I'm forty-five years old. I'm married to a wonderful man and we have one daughter who is eleven years old. We live in a small midwestern town.
After the birth of my daughter, I left a career in banking to become a stay-at-home mom. It doesn't seem like ten years could have passed so quickly, but they have. Currently, I work part time and I volunteer at my daughter's school during the week.
I am at my highest weight ever. My discipline really fails when it comes to snacks, cheeseburgers, pizza, pasta, and desserts!! I have always struggled with the motivation to exercise, but it has been even worse for me the last three years as I have had exteme pain in my feet from plantar fascitis and this has forced me to limit my activities.
I am very self-conscious about my appearance. At this weight, I feel like my life is on hold -- both physically and emotionally. I allow the way I look and feel to send me on a detour away from the life I would like to have and from doing the things that I want to do.
I recently was asked to go as a chaperone for my daughter's school field trip to a historic homestead that depicts life in the 1800's. I had to decline because I feared I would not be able to keep up with all the walking. This was a dramatic wake up call for me because the reality of the situation was that my weight has now reached a point where I am not able to participate in many of the things I would like to do.
This wake up call has given me the inspiration to start making changes in my life so that I can accept the opportunities that will be coming along. No more sitting on the sidelines!!
One of the changes I am making is to talk more with others and to seek their support and encouragement. I usually keep everything (frustrations, challenges, disappointments, etc.) bottled up inside. I am hoping to make many friends through this network and to share experiences, thoughts, positive motivation, and inspiration.
Do you take vitamins or other supplements?
No
Are you willing to change some of your habits or actions?
Yes
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Hi Valarie, just stopping by to say Hey and I hope all is well. Have a blessed day in the Lord. Remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!
Bottling up was one of my specialities, too, and sometimes it still is, especially when it comes to receiving help because I suffer from depression. Sometimes I myself think I am stupid not opening up.
Do you also feel you have built up a thick wall around you that would even make a crusaders' army stay outside? I do not mean physically, but mentally because of physical habits. Please be not be insulted, I have felt so at 240lbs., and in a way, I felt protected. But I also felt numb and like leaving all the good feelings outside, too.
You are NOT alone, believe me! And in this forum, we are all with you, all your online friends at the least! And you will get there, I'm sure of that. Your writing is smart, you have a wonderful family who wants to spend as much time with you as they can, and you are beautiful. And that doesn't have anything to do with your body-shape, but with what is radiating from your photo. So what's there to stop you? :)
Hi, I hope everything is well up there in Indiana -- so much flooding and all? I also hope you are still hopeful and doing well on the plan. Take care,
Jill
Hi Valarie, I haven't heard from ya in awhile I hope all is well. I pray you are enjoying summer vacation. I pray the Lord will continue to help you to lose the weight you want and to exercise in Jesus Name.
Thanks for inviting me to be your frined. It is sad that having the burden of being overweight was what brought this new friendship together but at the same time may our new friendship now help us each to know that were will be there for eachother because we understand what it feels like to be overweight.
Hi Valerie. I can totally sympathize with the foot pain. It definitely seems to make the road ahead a little more painful. I am sure if we go slow, with each pound we take off our feet will feel better. I also have started some recommended stretches and wear my orthopedic inserts as much as possible. you and I seem to have similar life struggles so let's reclaim our power!
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Bottling up was one of my specialities, too, and sometimes it still is, especially when it comes to receiving help because I suffer from depression. Sometimes I myself think I am stupid not opening up.
Do you also feel you have built up a thick wall around you that would even make a crusaders' army stay outside? I do not mean physically, but mentally because of physical habits. Please be not be insulted, I have felt so at 240lbs., and in a way, I felt protected. But I also felt numb and like leaving all the good feelings outside, too.
You are NOT alone, believe me! And in this forum, we are all with you, all your online friends at the least! And you will get there, I'm sure of that. Your writing is smart, you have a wonderful family who wants to spend as much time with you as they can, and you are beautiful. And that doesn't have anything to do with your body-shape, but with what is radiating from your photo. So what's there to stop you? :)
Love, Nina
Jill
Psalm 20:4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. NLT
Love in the Lord!
Psalm 63:5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. NLV
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. NKJV