I've been hanging out here for a long, long time. Nine years! And one day recently I had to ask myself, "Why am I still logging on to 3FC so much?"
Well... frankly, it's just habit.
Mostly I find myself irritated by the repetition--and repetition is unavoidable on a forum like this. And, I don't find much in the way of support here--probably because I am looking for something other than the same old same old. That "something other" may not exist, for all I know. But I know it's not here.
At any rate, I've decided to break the habit! And I thought I'd let you folks know because when people disappear, everyone wonders what's happened to them. In my case, I've just gone on to other things. I may lurk from time to time, but no more daily visits, posts, etc.
There are a couple websites that I go to, looking for answers. This is one of them. Yes, it mostly comes up short, because everyone's got their own thing going, and so it's more socializing than anything else -- but then it drives me to back to myself, to the unwillingly realization that, once again, I am the one who's going to have to provide the answers as well as the questions. No one can intuit my exact needs at any particular time that I visit the site.
What I want is nearly spiritual sometimes. I don't know how to describe it. I know it's not just upbeat platitudes. And it probably has less to do with weight than maybe human potential & how to get through this life. But I also know that's A LOT to ask from an Internet forum. Particularly one just focused on keeping the scale number down or at least stable. So how am I going to get what I need when I can't even clearly describe what I need?
The Internet looks like it ought to provide everything, somewhere, because of its sheer volume & bounty, which is probably why it's so habit-forming. You can change the channel on it endlessly. But finally, it does throw us back on ourselves, doesn't it?
So your level of engagement dwindled. It happens. I do wish you the best with whatever new routines and interests you establish. You were a much-needed sensibility on this forum.
JayEll, thanks for the years of simple, sensible and occasionally pointy commentary. If you don't find what you seek, then I hope you richly enjoy the search! You gave me some tools I needed. Thank you!
Bon Voyage JayEll - I wish you well wherever your path leads.
You were one of the first folks I noticed when I stumbled into 3FC some four plus years ago. I thank you for your contributions and for being here all that time.
I'm a longtime mostly lurker and I've always gotten a lot out of your posts. You are a voice of reason to me. Good luck and may you find what you are seeking.