive" thread. We love newcomers and we'll be there to cheer you on. Hope to see you there! C.J.

Wow, that is how I was feeling last night. Just so frustrated at how far I have to go and thinking, "Look at me, I'm so gross." and I just wanted to give up. Then the quote, "What's worth the prize is always worth the fight." came to me. I know that it won't be easy, but it will all be worth it the first time I'm able to go to Cedar Point and Kennywood and ride all of the rides I can't fit in right now.

Holly, another quote I've always liked is "Every great journey begins with a single step." So many people don't take that step, and kudos to those who have taken that step!

:carrot: :broc: :cb:

Aww Holly :hug: We have all been there at one point or another. When I started, I tried not to focus on how FAR it was until I reached goal. Pick something that seems more attainable. For the most part, I just try to get down into the next "decade" or ten lbs lost. We have all lost 10 lbs at one time or another. We just need to do it a few more times! There are weeks that I struggle and I commit to one good choice at a time. If I make a bad choice, I refuse to beat myself up over it and give up. I just commit to making a *better* choice next time. You can do it....one step at a time!

Someone on this site told me the year is gonna pass anyway, its up to you what you do with it. Someone else said, you can lose 10lbs at a time. My son said to me-if you can believe it, you can achieve it. I say to you-you can do it!

This might not be the best advice, but I have discovered that I personally am much happier and focused when I do not focus on my weight. What I mean is, if I spend my time (and I do sometimes) being disgusted at my mirror image and then focusing on my weight, bad areas, hanging skin, whatever...then I find myself depressed and not focusing on my goals. When I just focus on eating right, making myself feel good, and doing activities I find myself happier, the weight is coming off, and I'm able to do other things like work, be social, and more.

I like the idea, the year is gonna pass by anyhow...what are you going to do with it? Do I want to sit and watch it pass by or do I want to get out there and continue to change my life? :D

I have gotten to the point where I mentally KNOW I'm going to be less than 200 lbs. next spring (Onederland!)

I have been losing at a slow but steady pace and I see no reason why this won't continue. It would be nice if it whooshed off faster like some ladies (and most men!) but it doesn't and I'm okay with that. I am just going to stick to my plan.

I've already decided I'm going to take a major trip to celebrate Onederland. I haven't decided where I'm going to go but I'm thinking maybe Eastern Europe. Any suggestions?

The reason I am mentioning this is because -- although I still get depressed and down sometimes -- I have this certainty in the back of my mind that this WILL happen. I'm not sure when this happened, but it has and it's great! I have been on plan for a little over 3 months, doing weight training and the gym during this time, and I realize it is doable. It fits in my life. I rather like it.

And yesterday I bought some new tops for summer in size 14-16W and they are not even tight. This is amazing for me. So even though I have lost only a little over 20 lbs, I have shrunk considerably I think because of my exercise. So even if I never do another thing, I am way better off than I was 3 months ago. And I will continue ..........

I am not thinking about how much I have to lose,or how long is it going to take.Because if I did I would be too overwelmed to continue.I am trying to get through today,just like you said. I did start a 5 day challenge In the Chicks Up For A Challenge Thread. It seems to be working !If you want join us.It might be the start you need!.:goodluck:

I totally know that feeling. I often avoid my reflection, and sometimes don't even look in the mirror when I am brushing my teeth. One day at a time is really the only way I can do it. One day, one meal, at a time.

Hang in there. :hug: You can do this. You are worth the fight.

Hi Holly,

Remember the difference in how your clothes fit now in comparision to when you started - the bra that fits better or the panties that fall down now. That always makes you smile. Remember that you are slowly (which is good for your health) getting closer to being the body you want to have. Remember you will always be a great person what ever the size but you will be happier as you go nearer to your goal weight- will be able to do things with great ease. Don't beat yourself up if you fall down. We all go through that.

I've fallen down the last week. Had the flu - motivation, energy at an all time zero. Feeling better now, and I know I have to get back on track.

We lose weight for ourselves. The added nice benefits for others are trim. Health, fitness, being able to buy nice clothes. Knowing that you will start to look great. Keep at it. If you want a buddy. I'm here. It's always easier if you have someone that you can reach out to.

Smile and the whole world smiles with you. You can do it. We will help each other. Remember you are with friends who all know that sometimes you need a little help.

I went to a fitness spa in Vermont nearly two years ago and during the opening day lecture by the fitness instructor, she asked us to dream up a scenario about what our retirement looked like. Many said things like hanging out on the beach by the ocean, going on cruises, world travel, etc. I wanted to sail a boat that I had built on my own, and then write about it all. So then she asked how we were going to do all of that from the comfort of our wheel chair and who were we going to have come along with us to push those wheel chairs out onto the sand, or around the deck of a cruise ship, or across Europe, etc. So that made me think what kind of shape I needed to be to actually complete my bucket list and have the energy, strength and health to accomplish what I want to do for the rest of my life. Because for me, that's a hugely motivating factor. And that's what kept me going for the first 50 lbs.

For the next part of the weight loss, which I have yet to enjoy, I'm getting divorced now, and in a couple of years, I have to be able to get health insurance. Right now, no one will cover me. I have to weigh about 100 lbs. less than I do now. And that's an additional motivator as well.

And finally, also hinging on the divorce, I want to outlive my soon-to-be-ex and get all his retirement money!

There's a lot to live for and a lot to lose weight for! Find the things you want the most, that you want to experience the most while feeling healthy and strong. Place reminders of those things around you to help you stay focused. I just ordered myself a sailboat model to build and display in my home. I have a few boat building magazines around the house, and I'm looking into taking a course in boat building in the next five years. My reward for losing the next 100 lbs. is to go on a sailing excursion through the Greek islands, where I actually learn to sail a ship (with hot young Greek sailors!).

I am creating a life to which I look forward, and I'm trying to make my current life something I truly enjoy now. And that's what keeps me motivated all the time.

What do your dreams look like?

Georgia

Several very wise people on this board have posted ~ the time's going to pass anyway...why not use it to lose weight instead of doing nothing?

I started my journey 10 months ago, August 2008. If I hadn't committed and stuck to it, I'd be sitting here still weighing 370 lbs, wearing a size 32, smoking, drinking, being depressed, feeling sick...miserable.

Instead I committed to a complete lifestyle change and I've learned to LOVE it. I love exercising every day. I love eating healthy. I feel great! And I get compliments ALL THE TIME on my appearance. Before, I would slouch around in ratty sweatpants and just not care about my appearance. Now I enjoy dressing up.

Life is GREAT! Focus on your goals. Make a plan and stick to it. Love yourself. You are worth it! And if you don't feel you are worth it right now, pretend!! Fake it!! You'll get there!!

Wishing you lots of luck!!!! You can do this!!!!!!

Wow.. I was sitting at the computer feeling empty inside, and reading all your posts filled me with such positive energy and love...I always felt that everyone in our world was cruel and self absorbed, thank you for proving me wrong.......God Bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know the feeling, but you just have to not let it overwhelm you and start. Look at the little goals. Start with 10lbs. You surely can do 10 right?

Starting is the hardest part... when losses don't show up on your body as quickly as you'd like and when exercising is quite challenging, but time passes if you do this or not. Wouldn't it be great to look back and thank yourself for getting started when you did?

Little goals help too with exercise. Can you walk a half mile? Mile? if not well there is a goal for you. I started by walking a mile or two and now I'm running and doing races. It's crazy stuff but it's possible.

Sticking around here helps also. People are very helpful.

You can do this!!!

How are you doing Holly? Have you found a plan that you feel you can do long term? That is the first step. Keep posting....it will keep you on track and accountable! You can do this!

Hello everyone. I've been gone from 3FC for a loooooooonnnnnggggg time. Started in 2004 going to the gym daily, and working with a trainer. Within a year I was back to a completely sedentary lifestyle.

Just bought a house in a subdivision with hike and bike trails. My challenge - use them. After I finish unpacking the house of course (if I packed in a day why is it taking so long to unpack).

I have a host of health problems that would all improve with weight loss. I know that. I know what to do to lose weight - why haven't I done any of it. Don't know but not going to dwell shoulda woulda's.

Anyway, I started lurking here again a few days ago and have found many inspirations already.

There is a lady in our office who sells candy to raise money for her daughter's karate team to travel to tournaments. My love is chocolate and there is always some in her "jar." Today I was going to get a candy bar and feed my chocolate fix. Then I read this thread. No candy bar for me today.

Thank you ladies. You rock.

Off now to update my info. Will be lurking even if not posting.

Thank god for this site its kept me on track...I've lost 8 lbs just by eating only when I'm hungry and eliminating processed foods...I hope to keep it up...thanks for the support