Well, thank you everyone for nominating me as most encouraging member of the team. I’m not sure I’ve felt at my most encouraging lately, in fact, I feel I’ve been more encouraged than encouraged others.
I’ve not done too well in my weigh loss lately, in fact as most of you have probably seen from the weigh-ins I’ve actually put on a fair bit over the last couple of weeks. I’d love to write a post explaining how I’ve been feeling, but to be honest I’m not really sure myself. One day I can be feeling happy and things seem to be going well, and others it all seems a bit bleak. This week I’m doing ok, I think, and I’m determined to lose weight.
Part of me has hated Mondays lately, having to own up to all you lovely people that once again I’ve made bad choices and put on weight. In some ways it makes me feel like I’ve failed you all, that I don’t deserve to be a part of the group if I don’t put in the effort. But, the rest of me knows that actually the fact that I’ve committed myself to weighing in each week means that I won’t go back to how I was before I started this weight loss journey.
I’ve made bad choices and put on weight, but I know that it doesn’t have to continue that way. And I know that there’s an amazing group of people, who even though they’ve never met me and are thousands of miles away (apart from Bekki and Elly, of course) they still love me and care about me and want me to be happy.
And it’s that encouragment that keeps me weighing in even when things haven’t gone right. It’s that encouragement that had my eyes filling up with tears right now. Because I know that I’ve got another chance, and another one and another if I need it. I know really that none of you is judging me or thinking I’ve let you down, and that even though I know I’ll probably get it wrong again, I can still feel at home with the people on this site.
That’s what’s encouraged me. Thanks 
Sweet sweet Debs. Nope. NO WAY is their judgment for you here. I think I can say confidently that we have ALL been there. I know for me, it has been 22 Years of trying to lose weight, losing a little, and gaining a lot. (lather, rinse, repeat) We all know the feelings of guilt and self-condemnation and helplessness. You are not alone and you are very loved.
Sweetie, it may not be today and it may not be tomorrow - but you ARE going to lick this thing someday. I know you will. And I am so proud of you for sticking with us through the good weeks and the bad. That in itself is an achievement.
You really are a precious encouragement to us. There is hardly a post that you miss commenting on. Even when you are struggling, you keep on reaching out to the rest of us. We love you, girl!! Don’t give up!
Comment by blest — May 3, 2007 @ 10:58 am
Amen to all of what Blest said. {{Debs}}
Praying for you!
Comment by lady laura — May 3, 2007 @ 11:15 am
Oh Debs, I hate that you’re feeling that way. Like Blest said, there’s no judgement here. We’re all here to help each other out, to give each other encouragement, to give each other advice. It’s a hard journey, sometimes we fall off the wagon (I know I’ve been off the wagon many a times, I still fall off that darn wagon) but we’re here to encourage each other and help each other get back on.
I’m so glad that I found this site. You, along with everyone here, has helped me get where I am today. It’s hard, really hard, but when I hear everyone’s stories and thoughts, I get re-inspired.
Sometimes I get home from a long, hard, mentally draining day at work and oh! how I just want to dig into the candy or eat some gooood food (aka bad for you)…and sometimes I do…but not as often as I used to because I think of all my friends out here at OWOA.
So, don’t give up…we’re all all here for you!
(((HUGS)))
Comment by Cristina — May 3, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Oh Debs, we love you!
Comment by Tami — May 3, 2007 @ 11:53 am
Debs, I second everything that everyone’s said above.
Additionally, because I logged everyone’s beginning and ending QOM weights, I want to point out that you weigh pretty much the same now as you did 10 weeks ago — which I think is a small victory!! You are here and you’re fighting hard! And we’re all behind you. Every step of the way. Seriously!
Comment by Anne — May 3, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
Yes,Yes,Yes,Sweet Lady,A Million Times Yes to all those things the girls have said. That nasty ol devil wants you to believe all that other stuff. If you stop reaching for your goals he wins. Some times we stumble but it’s the reaching and never giving up that’s important.
You have the desire and you’ll keep trying, just like everyone here. We’ve all been in that spot with you so many times.
God’s Blessings be poured out to you dear sister. My He lift you high into His throne-room, that you will feel his arms of love around you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Katherine — May 3, 2007 @ 9:28 pm
The way you always reach out to us and encourage us even when you are struggling is an inspiration. The fact that in spite of your challenges, you keep trying makes you a success. You are such a blessing and it never crossed my mind to judge you. I am praying for a victory for you that will raise your spirit!
Comment by missy — May 4, 2007 @ 5:09 am