Where are we on encouragement?

1.9k rep

We are all members for the same reasons. We have decided to love ourselves and help one another. So why isn't there any conversations about encouragement? Seems like we all like to give advice, but I personally think that we need to share more of our own stories to let others know that they are not alone... We're all in this together, for why else do we log on the AH? We need each other.

12k rep

TrainerSouth St. Paul, MN

So what your saying is we should all join together and sing along to the song, "Let's Get Together?"

To quote Mr. Garrison from South Park, "Count me in! Mmmmmm k.."

Love is but the song we sing,
And fear's the way we die
You can make the mountains ring
Or make the angels cry
Know the dove is on the wing
And you need not know why
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
Some will come and some will go
We shall surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last
We are but a moments sunlight
Fading in the grass
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
If you hear the song I sing,
You must understand
You hold the key to love and fear
All in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both
It's there at your command
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
Right now
Right now!

1.9k rep

Ha Ha, you make me laugh.

1.6k rep

MemberSpringfield, OH

Nick, that's actually an awesome quote. So it's from South Park (as in the show)? That's great!

Amber, I agree with your statement. For me I've been overweight my entire life. Eating healthy was something I was never brought up doing. For my mom and our family situation it was simply about getting the most food you could for the dollar and that equaled bad eating habits. I have tried several times as an adult to get into healthy eating mode. 2 years ago my father died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 53. Mentally I knew that I needed to get on track not only for me but for the examples I was setting for my children. So in January at 278 lbs. I started eating healthy (started off doing Weight Watchers to get motivated and teach myself some things). A week and a half ago and down to 250 I joined the gym. That has me to 244.2 currently. My first and main goal is to get to the weight I was when I married my husband nearly 15 years ago when I was 17...175 lbs. It's a long way to go but I feel encouraged that it's doable and a life change this time. And I see the positive effects my decisions are having on my children which is the best part of it all. And of course my hubby digs it! Weight lost equals confidence where he likes it!

797 rep

MemberWausau, WI

Amber, I agree. I need the encouragement to keep going. I am 42 and a breast cancer survivor (2010) and am on the road to recovery. I have been overweight most of my life and with the stress the chemo put on my body, I have very low energy, but I am getting stronger with the help of the gym. The best encouragement I have found is setting goals. Not just the longterm weight loss goals, but the short-term attainable goals as well. I also read that since muscle weighs more than fat, sometimes weight loss goals are not the best for motivation. I have set goals for attendance. My goal is to get to the gym at least 12 times per month. I made it in June, but only went 10 times in July. I am going to rectify that in August, not sure how yet with a ten day vacation starting next weekend, but we will see how that goes. This is a journey for all of us. It is easier to have companions on that journey.

27k rep

AlumniBettendorf, IA

Good Luck Anne!!! Keep us posted on your results Great Job on making your goal in June.

124 rep

MemberSpring Creek, NV

You are so right. Sometimes it seems like a lonely world. We all have a common bond, I believe, and when I read things like your post it makes me think there are lots of people out there - like myself - just doing their best to be the best they can be. I admire the fact that you are seeking support..I will do what I can! Keep me posted on your progress!

124 rep

MemberSpring Creek, NV

You are so right. Sometimes it seems like a lonely world. We all have a common bond, I believe, and when I read things like your post it makes me think there are lots of people out there - like myself - just doing their best to be the best they can be. I admire the fact that you are seeking support..I will do what I can! Keep me posted on your progress!

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MemberGermantown, MD

For right now, I'd truly like to thank Amber & Nick -- to think that 10 months ago, Amber started this thread on encouragement and here I am today -- @ 2.5 months into my gym/fitness journey & 4 days into tracking on AnytimeHealth. This last week, I've been questioning something I've started -- however, the "noise" in my head could have a lot to do with a lot of other things going on right now (issues at work, as well as other medical issues, not to mention some monetary matters). So, Amber, thanks for starting this post. And, Nick, thanks for injecting a quick dose of humor. Thanks to everyone else who posted.

671 rep

MemberHastings, MN

Thanks Amber. I like your idea. I need the support as well. Just having somewhere to come to & read that others are going through & feeling the same as me. I am 43 yrs old & over 300lbs. I just started AF in Jan. Today makes my 10th day of working out which is HUGE for me. Next month I plan to go to AF even more. I am excited for my new journey even though I know it will be long & hard. I appreciate your post as a reminder to me that "I am not alone." Good luck to each of you & thanks for replying.

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MemberMonona, WI

Is this Encouragement post over? I haven't seen any posts on here for quite some time. I could really use some right now as I'm newer to AF.....

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MemberPortage, WI

and another inspirational piece.

300 rep

MemberMonona, WI

Greg, you are so awesome! Thanks for that!!!!!!