SparkPoints: (381)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 77
2/12/13 4:30 P

I've been lurking on SparkPeople for several years. Probably when SparkPeople came into being. I am carrying 20 extra pounds of depression weight and weigh in at 162.5 at this moment. I packed on most of the weight during a tragic period in my life in 2010 through last year. I'm 5' 3.5", am at my heaviest, am considered "slightly overweight" and am working through some lifestyle changes necessary to lose the weight and maintain a healthier, happier weight. Life is improved, but I'm stuck with 20 lbs of baggage.

My top 2 struggles are reigning in the emotional eating and my 20 year relationship with insomnia. These are necessary in order for me to drop and maintain a healthy weight. Really frustrating, but I'm slowly improving. I'm joining this team for emotional support as I battle against emotional overeating of a few specific foods and insomnia. These are the main topics where I talk really bad to myself, too.

current weight: 161.5

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Posts: 4,853
1/16/13 6:22 P

Hi my name is Julie and i need to learn how to be kind to myself so this seems like the perfect team to do that on. I can't wait to meet everyone and get to know everyone.

current weight: 141.0

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SparkPoints: (4,096)
Fitness Minutes: (270)
Posts: 121
1/13/13 9:10 P

Oh how I need this team! My name is Penelope and I am 36. I have an 18 year old daughter who just started college. This is day 3 of SparkPeople for me!

I work on negative self-talk all the time. Sometimes it is overwhelming. I am striving toward consistency, not perfection. I am looking for balance. The negative voices are always throwing me around. I want to take control and be kind to myself. I believe you manifest what you intend and if the thoughts you think are negative, then there you go!

Looking forward to being on this team!

current weight: 481.0

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Posts: 1,232
12/28/12 10:55 P

Hi - I'm Katy. I'm 39...soon to hit the big 4-0. I am not where I want to be in my life. Intellectually I know what I need to do, but emotionally, in my heart of hearts, I can't get out of my own way to get it done. I have a husband and two awesome kids, a somewhat close extended family and a couple of friends, all though not very close. I work hard and often loose my work/life balance (actually, lately it has been all the time). There's the imbalance again. I'm depressed about my weight and how I have let things go. I'm hoping that the positive energy from the team will help me start to clear out the cobwebs and dust off the me that I've hidden away for so long.

current weight: 274.8

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SparkPoints: (9,229)
Fitness Minutes: (5,180)
Posts: 1,343
12/25/12 4:25 P

Hi, I'm Vicki. I'm 56 years old and I have 61 lbs to reach a weight where I can get off of blood pressure pills, and hopefully have more energy.
I've been a member of sparkpeople a number of times over the last few years and always let my emotions get the best of me and I'd leave for one reason or the other. But I'm here to stay this time around and noone will make me leave because of something they say to me to hurt my feelings. I have to learn to ignore such talk and work towards a healthier me.
I look forward to getting to know you.

Posts: 349
10/31/12 7:33 P

I havent been on sp for a while out in the dessert I guess .. So I glad to be here thanks for your support the best thing I can do i=for my sanity is to stay focused on the long term health goal of doing the right thing and not starving myself every time I go on some weird off the wall diet I start falling deeper into bad habits / that's not the real me. I can so all things through Christ Amen.. I now this cycle I've been living and fighting with all my life that bad twin has to go . She has no control over me.. I'm getting to the road in my life and now its time to climb over that mountain for good

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10/26/12 11:21 P

I have not been on for a while. . I know I should keep up my walking.
. When I told my husband that I wanted to get back to walking.
As one get older one need to think of our health.


Edited by: 1GRANDMAME at: 10/26/2012 (23:26)

Posts: 97
10/4/12 8:39 A

Hello new team to me. I am 56 years old, and have beat myself up my whole life one time I was ask to make a list of things I liked about myself I had nothing on my list. I am a little better aboout it now days but not much. Nobody else could say anything worse to me than I do myself. I have joined alot of teams to help me actually love myself. Life is way to short.

Posts: 27
9/4/12 9:12 P

"You're a pretty girl you know" I was told, two weekends ago. I paused. For a moment I thought he was speaking to somebody else, somebody behind me. Then I wondered, "what does he want?" failing that, the voice in my head told me. "Eh, he is only telling you that because you're his friend." I smiled awkwardly "...thank you" I replied, practised, having learned to reply gracefully to compliments, while my inside wanted to scream "oh, my hair is a mess, and I'm feeling bloated, and fat and excuse... excuse... excuse." I didn't say anything after that, was left feeling uncomfortable rather than pleased. His compliment had rendered me stressed rather than flattered.

He could tell, he seemed annoyed at me, despite my best thanks, my face, my body language said otherwise. He knew I didn't believe him. I could just as well have called him a liar to his face. An awkward pause fell between us and he eventually changed the subject, but the evening was already ruined for me.

The demons in my head was busy analysing his comment and ripping it apart, searching for his agenda, reminding me of all the people whom had made the counter argument. And the demons were winning.

current weight: 154.0

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SparkPoints: (3,463)
Fitness Minutes: (3,375)
Posts: 267
7/24/12 12:19 P

Hi I am Jane

this is one of my biggest mountains, I need to be kind to myself. I am not.

I hope this team can help me figure it out!

SparkPoints: (7,834)
Fitness Minutes: (7,981)
Posts: 590
3/29/12 2:04 P

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3/28/12 10:16 A

Hello! I am new to this team but not new to Sparkpeople. I do struggle with being kind to myself, I am very critical and I am hoping the tools on this team will help me. Happy to be a part :)

Pounds lost: 40.0

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SparkPoints: (7,834)
Fitness Minutes: (7,981)
Posts: 590
2/9/12 11:14 P

Hello from Oklahoma. I just recently signed up for sp and thought I would see if this team had any posts that would help me be a little easier on myself and not beat myself up so much mentally.

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11/11/11 12:07 A

well, we have each other and I've had a few others email me.

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Posts: 1,065
11/10/11 4:01 P

I think this team has been abandoned Angel...

current weight: 243.6

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SparkPoints: (34,695)
Fitness Minutes: (13,573)
Posts: 1,544
11/9/11 7:35 P

Hello, I'm new to the team and I'm glad to get to know more about all of you. I'm really hoping this team will help me stop being negative in my mind.

Pounds lost: 81.2

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Posts: 1,065
11/1/11 11:14 A

Hi team! My name is Amy, I live in Arkansas, I am a 44 yr old "empty nester" of a 20 yr old son. I have 2 spoiled dogs, 1 spoiled cat, and a fish tank I set up about a month ago. I work a full time job M-F day shift.

I have been overweight all of my adult life. I joined Sparks in 2008 with a starting weight of 268. I lost 67 pounds...then hit a mental brick wall about crossing into Onederland or something. Whatever happened, I stopped losing, and then slowly started gaining. Then I lost a very dear friend just over a year ago, and have struggled a lot with her loss (I think I still have a blog up about that if you wanna know more) and over time I regained 40 of the 67 I had lost.

I have also had some health struggles this past year that made it impossible to exercise, and I just didn't have the energy to focus on weight loss. Well my health is improving, and it's time for me to get back to taking care of myself and giving myself the gift of health. I know from experience that when I take better care of myself physically I also stop beating myself up emotionally...at least to some degree.

I chose to join this team because I have talked to many friends and family members about my weight and other problems in my life, and people keep telling me "you are TOO HARD on yourself!". So hopefully with the help of this team I can learn how to forgive myself and stop holding myself back with my own negative self-talk. I hope to help you all do the same along the way!

current weight: 243.6

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Posts: 5,599
9/18/11 9:43 P

I'm a returning member. I've missed the interaction of this group.

I'm a 63 years young mother of 2 & grandmother of 3, medically retired to AZ after 20 years in WA. I miss WA cause my grand-angels live there.

Hope to meet all the members who joined in my absence. Injoy:) Carolyn

169 Days until:  Birthday

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Posts: 168
9/18/11 3:20 P

Thank you Jenn - that's very kind of you to say so

Pounds lost: 9.8

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Posts: 3,313
9/18/11 1:42 P

Hi Gaynor!!! It's nice to have you with us! I can understand that . . we are here for you!! I love you Spark picture . . you are beautiful!!!

Jenn

current weight: 185.0

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9/18/11 11:54 A

Hi all,

I'm Gaynor & I live in the South East of England. I joined this group because my weight is almost at an all time high & my self esteem is almost at an all time low. I know I can address these 2 issues with the support & kindness I'll find with like minded people.

Pounds lost: 9.8

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Posts: 136
9/10/11 11:22 A

Hi Peggy - Glad that you found us! We are an open and supportive group. If you need support or just to vent or talk we are here for you. Look forward to getting to know you better. Karen

Posts: 19,421
9/7/11 12:32 P

My name is Peggy & I joined the team because I am not always kind to myself & I know this is important. Looking forward to getting to know you.

Pounds lost: 15.2

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SparkPoints: (3,444)
Fitness Minutes: (2,194)
Posts: 230
8/17/11 8:20 A

Thank you, Jenn and Karen! Your reaching out is so helpful. Sparkpeople is SO much more helpful to me if I have relationships with team members. I seek it out and like the accountability and support. I'm also a helper, myself, so I love to help teammates.

I'm looking forward to being teammates with you! Let me know if/when you need help with anything!

Thanks and have a great Wednesday!
megan

Posts: 136
8/16/11 10:54 P

Hi Megan and Donna - Good to meet you. I am so glad that you are part of our team. It will be great to get to know both of you. If I can be of any help along your journey please reach out. I believe that we are stronger if we support each other. Karen

Posts: 3,313
8/16/11 7:40 P

Welcome Megan!!! I hope we can be of assistance on your journey to a healthier you!!! Join in and make yourself to home!!! Looking forward to getting to know you better!!!

I hope your week has been good so far!!

Blessings,
Jenn

current weight: 185.0

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SparkPoints: (3,444)
Fitness Minutes: (2,194)
Posts: 230
8/16/11 7:21 P

Hi Donna,

In my (VERY) short time on this team, I have already found it to be supportive and helpful. Thanks for reaching out and for the Huddle holla! You made my day! Looking forward to getting to know you better.

All my best,
megan
HH7

Posts: 3,211
8/16/11 1:43 P

HH7
Glad you are here.I am new to this team too. we found a great team
All the very best
Donna

current weight: 286.0

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SparkPoints: (3,444)
Fitness Minutes: (2,194)
Posts: 230
8/16/11 8:47 A

Hi everyone,

I am new to this team. I am 30 years old and have been married for one year. My husband is amazing and is a great source of strength for me. I am a psychotherapist and help people every day learn how to be kind to themselves. Joining this group is another one of my ways to remember to be kind to myself.

I am excited to be in this group! I'm looking forward to interacting and sharing.

Have a great Tuesday!
HH7

Posts: 3,313
8/14/11 11:56 A

Welcome Donna . . we are glad to have you!!! Congratulations on being a breast cancer survivor . . that is awesome!!!!

Sounds like we have a couple things in common . . marrying late in life and having the best husband in the world!!!

We all tend to be harder or hardest on ourselves and we need to learn to treat ourselves the way we treat our friends . . we are each beautiful and wonderfully made. It's time we start taking care of OURSELVES and be the best we can be. I am still working on this :-}

We are glad you are restarting SP with no regrets and glad you decided to join us!!!

Welcome!!!!
Jenn

current weight: 185.0

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Posts: 3,211
8/14/11 11:47 A

Hi my name is Donna, I am new to this group. I am 62 Breast cancer Survivor & in all my years I don't know how to be first or not so critical to myself, or feel worth it. I married late in life & have a wonderful DH. No matter what my weight he tell me I am beautiful. I ask him where are those glasses so I can see me like that.
Here I am. Restarting SP and doing it with no regrets.
Very happy to be here.
Heart Hugs
Donna

current weight: 286.0

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8/2/11 8:15 P

Welcome Emlo - So glad that you found us. We are all here working toward achieving a personal goal and to explore who we are, why we do some of the things we do and learning self acceptance. To me self acceptance means to appreciate, validate, accept and support who I am at this very moment, even those parts that I would like to eventually change.So be kind to yourself and see life for what it really is: a path of self-discovery, personal growth and lifelong learning. We are here for you if you need us and look forward to getting to know you and learn from you as well. Karen

SparkPoints: (184)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 13
8/1/11 8:13 P

Hello all :)

My husband mentioned to me that he thought I ought to be quite a bit nicer to myself than I currently am, and here you guys are on this rather aptly named board!

Looking forward to getting to know you all :D

SparkPoints: (3,947)
Fitness Minutes: (3,057)
Posts: 30
6/25/11 8:21 A

Hello. My name is Cindy. I think this is such a great idea for a team. I just turned forty and I'm really focused on learning to be good to myself and know that I'm worth it.

Posts: 4,151
5/30/11 5:57 P

thank you god is good to me

current weight: 163.0

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Posts: 3,313
5/30/11 8:38 A

Welcome Missilene!!! I'm glad you are doing so well after the surgery!!! YOU are an awesome lady!!! You are worthy of being happy!!! YOU are special!!! I pray you have a wonderful day!!!

current weight: 185.0

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Posts: 4,151
5/30/11 8:17 A

I am new to this group. I have recently lost 88 lbs. I had lapband surgery 2/2/10. I still have negative self talk. Sometimes. And sometimes I think I am great.

current weight: 163.0

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SparkPoints: (26,419)
Fitness Minutes: (14,825)
Posts: 1,615
4/17/11 10:53 A

Hey Sara! Here's to all of us for seeking a new direction! Let's help one another. Have a great day! :)

current weight: 290.8

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4/17/11 10:26 A

Hi, I'm Sara. I am in my 20s and starting my life as an independent adult. I do not remember a time where I thought of myself in a positive way. Even as I lose weight, I do not feel better about myself. I get pleasure out of seeing the pounds fall off, but I can always find fault with something about myself. I feel like this attitude is holding me back from my goals and I hope this team can help me change it!

SparkPoints: (26,419)
Fitness Minutes: (14,825)
Posts: 1,615
4/16/11 10:01 P

Hi, I'm Tanya! I'm 37 and ready to get healthy once and for all. I've been working on this over a year and struggle with ups and downs, but one thing that needs help is getting rid of the negative self-talk. Here's to us!

current weight: 290.8

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Posts: 891
3/9/11 7:42 P

Hi Everyone,
I'm Rose, I seem to have a few thorns in my side that need tending and mending. I'm glad I found this team.

Pounds lost: 2.0

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SparkPoints: (1,534)
Fitness Minutes: (452)
Posts: 32
3/9/11 1:52 P

Hello all, I'm Stephanie, and I am so glad I have found this team! I have always seen myself in a negative light, and changing that is one my biggest goals. I'm so excited to be here :)

Posts: 1,071
2/22/11 5:26 A

Hi,
I am 56 and I really need to stop calling myself "fat" and start getting in shape again.

Posts: 6,577
2/14/11 11:42 A

hi, I am new and so happy to a part of this great team

Pounds lost: 0.0

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Posts: 136
2/12/11 11:17 A

Hi Everyone, My name is Karen. I am so happy to have found this team, I feel like I may have found a safe place to explore who I am and learn how to love myself. I have battled with weight almost all of my adult life and now know that my issue has more to do with how I feel about me then how I deal with food and exercise. I have not had a good week. But I am committed to making small changes and staying with my committment to become healthy. I need to learn how to take care of me.

SparkPoints: (39,297)
Fitness Minutes: (45,952)
Posts: 501
1/31/11 2:31 P

Hello everyone. My name's Raven. I joined a few days ago but kept forgetting to post here. I learned the hard way how much how you feel about yourself can affect something like weight loss. Now I'm determined to love me for me, and hopefully help some others love themselves in the process. Together we can all be the healthy people we truly are.

current weight: 175.0

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Posts: 19,421
1/31/11 10:03 A

Hi Tracy,
Welcome to the team!

Pounds lost: 15.2

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Posts: 185
1/31/11 9:19 A

Hi, I'm Tracy, I have always found something about myself to hate. I am learning daily that I am a beautiful person inside and out but there are still things I need to learn to be entirely happy with myself.

current weight: 170.2

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Posts: 3,313
1/29/11 11:53 A

Thank you!! I look forward to getting to know everyone here!!

current weight: 185.0

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Posts: 19,421
1/28/11 2:07 P

Welcome Jenn! It is great having you here. I am looking forward to getting to know you better.

Pounds lost: 15.2

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51.2

Posts: 3,313
1/23/11 2:58 P

Hi everyone, my name is Jenn. I am in the process of learning to love me and not be so hard on myself. I want/need to lose weight and get healthy, but I have got to learn to love me as I am now, obese and all, and take it from there and improve my health.

I try and tell myself something good at least once a day.

current weight: 185.0

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Posts: 1,902
1/21/11 9:46 P

Hi,my name is Sheila and I am my own worst enemy.I look forward to learning to be kind to myself as I get to know the other team members.By the way,I happen to know Peggy and found this team through her sparkpage.

Posts: 146
1/17/11 3:38 P

Hi I'm Annie and I really need to be more kind to myself. I often have very negative thoughts and feel alot of anxiety, specially about myself. I want to feel better and have a more positive self image and self esteem. It is definitely something I could work on. I do need encouragement and support. I sure don't have it in my personal life right now.

Edited by: ANNIEBOLEEN at: 1/17/2011 (15:39)

current weight: 137.0

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Posts: 19,421
1/13/11 1:31 P

Hi Karen,
Welcome to the team. I weigh more than I have in my life but I am starting to lose weight. Good luck in reaching your goals.

Pounds lost: 15.2

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SparkPoints: (1,221)
Fitness Minutes: (234)
Posts: 282
1/13/11 9:16 A

Hello, I am Karen. This team came at a time when I very much needed it. I have tried to address my weight and have given up more times than I can recall. That said, I find myself at the heaviest weight I have ever been.
I didn't need to find your team to know that I needed to be kinder to myself. I am my own worst enemy. In finding your team, I found a glimmer of hope.

current weight: 247.0

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Posts: 667
12/20/10 1:42 P

Hi, my name is Eileen. I found out about this team when I was leaving a comment on Flutterbugce's page. The timing was right.

I was recently had an employee review with my supervisor. Even though I've gotten some great marks, there is room for improvement. I found myself feeling defensive and then I realized it was my old nemesis, perfectionism, controlling my emotions. At that moment, I made a note to myself. The note said, "For 2011, Let Go."

It is my goal for the next year to let go as much as possible of my feelings of perfectionism. I want to accept & love myself more. Besides making it easier to accept constructive criticism, letting go of perfectionism will help me enjoy & to do art work.

Two days after that employee conference, I found this team.





Edited by: EILEENV3 at: 12/21/2010 (13:16)

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12/12/10 10:44 A

Hi, I was so happy to find this SP team. Loving myself and challenging the negative self talk with positive statements is a big part of my healthier lifestyle. It's so good to meet like minded people on similar journeys!

Posts: 3,563
12/2/10 7:33 P

This team is so on time for me and my journey!!
My name is Dimitria I just turned 50 on 11/24.
Living in Georgia!