[unrequitedlove]

Hello all!

I have been lurking this website on and off for a year or so. I've decided it's finally time to take action, and I'm hoping that by posting this message it will demonstrate to myself that I'm finally ready to take this on. If that makes any sense. I'm tired of being passive and apathetic.

Here's some of my bio.

My name is Krista. I'm a 22 year old female. I live in Ontario, Canada. I dropped out of film school due to lack of finances and extreme stress. I now find myself back to working full time at a video store. I hate retail. I really have no choice but to stay in the job while I pay off debt and reconsider my education options. I will not be a lifer though!

I have clinical depression, and I am on anti-depressants. I've had a very ****ty past 3 years and I have gone through a lot emotionally. Lately, I have found myself starting to feel happy again. Met some new friends, yadda yadda. I think that the "switch" in my head to start this journey has something to do with happiness. It may be reversed for some people, but I have found that the only times I have truly been motivated to exercise and eat right is when I've felt steadily happy with other things in my life. While depressed, I am too crippled emotionally and physically to do anything. I could barely think more than one day at a time.

I am inspired by all the posts I've seen on here, especially the success stories and pictures. I realize that I'm about to embark on something huge and I look forward to posting here and communicating with everyone

First question I have (which may be a lot in the future ;D):
I work 5 days a week, 8hr shifts, where I have to constantly be on my feet. The only time I ever sit down is on my break. I go home with my legs and feet completely sore. I am curious though what you guys would classify this as under activity? I'm trying out some of the calorie counter websites and when they asked this question, I wasn't sure what I would fall under. Light, Moderate, etc, etc.

[CLCSC145]

Welcome, Krista! I wish you lots of luck with this.

As for your standing up all day question, I'm not sure how I'd categorize that. It might just be light since it's a daily routine.

[beerab]

You burn more calories standing than sitting- but it's not much. What are you doing while standing? If you are just standing against a counter all day and not doing much you'll burn less than say if you are a cashier and scanning products all day- but overall I'd classify that as light exercise.

[unrequitedlove]

Thanks for the replies!

I am a cashier, but I only stand at the till when its Friday or Saturday, when it's busy. Otherwise during the week it's dead and I help maybe 20 people at the till. Typically I am walking around putting movies away, organizing, price changing walking back and forth across the store for random tasks.

[leeway]

Hi Krista!
I've been in retail for most of my life, standing can really get to you by the end of the day - so glad that things are better and looking up - the support you need is here - we'll all be here to cheer you on..

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try the 20 somethings, the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee