Hello LCE-ers... has been a long time since I've been around and I realize that I always find solace and comfort and support here and I have missed that and I NEED it these days.... I just read Graeme Street's wonderful piece on motivation and success and so I thought I'd post my answers to his questions!

If there are any others out there who are re-committing to this wonderful, healthy WOL again after falling off the wagon in a LARGE way... please sign in and let's support each other!

much love - Rachel
170/170/130

Grab a pen and a piece of paper. Trust me...you will want to write this down.

Question #1: Who are you deciding to change your life for? Is it for you or for the people around you? (Think about this carefully)
ME, ME, ME. Frankly, no one around me cares about my weight, so as the saying goes, “if it is to be, it is up to me!”

Question #2: What do you EXPECT to change as a result of your hard work?
I will be able to move better, feel better, wear clothing more comfortably, and live longer!

Question #3: How will these changes make you happy?
I will feel much more comfortable having people take pictures of me, I will be able to go out on hot days without feeling embarrassed

Question #4: How will you measure your success? Weight loss, inches, body fat....happiness?
I’m a measuring type – that works for me… so I will measure success by weighing 130 pounds or thereabouts and see some clear definition in my arms in particular… it actually isn’t so much about happiness because in general I’m a happy person, always have been – in fact, I have played with the belief that maybe I don’t need to lose this weight to be happy so why bother? But I do want to feel better in my body – need desperately to treat my body as well as I treat my mind – I must stop treating the body like it’s this cumbersome, awkward, annoying container for my wonderful mind!

Question #5: Are you willing to place yourself in an uncomfortable place for an uncertain amount of time so that you can reach your goals?
Absolutely, I have done it before and I KNOW how good thin feels – and to be honest – there is a certain feeling of virtue being uncomfortable for a period of time to get what I want!

Question #6: How uncomfortable and for how long are you willing to handle being uncomfortable to achieve your goals? (This is a VERY important question)
I have done fast, I have spent months exercising in the Asian tropics – hating every minute – but I did it and I will do whatever it takes again.

Question #7: Are you willing to put 110% effort into your goals every day, even when apparent roadblocks get in your way?
Yes, I’m so tired of waking up feeling fat and lazy and terrible about myself.

Question #8: What are potential roadblocks will you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
My own head for starters.. I need to embrace the question, “What are you giving yourself by not losing weight?” I also find that since I have no routine in my life right now and won’t have for many months to come, that I must force myself to stick with the exercise and the changed way of eating IN SPITE of the fact that I am not in a position to make all my meals.

Question #9: Are you prepared to make these changes permanently even if you always have roadblocks in the way you must overcome? If yes, why?
Yes! Why? Because the excuses and whining and disgust have gone on long enough… I am a very smart woman, and I know better... I know how to successfully eat, I know why what doesn’t work, and I know how fantastic I feel and look when I focus and do what my body needs me to do!

Question #10: If you could be granted one wish today, what would it be?
To be at goal weight right now, of course! LoL! I’m all about results, I am TERRIBLE and weak when it comes to the process (UGH… hate to slog through the bulrushes for months to get to open water when I can see that water out there, just can’t reach it!
So really? If I can be granted one wish, it would be to be capable of enjoying the journey, take pleasure in each small victory, take my time and trust that it will happen – if I could change that part of my fundamental personality, I’d be happier in lots of areas in my life!

If you have answered these questions truthfully, with a clear mind and an open heart...you have your answers. You have your motivation. Now....it is up to you to make these dreams came true. Now you can EXPECT success at whatever you do, because you know what you want and what you need to be happy.

THANKS GRAEME!

back Rachel!! You have been missed. Good Luck as you recommit. I believe that truthfully answering the questions will provide a conscious intellectual basis and road map to support your decision and give you a better chance to succeed.

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Henry

Hey, Rachel!

Nice to see you here, again!

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Hey Henry and Maggie!! I have to tell you that when I got back on this site yesterday and was looking around and found posts from you two, and Barb Keith and Dixie... (and my dear vets: Shelley, Judy, Peg, et al) and everyone!... well I felt all warm and fuzzy inside, like the prodigal daughter returning to the fold and it felt wonderful. It felt like home. Thank you for being here. For being steadfast and for providing the kind of support that so many people need.

I am embarrking on this journey and lifestyle change with joy in my heart and the knowledge that I know what to do, how to do it and how, now, to be kinder with myself about it.

By the way, for what it is worth to anyone here, I'm completeing my certification as a life coach. The training I have had has been extraordinary and life changing and I am finding that it has helped me to help others with many areas of their lives they are 'stuck' in - including weight loss... it's great stuff!

Thanks for your warm welcomes and I am looking forward to 'being' here.

lots of love - R

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Hugs, Rachel



Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings frightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Rachel, it's always great to see you. And I love that you felt like you were coming home when you came back here, too. You are!

And good luck with your coach training! I think you'll be a fab coach.

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Good to see you back! Keep us posted on your progress!

Ditto on the warm & fuzzy, Rachel. You're an old buddy here.

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Thanks guys!

Maggie, I wanted to chime in and say that the first thing I did last week when I got up and started was to make a batch of "Maggie's Cereal" - and I love it - it is easy and tasty and as Henry mentions, a wonderful clean canvas on which I can paint what my heart desires! Lately, blueberries are in season up here in MA and fresh blueberries mixed into your mix is just a treat in the morning, I must say! AND boy was my body missing flaxmeal - that is just great stuff!

Ahhhhh, it is nice to be home!

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Hugs, Rachel



Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings frightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Yeah, that little experiment worked out and has stood the test of time for me. I was just tired of paying big bucks for Flax-o-meal and wanted the ability to pick my own flavors.

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Welcome back Rachel. I've been MIA for a while too......I get so busy with life. But, it's great to see you back!

Those are some GREAT self-examining questions, ones we've all struggled with at some point in our lives. Thanks for posting them!

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