WOW! Have i come a long way in this program. I have noticed a huge change in myself since I started the program. But this week I find myself in a slump and fearing all the things I keep putting off.. there is a real battle going on inside of me and it is exhausting... I am not quite sure of who i am turning into, and i guess afraid of what people will think of the new me.. will they still like and accept me? and if they don't , can i handle that? just looking for some encouragment from the staff or from other members. thanks

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Remember , Be still and know that He is God

I heard something once that has really stuck with me and seems relevant to your dilemma. I was told that if you aren't taking care of yourself and loving yourself and trying to make yourself happy/the best that you can be then you can't really be there for others. We have to be whole before we can be truly be there unconditionally for others. For instance, if a mom isn't taking care of herself and keeping herself healthy, how can she be the best mom she can be? I hope this is clear. I feel like I'm not being very clear! Sorry.

If your friends don't like the you who is happy and who loves herself then they aren't realy friends. Real friends would want you to be happy.

Be still and know that He is God

You posted this but are not applying it. We are supposed to have slumps so we can rely more fully on Him and not ourselves. Trust this "slump" gift. God plunges us into deep water - not to drown us - but to cleanse us. See your slump in a different light. Perhaps the question here is are you committed to the path you started down? Do you trust the hand that is leading you? There will be some doubt, some obstacles, some re-evaluation. In a way, that's good. We should check the map every once in a while to see where we are going. Don't confuse looking at the map with being lost. If there is a detour along the way - be hopeful about that too. Some of the best blessings I've received have been on the detour. Let God take care of your relationships. Be your own best friend and anyone else will be added gifts. Something to be enjoyed and not hung onto for fear of being alone. And like Myrtle said - a real friend would want you to be happy. Be a real friend to yourself.
Tammy

Hi Jewls!

Congratulations on how far you have come! About half way thru the program I think you've said Lucinda's exact same words! You are feeling just how you're suppost to be. You are on the verge of changing into a new person! Change is exciting! Don't worry about what others will think of you. You'll be able to handle it. You've got these great skills now!

Like the other replies suggest--your hand is the one you hold the longest.

rhythm/aka-dl

Tammy,

I really enjoyed reading your reply you posted on 1/10. I am going to be starting the coaching program soon, and this is one of the areas I struggle with, too. I am SO concerned about what others think about me. I also have come to the realization that I want to control everything -- unfortunately, the things I try to control the most are totally out of my control! I know that the only thing I can really control is how I feel about myself and what I am willing to do to change it. I really don't think I like myself that much -- I say I do and I want to believe I do, but I don't feel it. If I did feel it, I wouldn't try to control everything else in my life because I would be happy with myself.

One thing I am trying to do now is control my sporadic eating. Because I am Catholic and it is the Lenten season, I have given up all snacks (except for pretzels and crackers) and have given up eating between meals. I know I'm an emotional eater, and if I can control this, it will be a positive beginning to my journey during the coaching program. I don't have a problem with weight because I am addicted to exercise. I exercise about 1 hour 6-7 days a week. This was a habit I got into about 25 years ago when I was going through a very anxious period. I thank God that I do exercise because it has helped me tremendously. If I did not exercise, I know I would be much more anxious than I am now. Another reason I am happy I have made exercise a daily habit in my life (I've been thinking about this alot lately given my anxiety about starting the coaching program) is because I am beginning to realize that I can make this program work for me. It is very difficult to get into the habit of exercising, but once you do, I feel badly about myself if I don't get to exercise and I had the opportunity to do it. It's still not easy, but I get up about 5:30 each morning and go to the club. I FIND the time to do it -- I don't make any excuses. I know how great I feel about myself once I have done it. I am now trying to get into the habit of meditating each day, and that is really difficult. I know that going through the program is going to be very difficult because I have a tendency to fight things I know will be good for me. I have a terrible problem with negative thinking and what-ifing myself to death. The point I am trying to get at here is that I know I can do it -- if I could make daily exercise happen, I can do it for anything. One thing that stands out in my memory from what I have heard Lucinda say on the tapes is that our bodies don't know the difference between a bad habit and a good habit. I know my thinking and worrying are bad habits, and exercising is a good habit. They are both learned behaviors, and I do have the ability to change either one if I so desire.

The reason I am going with the coaching program is because I need the morale support and encouragement I know the coach will give me. (I get support from my husband but it just isn't the same!) I'm sorry I am rambling, but I just wanted you to know how I am feeling.

Thanks for listening, Tammy. (I hope I get you or someone as good as you for my coach!!!)

Oh, you're funnee! I'm just beginning lesson 3, and I've had this course several months. And you think you're in a slump? Ha! I have too many physical problems coupled with anxiety so I'm slow. I'm gonna come here more often and see if it gets me off and running better. Think?

Lindsay

quote:

Originally posted by jewls:
WOW! Have i come a long way in this program. I have noticed a huge change in myself since I started the program. But this week I find myself in a slump and fearing all the things I keep putting off.. there is a real battle going on inside of me and it is exhausting... I am not quite sure of who i am turning into, and i guess afraid of what people will think of the new me.. will they still like and accept me? and if they don't , can i handle that? just looking for some encouragment from the staff or from other members. thanks