HLSG: Positive Reinforcement!! No negatives allowed!!

[lindrusso]

On Natasha's thread, some of us have been reviewing our goals and our progress, or lack of progress.

This may be a bit repetitive, but I thought maybe it would be a good time to have a positive-only posting where we each state at least one positive thing that we feel we accomplished over the past few months.

I'll go first.

I was able to get through the holidays without gaining weight - I think it's a first. I think I'm starting to be able to enjoy yummy foods without feeling like I have to eat ALL of it! I'm one of those who tends to binge on fattening foods when I try to cut down on fat too much. So maybe the fact that I'm a little easier on myself is actually helping me to eat less in the long run.

Anyone else care to join in??

[Laura]

I guess my biggest accomplishment is that I haven't given up. The past 4 months have been extremely stressful and have interrupted my once regular exercise routine. A few years back, I would have said forget it (or maybe something not that polite http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif) and stopped exercising all together. Well I have persevered and for the most part have not had a week go by where I didn't get in some formal exercise at least 2x. Far from my goal but much better than I used to be. Was that postive enough? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Pat58]

I already said it in my response to Natasha's thread, but my most positive achievement - my "Winning Outcome" - was not only maintaining my weight loss from the prior year but even losing a few more pounds and being hired to work as a Weight Watchers receptionist. I love it so much! And I love that my husband and son are eating so much healthier. Even DH renewed his membership at the gym and has kept off the 30 pounds he lost by eating my cooking!

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Laura:
Was that postive enough? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Not only is it positive, but it is a great accomplishment. I think that's one thing this board has definitely been responsible for getting me to do - to keep trying and not give up.

I know this post requires some repetitiveness if you've answered Natasha's post, I just wanted a thread where everyone got to dwell on ONLY the good stuff. I thought it would be helpful for everyone remind themselves that although they may not have had total success, they probably WERE doing at least SOME things right.

[emilycat]

Lindrusso,

This was a good idea http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I haven't formally accomplished any of my "stated" goals, but I think I have progressed a bit in terms of my self image.

My weight's still where it was when I last posted (although I have since gained and then lost 2 pounds because of marathon tapering) but I've learned to accept the fact that it's not necessary for my numerical weight to be only 2 digits, and appreciate the little curves I have. I started to be appalled when my stomach wasn't flat-as-a board anymore (okay, it's still pretty flat, but my stomach is the focus of my image-obsessions) and my shoulder blades didn't show through my sweaters -- I don't remember the last time I felt sexy, and not just skinny.

Recently a guy I started dating (yahoo!-- if any of you remember, my ex and I of 2 1/2 years broke up about 3 weeks ago -- yeah, I work quickly http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) said he loved how I was strong and slender, and not just one of those skinny, weakling girls -- he was so impressed when I "let it slip" that I run marathons.

So I guess I haven't been that unproductive http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Em

[Natasha]

Alysha,

Wonderful idea! Positive reinforcement is ALWAYS a good thing.

The accomplishment I ll put down might sound funny, but it s one I m experiencing as we speak: breaking out of my funk caused by this injury. I was miserable for a couple days and then decided that enough was enough. Over the weekend I suddenly got the spark back and since then I ve been back to my normal upbeat self. Yes, it s disappointing, yes, it s frustrating, and yes, it can hurt! But I know that in the scheme of things it s nothing, that I m a strong girl, and, basically, that I ll be back (to be said with appropriate accent) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif .

Every runner faces injury at one time or another, and outside the exercise/running sphere, there are so many other health problems. I m now back to appreciating my health and how all-around good I feel. One of the main reasons I was training for this marathon was to raise funds for leukemia research in memory of my father. All I have to do is remember his brave smile and how he kept bouncing back when the doctors and nurses thought there was no more hope. If he could do that, well, I can do this.

Hearty congratulations to everyone on your progress! I toast you all with - what else - a huge glass of water!

And BTW, about what Emily said, I would go one step further and say that I believe men are generally (okay, almost always) attracted to strong women. Which should suit all of us strong and healthy (physically, emotionally and mentally) women here just fine (not that we take care of ourselves solely to please men, as discussed on Kim s recent thread ...) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Uh, Alysha? Where do I sign up to learn how to write shorter responses? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif



[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 01-08-2001).]