A Public Message to those MIA but still 'lurking'....

[wovenwonder]

If anyone wants to add their thoughts to this message, please feel free to. BUT PLEASE do NOT mention anyone by name.

There are so many WISHers that started with me 'way back when' and are currently Missing from WISH. I miss every one of you. I miss your support and inspiration. Even if you are NOT feeling very inspired yourself right now, PLEASE join us again. If times are tough for you right now then it is simply the WORST time for you to turn away from those of us that care so much about YOU. Start back with us in Baby Steps. Don't feel like you have to accomplish what you had with WISH in the past all in one day. Make small commitments. Agree to walk around the block today [I don't care if you eat an entire plate of brownies AND a bag of chips --- that doesn't matter]. If you commit to just ONE SMALL thing to make a change and accomplish that ONE SMALL thing then you can go to bed tonite and feel like you were 'succesful'. When was the last time that you went to bed feeling that way? We can help you get that feeling back again.

If you have NOT swayed from program but are just taking a break from the computer PLEASE know that I am still missing YOU. You don't have to spend ALOT of time on the boards to still be an active part of WISH. Just stop by once a week and check in with us. You do NOT have to be a commando poster to be part of us. Just let us know that we can still count on your support.

Please know that this post was NOT directed and any ONE person. It is sincerely meant to touch many WISHers that I am missing right now

 

[nativetxn]

Well said, Jody, well said. You are really motivational, you know that?

I miss lots of WISHers too. I couldn't name names because there are just too darned many WISHers missing in action.

I think we need to have a reaffirmation ceremony or something. I'll bet some WISHers have reached goal, or gotten pregnant, or even got involved with planning a trip and have just drifted away from us. I miss each and every one of them, too.

We're saving everyone's place. Come back to us. You don't have to post a lot. How about dropping by the check in thread and telling everyone they have done a "good job" or leaving simply a smilie. Just something to let us know that you are okay and still visiting WISH occasionally.

If you are pregnant, come post about your healthy pregnancy. I know we have several pregnant DISers--I think there is a place for mothers to be on WISH.

If you have reached goal, come celebrate with us, you know we are so proud of our fellow WISHers who have reached goal.

If you have drifted away because of other reasons, let us know that you are alright. We don't need to know <i>why</i> you drifted away, we just need to know that things are alright with you.

If you are hiding away because you have gone off plan and gained weight, then knock it off. You need WISH the most when you stumble. How can we help if you won't let us? Part of the magic of the WISH support group is that everyone <i>offers</i> support but they <i>ask</i> for support too. It's sort of a two way street

Now, here comes the scary part. If you just don't want to visit WISH anymore. If you just aren't happy here...will you send me a private message and ask me to remove your name from our roster? I will never tell. It will be our little secret, okay? I can take it....<i>I think</i>

Katholyn

 

[MelanieC]

I know there are quite a few people that I have noticed that are missing. We really enjoy your posts and miss you. I know that when I get down and don't feel like I am doing well I tend to shy away from coming here. The problem with that is, that this is the one place to get the strength to continue.

For those of you taking breaks from the computer, we will be here when you are ready. I like the idea of a once a week check in!

Miss everyone,

Melanie

 

[zakatak]

Guilty as charged.... as usual.

Hi again, still lurking. Unfortunately, I gained back 8 pounds since my low weight before I went to Disney in July. 5 were from Disney and the three were from the failed attempt at losing those 5 all summer. Go figure!

Well, as of Monday, I am back on the bandwagon. Jogging and walking and no binging. As of this morning, I am down to... YAY 118.4. I've reset my goal weight at 110 for my height and frame size. So, 9 pounds to goal. My goal date is Oct. 10th.

See ya around!

K

 

[DixieDreamer]

I doubt seriously I am one of the folks you are thinking of... but I do not check into the official WISH checkins and thought I would just say - "I am here! - just not regularly enough to participate in that very effectively so I just don't."

I have been taking a real break from the DIS for quite a while. I come in the mornings to participate in the "riddle me this" thread and I come here occassionally to encourage and participate as I can. But I am still here. So don't count me out - even if I don't regularly post on the official WISH check ins.

 

[wovenwonder]

zakatak - I am SO GLAD that you checked in! It sounds like you have quite a plan and are very determined to drop those last couple pounds. But, even if you weren't ready yet --- that would be OKAY! I'd STILL be happy to have you hangin' around. I hope you'll stay awhile!

DixieDreamer - I have to admit that I don't check in to the weekly thread either [sorry folks] so that is okay. It is still great to have you check in with us again. You always provide lots of TERRIFIC information and support --- so stop by more often! do you happen to frequent the lowcarbfriends board too? I think I see you over there sometimes --- as that is one of the places that I lurk but don't post too often.

 

[Hannosmom]

I admit it, I'm a lurker. I'm back, posting even!

Seriously, I've done zip with my diet all summer. Having commitment problems (among others).

Hopefully, I can come to some understanding between me and my eating problems, and fully commit to a lifestyle change.

So glad you guys are here!!!

 

[tlgoblue]

OK!
Thing is, I have not been doing too bad, but not too good either. I visit WISH but am not very inspirational, or motivated. I'm way too involved with my time, or lack thereof, and WISH has been a casualty of that. Another part of my problem is DH. He is no longer my support, and in fact, has been making it very difficult to stay OP, but I keep saying it's my journey. I'm just very used (co-dependent? ) to him being with me on my journeys. I'm pretty lonely, to be honest, and so I haven't been to the gym, or done much of anything in the way of exercise. That is, in a nutshell, what's happening with me. Don't want to whine the same old tune every time I visit, so I just lurk.
BUT WISH needs me! We have came so far in such a short time. We have had so many reach goal, and make great progress. WISH is worth keeping, and I will do my part, even if I'm just going through the motions. (Sometimes just doing that is enough to keep one from completely going over the edge!) So, I'll do my best to keep this train rolling! Onward and downward!

Still Keeping the Faith! (No really, I AM!)
Tracy

 

[wovenwonder]

Hannosmom - Thanks for checking in. And know that you are NOT the only one with this problem! Just prior to my surgery [hyster sister] on 7/18 I had earned my 15 pound WISH clippie [40 loss total]. Well, I used my surgery as an excuse to not eat sensibly. People were bringing meals [carb laden meals] and I was just eating what was brought. It was only going to be for ONE WEEK. Well, one week led to another, and another ..... [get the picture]. Twelve pounds later and I was back again. I gave up my clippies and started back with the WISH member clipart. I lost the two pounds I needed to in order to earn back my 5 pound clippie and I'm STILL working on the 10 and then I'll work on getting the 15 again. When you are ready, you will make it happen. And until then, I hope you'll just hang out awhile and provide support to those of us that need it while we try to provide some extra inspiration to YOU.

 

[wovenwonder]

tlgoblue
Still Keeping the Faith! (No really, I AM!)


Oh, Tracy ---- That made me chuckle! I can tell from your post that you ARE keeping the faith! I am sorry that your DH hasn't been the support for you that you need. BUT you know that your WISH friends ARE the support you need so don't be afraid to lean on us every now an then! I'm glad you came out of hiding. Now, be sure to stay where I can see you!

 

[pixiechick]

I admit to have returned to lurking for the past week or so. I am a teacher and the first week is a tough one. I've been reading, but responding often takes too much time. Hopefully, things should calm down soon. I am still following my plan. I just need to keep working on squeezing exercise in.

 

[wovenwonder]

pixiechick - I cannot even imagine how busy you must be with school just starting. Not only do you have all of those lessons to plan but you have a whole new set of kids to get to know! And here I am trying to put WISHing on your list of must do's! I understand, honest! Maybe you can find just a minute or two each week to check in and let us know how you are doing. I hope your days begin to get easier for you.

Remember to grab a WISH member clippie [if you'd like].

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

I'm guilty but your post (along with the Halloween challenge) are motivating me! The end of summer was very hard for me. After a couple of really busy, but fun, weekends I strayed from Atkins and managed to gain back 5 of the 7 pounds I had lost ( I am back to having lost a total of 5). I was mad at myself but I kept starting the day out good and then I'd blow it in the evening and just keep saying I'll start again tomorrow. Our computer was also having problems at the same time and for abou 3 weeks we were totally without internet access (it was terrible, I was having DIS boards withdrawal). Enough of excuses, last week when we got back on line I saw the Halloween challenge and signed up for it (I hope to lose 10 pounds) and I'm back on track as of Monday! Thanks for the words of support and encouragement! I'm glad to be back!

Cheryl

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Hi everyone, I too am guilty as charged! I swear you wrote that post for me Jody! Why do I think that? How about this quote!

I don't care if you eat an entire plate of brownies AND a bag of chips

I shudder to think of how many bags of chips I went through.

If you commit to just ONE SMALL thing to make a change and accomplish that ONE SMALL thing then you can go to bed tonite and feel like you were 'succesful'. When was the last time that you went to bed feeling that way?

I have to admit, it has been a LONG time since I felt successful. I will take you up on that idea of doing one thing daily and regaining that feeling of success and confidence and pride in myself.

Nativetxn, I think you are on to something here....

I think we need to have a reaffirmation ceremony or something.

I think that is a great idea!!!!

I have spent so much time on the boards planning our trip, I can't believe it is so close, but yet, I do need WISH now more than ever, because I still get winded when I do stairs, and for Heaven's sake, I need to be a little more fit to enjoy Disney at it's fullest!

As a side note to Jody, my dillema over starting on September 11th, or 12th is gone now, how about tonight, the evening of September 10th????

The one thing I will do tonight, (well make it 3), decide to check into WISH more often, read some of Dr. PHil's book, and decide that NOW is the time, not tommorow or Friday!

Thanks Jody, this has been a very uplifting post!!!!

 

[wovenwonder]

Cheryl N. WI - I said it above Cheryl - YOU are not the only one that swayed from low carb eating. And I'm sure you've heard many people say that Atkins does NOT work because when you go off of it you will gain the weight back! UH, no kidding! I guess when you are on WW or some other eating plan you are immune from this. You can go off of your plan and binge and NOT gain weight? LOL! Well, we re both back on track now. I'm glad you are back in this journey with me!



PRINCESS VIJA Oh dear Vija --- this post wasn't about you, honest it wasn't. [as Jody ducks and hides]. I PMed you most of this information but I'll post it here as well. I really want you to think if WW is the plan for YOU. It isn't working for you sweety. I am so happy that you have lost six pounds the past year and not gained six pounds --- but come on...... At six pounds a year you just MIGHT lose the weight by the time you reach retirement age! I'm not always this gruff people -- I just know that I can be with my dear friend Vija. I think some of your problem could be carbs. I know that Atkins isn't for YOU but I'm hoping that you'll pick up the Southbeach Diet book and read it. This way you can understand WHY you are having all of these uncontrollable cravings and binges and maybe do something different about it. Southbeach is different than Atkins and it just MIGHT be what will work for YOU. PLEASE read it for ME. And welcome back --- I hope you'll stay awhile.

 

[TigH]

Hey, gang!

I'm taking a break from the computer for a while. I do lurk here from time to time - glad to see everyone is still on track and that the place is attracting so many new members!

Hopefully later in the fall my break will be over. In the meantime I've been able to accomplish alot of things I had been putting off around the house. I'm still with you all in spirit and hope that everyone is still feeling revved up and in the "Onward and Downward" frame of mind.

I put on a few pounds (but still plan to keep my goal clippie!) and joined WW online. I love the flex points program and hopefully by this week or next week's weigh in I'll be back to normal! Still working out and still sending positive vibes and energy to all my WISH buds!

For anyone on WW - Moose Tracks ice cream by WW (made with Splenda) ROCKS! It does have hydrogenated oil in it though (actually if you read the ingredients list you might think twice about eating it) but for a treat once in a while it's GREAT!

Hang in there everyone! Keep the Faith! It's a lifestyle change, not a diet! You can do it!!!!

P.S. We did go to the Keys. Trip report on my site - http://www.rossandkaren.org/keys.htm

 

[CamColt]

Great post!

I havent been back here since we left for our trip, almost 3 weeks ago. Not so much because of the weight gain on the trip(it was worth it ), but because life has been so busy. Between getting life back to normal, both my kids have started school and DS#1 has started soccer I havent stopped.

But, I am back on my program and ive lost a few of the lbs I gained on the trip. I probably have about 3-4 more to go. Hope to lose them in the next 4 weeks.

 

[wovenwonder]

TigH - Thanks for checking in Karen. I know what you mean about needing a break sometimes. I spend WAY too much time on the boards. I'm glad you stopped by. Don't think that you have to spend HOURS every week posting - just a minute to check in every once in awhile would be great. I worry when I don't see regulars post for a long time. I know -- I REALLY need to 'get a life'!

CamColt I really DO understand -- this is such a busy time of year - especially for those of us with school aged kids. And it makes it extra hard when you are trying to get out of vacation mode and back to real time. I often spend so much time planning for my vacations that I get such a 'down' feeling when they are over. I think that I miss the planning as much as the vacation itself. That's a good enough reason as any to begin planning another trip! It sounds like you are back in control again and will have those extra pounds shedded in no time. I'll be looking forward to you posting that you're back to pre-trip weight in the next month --- YOU CAN DO IT!

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

I sort of fell off a couple months ago I think and so did all my motivation. Thankfully I haven't gained anything back that I know of but I plateaued and just couldn't get off. I think every week that went by that I didn't lose any weight - I lost the drive to try. We just got back from WDW this past week (had a great time) but it just seems even harder to get back in the saddle. I am only 13 lbs. from goal but this plateau makes it seem like 50!!!

So there it is - my sad tale and I really, really want to get back with WISH but I guess I also felt like after I dropped off that it would be weird to get back with it. But thank you so much for your kind post - I would like to come back, not only to help myself, but help others!

Laurie

 

[John In Illinois]

Sadly I must admit that I had "drifted away" for a while.

I never ever stopped leading the "WISH Lifestyle" (other than going bug-nuts at WDW)

I gained an amazingly moderate (to me based on the pig that I became) 6 pounds on my trip. That went back off within 10 days of being back home. I can say with no small amount of wonderment, that I have begun eating more and more "normal" foods/meals, yet for some unknown (but WAY welcome) reason, my body is remaining at the slim place that I found. I vary by a couple of pounds one way or the other on a daily basis, but without "doing" Atkins, I am still able to keep where I need to be.

My trip was THE single most amazing vacation I have ever taken, and I owe it ALL to my PM Buddy Kelsie (who besides being my inspiration, also happens to be a kick-butt Dreams Travel Agent)

Well, there is an update on me, and I will TRY to post more.