You can do this Amanda!!

Moving, and losing your support network are great stressors---don't beat yourself up! Just take it one day at a time. You can do this!!

Maybe look at it from a completely different viewpoint - you GET to explore a new city, you get to make new friends of your own choosing, while still keeping in touch with your current friends, hopefully you'll find a new job that you enjoy and that challenges and inspires you, you get to show yourself that you CAN DO IT - you're up for the challenge. Definitely use the gym that you have access to - it'll be your sanity and stress relief.

Can you decide that ONCE a week you'll explore and select a new restaurant to try and enjoy a little indulgence there, rather than with regular groceries and normal temptations that are oh, so routine. That's not good enough for you - have it be something that's unique to Tampa. Maybe some great Cuban food ... if that's open to your tastes.

Just putting a different viewpoint out there - you're still the same strong woman you were - allot a few minutes in the morning to sit and relax and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and reset your goals for the day - remind yourself why you're interested in sticking with a healthier lifestyle. Write the reasons down and refer to them OFTEN, not just on page one of a journal (this is helping me a ton!), and while you're getting settled in, you'll be cementing your healthy lifestyle.

It has only been a week. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a break. Take one step at a time. See all the new opportunities that await you. Good luck !

Thanks for the encouragement ya'll. I have done quite a bit of exploring and love to take pictures, so I am documenting everything and posting it all on my Facebook page for friends and family. My problem is being home. I am trying not to spend too much money exploring right now until I find work. The beaches are fee (woohoo), and I've been told that there are 19 beaches that are within 10-30 mins from here. However, its been raining like cats and dogs here! I am tempted to go out and find a job in retail just to get get out of the house. I sure need something b/c I am going bonkers being cooped up all day in this condo. Ya'll are right though, I can do it. It's just a matter of snapping out of being so depressed about it all. I think tomorrow morning, after I take my husband to work (he has seizures and can't drive...so this is also a stress factor b/c i have to find a job that is flexible enough to where I can still take him to work and pick him up), I am going to go to the clubhouse here @ the condo, get me a cup of free coffee and make me a To-Do list, and do every single thing on the list. I am going to start my Jillian Michaels work out dvd's again and I think I will e-mail my trainer back home (he told me that he would still work with me long distance). I guess I am just going to have to take it one step at a time and set mini-goals.

One step at a time, you can do it.

The University of Tampa has some beautiful buildings, too - one is where Babe Ruth signed his first pro contract - great architecture if you like photographing that type of subject. I think it was called the Tampa Bay Hotel ... fun exploring around there.

Sounds like you have a plan and the willpower to carry it out! You GO, girl!

Hi and welcome back to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Hi there,

I have been through that before.Moving away from your support system is a major stressor. Just keep your head up

Hello and welcome to 3FC! It's great meeting you! I wish you the best of luck with your weight loss.

Hi Amanda!
Guess what? You now have one friend in Florida...
Me! I live in Hudson which is only about 30 minutes north of Tampa.
Just take it one day at a time, enjoy your exploring when you can and enjoy your pictures. I too love the camera and shoot beach weddings occasionally.
You'll settle in before you know it.

T.T.F.N. ~ Learn

Welcome and good luck!

Dhani

Welcome back Amanda to 3FC, we are glad you are here!