Does anyone feel like their goal is just too far away? I feel depressed looking at how much I have to lose. I am doing small goals but the overall goal is just so much and makes me think I will never get there. Sorry, just venting.

That does help, thanks alot. I appreciate it.

I do have days where I think negative things about how much I have to loose, but I do remember still when I started out how I felt very overwhelmed at the amount. Then pounds came off and I started to feel a bit better and even with struggling with minor regains here and there, I still am now almost 80 pounds lighter. Now I'm focused on my 100 pound goal and actually getting excited about it.

My point is that this is a journey and along the way, as you make more and more progress (not just with weight loss), you'll find positive things to focus on. I make goals that have nothing to do with weight loss now, more positive things, and focus on those. I still have a lot of weight to lose, but that is okay. I'll get there! Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say.

That is so true. Thank you, I do feel better.

We were just speaking about this the other day. Please check out the thread. There was some good stuff in there.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/weig...ey-really.html

Of which I wrote this:

I broke it down into mini goals. When one goal was achieved, I crossed it off and moved on to the next. Made a little game of it in fact. I also really enjoyed the time I spent losing. It was an adventure. I found out a lot about myself. It was exciting and I made the most of it.

Another thing, the time spent LOSING the weight, is very valuable. Think of that time as a learning experience. Time used learning new and healthy eating and fitness habits that will last you a lifetime. Healthy habits that will not only help you to get the weight off, but to keep the weight off. Use that time to find a plan that suits you, tweaking it along the way. It's time used to find what works for you and what doesn't. It's when you find coping skill and techniques to get you through the tough times. Time spent finding new recipes and foods to enjoy. Time learning about nutrition. Time very well spent indeed. Because I'm telling you, had I awoken one morning slim and trim, I wouldn't have a clue how to STAY that way. I would have turned around and put the weight right back on.

You'll get to your goal. In as long as it takes. And in the end it won't matter if it takes you a year, 18 months or longer. Just you keep at it and that goal is yours for the taking.

I don't know how to put this without sounding like a downer...probably because I had a BAD day today, and feel unworthy to post let alone give any advice...but the sad truth is the actual weight loss is such a tiny part in all of this journey talk. I'm having a very hard time with maintaince, (not so much the maintaining my weight part...but maintaining my sanity part...)and I try to put on this happy face and act like it's all fine and dandy, but once you get to your goal, you have just begun to fight the battle. So enjoy the ride. It will take a while, but hopefully it will prepare you for what is in store, because for me, it is very emotional, and a very personal, lonely internal struggle at times.

Yes I often feel this way but I refuse to give up because I know if I do I'll just gain it all back and then some again.

i was just saying to my husband yesterday about how much it sucks to have worked so hard and lost 40 lbs, which is nothing to sneeze at, and STILL be fat. it can seem overwhelming at times. you just have to look at it one goal at a time like the other girls said. right now im working towards 169 (50 lbs lost) and not thinking beyond that. if you look at the big picture it can seem totally overwhelming, but just take it one small goal at a time. you just need to lose ONE lb right now, then you'll worry about the next lb, and the next, etc.

The way I look at it is, the sooner I start, the sooner I'll be done. I think of all the times I tried only to get discouraged thinking about how long it would take only to stop and gain more, then I think if that time I had just stuck to it instead of giving up I'd be done now and how fast that time went. And lastly I think about how THIS time will be the time I do it and how instead of looking back and thinking 'dang, I could be done now' I'm going to look back and think 'I'm so glad I didn't give up.'

You can do it! Think of everyday as a day you're moving FORWARD (even if it's only a little) instead of standing still or even going backwards.

Thanks