I made it to Seattle, and am working into late day 2. It's NOT going how I expected! I've had such a bad headache I haven't been able to exercise, which left food, and we just came back from grocery shopping. I've eaten out, or not eaten for the past two days. I'm pretty discouraged, and this headache just is NOT helping. Whats the point in leaving all my friends, including my boyfriend for 5 weeks to feel like crap and not getting fitter??? I know it will get better, but it's not really feeling like it now. Also, this headache is making me SO cranky and listening to my brother laugh right now is making me want to join the NRA and shoot his computer into tiny pieces so he can stop laughing at what he's reading...

If you've got any inspiring words, I could definitely use them right now...

-Aimee

Aww, babe, the first days are going to be the hardest. Did you bring any 'inspiration' with you? Pictures of the figure you want, clothes that you'd like to fit into, sports you'd like to try...? Why not poke around on the internet and dream about a fitness-related trip you'll take when you get in your best shape ever? Check out Zephyr Skate Adventures for some dream/fantasy material. Scope for the outfit you'll wear the first time you see your boyfriend again! That gets me going (clothes, not planning to see your boyfriend! )

As for the headache, be gentle with yourself right now. Take a quiet hot bath, maybe. Go into another room or outside or upstairs or...anywhere and be quiet and still for a little while. And be PATIENT! Day 2 is too soon to throw in the towel. This is such a great opportunity, you can do it!

While I'm not in the loop as to what you're doing (what are you doing?), I think being gentle with yourself is a good idea. Figuring out what's going on with your headache is probably the first order of business. After you've dealt with that, then if you haven't already sat down and figured out an eating and exercising plan, consider doing that. What's helped me to focus during short periods of time is to make a written contract with myself and sign it. I write down exactly what I am going to do for the next few weeks. Here's a sample of my first contract with myself:

"I, __________, will to the best of my ability make every effort to do the following for a period of three (3) weeks, beginning on
June 11, 2004 and ending on July 2, 2004:

1. Stay completely within my Points range.
2. Participate in regular exercise each day.
3. Eat three meals and two snacks per day.
4. Keep a daily journal of everything consumed and/or my emotional health.
5. Eat to satisfy my nutritional needs rather than my emotional needs.
6. Drink 7 glasses of water/decaf beverage each day.
7. Refrain from “grazing.”
8. Terminate all eating by 7:30 pm each night.

In addition, I will not allow myself to attempt to justify not following these rules. I will take complete control over what I put into my mouth, and not allow my emotions, other people or boredom to influence what I think I want. I will do this each and every day, not making excuses or giving myself any “free-for-all” days.

Furthermore, throughout all my years, I realize that I have rarely, if ever, been able to attain this level of focus for a continuous period of three or more weeks. I also realize that this contract is solely with myself and carries no rewards, penalties or punishments other than those associated with the reflection of the strength of my character."

Don't know if this is inspiring, but I hope it gives you something to think about.

Hi sweetie! I'm confused. Why are you there again?

Pulling from the women's BFL book, try writing a list of reasons you want to lose. Start with the normal crapola: to feel better, to look better. Then, dig a bit deeper, decide on some of the bigger, scarier things that are rooted in your weight. Pamela Peeke says you can whip out this list and read from the inspiration you need most: light inspiration - to feel better, medium inspiration - because I can't fit into any of my clothes, heavy inspiration - to prove to myself that I can complete something that I put my mind to and prove to myself that I'm worth the effort.

Give yourself a chance to settle in, Aimee. Once you get rid of that headache, you'll be in a better position to get going, I'm sure.

I love that contract, Sheila.

It doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing a headache is the worst downer there is. Once you are over your headache things will look better. Make sure that everyone knows what you are trying to accomplish. Since you are a visitor they may have visions of taking you out to eat and showing you the sights while you are there.

LOL looks like everyone needs some background on your current situation, Aimee I know you planned on going to stay with your brother and having these 5 weeks of YOU time--getting focused, getting relaxed, getting healthier, etc. Have you been drinking plenty of water? Dehydration is the most common cause of headaches. I'm sure you know better, though, and have been staying thoroughly hydrated, but just something to mention. Also, is there something you've cut out since you got to Seattle? something that you normally have every day (perhaps something with sugar and/or caffeine) from which you may be experiencing a slight withdrawal?

In any case, drink up, eat as healthy as possible (even at restaurants!), REST, and de-stress until that headache is gone. Even if it takes all week (although I sure hope it doesn't last that long!), you'll still have a whole month to accomplish what you hoped to accomplish while you're there. Good luck!

Aimee - sorry to see you're off to a rough start. As soon as you're better you'll take Seattle by storm and come back fitter and stronger than ever. I have absolutely no doubt about it! I hope you headache passess soon so you can get to it. Keep us posted!

~Dee

Hi Aimee! Don't give up now! Headaches suck, but it will pass. Even on your fitness "retreat" there will be obstacles like this--that is the nature of this journey! You will get past this and have an amazing time, I'm sure.

Hey, Aimee,

Hang in there, you just got there, so it makes sense it would take a little time to settle in and make a plan.

Enjoy your time off and be easy on yourself. Sending you good vibes from Brooklyn.

I always have really huge expectations, and for the first 2 days we didn't go grocery shopping and ended up eating out. We now have food and I've eaten GREAT all day! And the headache has lifted, however it normally hits me in the late afternoon. I am drinking TONS of water, 3-4L's of water, and the occational coffee.. heh.

I have given up sugar for the most part, which I suspect is the source of my headaches. I do feel clearer in the head today. I think my only sugar source (besides fruit) is these vitamin water's you guys have out here. They are pretty yummy! I will stop having those soon too, I'd like to be off all artificial sugar.

Thanks for all the support, you've all truely said things which have brought up my spirits. I am definitely a little lonely, I am away from all my friends and my bf. Thanks

-Aimee

Aimee girl, you can do it! I am so excited to hear how you've changed in your time out there!!