Just some thoughts and a success...

firegirlred

I started on here to lose some weight. I needed to lose only 7 pounds to reach prepregnancy weight, but my sights were set higher-20 pounds. As I learned more about nutrition, thanks to this website, I also learned about fitness, thanks to a few people in particular, banks, tamtastic, shorerider, and songbyrd.

To date I've only lost 12 pounds, but my goals have changed. I didn't lose all the weight I wanted too, but I gained muscle. I'm fit again, wearing my prepregnancy work uniform and a smaller belt, and I'm running again. Shorerider, this is all your fault. You motivated me to become athletic again.

Summary, I'm happy with myself. I now know that I don't need to weigh less than a quarter in order to be beautiful. Yes, there are the "few" things I'd like to change about myself, but having a baby is worth those few things. I can go into the next pregnancy weighing less than I did with the first by 5 pounds, and being able to manage a diet that is nutritious for me and a baby. I can balance the fats with the proteins and carbohydrates.

Mike, your website has given me the ability to take control of my eating and my exercise in a way I didn't know was possible. Without it, I might still be struggling to lose weight rather than get fit.

MFP members, especially the ones I listed above, your support has given me motivation I never found, and a reality check for goals.

Having said that, I've been rolling something around in my head for a few months. And you'll notice I haven't been on here much longer than that.

It is easy to get offended in here. You can't hear someone's tone of voice, and everybody has pieces of information that they either formed an opinion on, or they are educated on. And it's hard to know if the "fact" is just that or an opinion. I, myself, have posted, only to be criticized for my post, and I've considered leaving altogether. Many of the newbies ask questions specifically addressed in the posts that are supposed to be read before posting. I've read posts that turn ugly or gutter worthy pretty quick, and just stop reading it if I don't like it. Having said that, I appreciate a little gutter humor.

Bottom line is, just as we have different views on politics and religion, our differences are important. And if you don't like something that gets posted, start a healthy debate or ignore it entirely. I don't think that everyone should have to cater to what others do or don't like, as long as it is within reason.

If you don't like something I post, pm me or just ignore it. I don't intentionally come on here to offend anyone, and I don't think anyone in here does either. I certainly couldn't have gotten as far as I have without you guys. I definitely could not have redefined my views on what is healthy without you guys.

And tamtastic, I watch your ticker with amazement and excitement. Every pound you get closer to your goal is just more impressive. It's as exciting as watching my own ticker (when I had one).

I guess what I'm trying to say is that not every family gets along, but we tend to look past those differences when the result is worth it. And being healthy is worth it. Having you guys to go to when I need advice is worth it. Just being a member of this community with so many people that reach out beyond themselves is worth it.

Thank you.

and if you made it to the bottom of this, thanks for taking the time.

firegirlred

I started on here to lose some weight. I needed to lose only 7 pounds to reach prepregnancy weight, but my sights were set higher-20 pounds. As I learned more about nutrition, thanks to this website, I also learned about fitness, thanks to a few people in particular, banks, tamtastic, shorerider, and songbyrd.

To date I've only lost 12 pounds, but my goals have changed. I didn't lose all the weight I wanted too, but I gained muscle. I'm fit again, wearing my prepregnancy work uniform and a smaller belt, and I'm running again. Shorerider, this is all your fault. You motivated me to become athletic again.

Summary, I'm happy with myself. I now know that I don't need to weigh less than a quarter in order to be beautiful. Yes, there are the "few" things I'd like to change about myself, but having a baby is worth those few things. I can go into the next pregnancy weighing less than I did with the first by 5 pounds, and being able to manage a diet that is nutritious for me and a baby. I can balance the fats with the proteins and carbohydrates.

Mike, your website has given me the ability to take control of my eating and my exercise in a way I didn't know was possible. Without it, I might still be struggling to lose weight rather than get fit.

MFP members, especially the ones I listed above, your support has given me motivation I never found, and a reality check for goals.

Having said that, I've been rolling something around in my head for a few months. And you'll notice I haven't been on here much longer than that.

It is easy to get offended in here. You can't hear someone's tone of voice, and everybody has pieces of information that they either formed an opinion on, or they are educated on. And it's hard to know if the "fact" is just that or an opinion. I, myself, have posted, only to be criticized for my post, and I've considered leaving altogether. Many of the newbies ask questions specifically addressed in the posts that are supposed to be read before posting. I've read posts that turn ugly or gutter worthy pretty quick, and just stop reading it if I don't like it. Having said that, I appreciate a little gutter humor.

Bottom line is, just as we have different views on politics and religion, our differences are important. And if you don't like something that gets posted, start a healthy debate or ignore it entirely. I don't think that everyone should have to cater to what others do or don't like, as long as it is within reason.

If you don't like something I post, pm me or just ignore it. I don't intentionally come on here to offend anyone, and I don't think anyone in here does either. I certainly couldn't have gotten as far as I have without you guys. I definitely could not have redefined my views on what is healthy without you guys.

And tamtastic, I watch your ticker with amazement and excitement. Every pound you get closer to your goal is just more impressive. It's as exciting as watching my own ticker (when I had one).

I guess what I'm trying to say is that not every family gets along, but we tend to look past those differences when the result is worth it. And being healthy is worth it. Having you guys to go to when I need advice is worth it. Just being a member of this community with so many people that reach out beyond themselves is worth it.

Thank you.

and if you made it to the bottom of this, thanks for taking the time.

Shannon023

Eloquently stated, firegirl. :flowerforyou:

tresa1234

So well said and so much that is good to remember! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

I am so grateful every day for MFP. It has helped me change so much for the better ... I feel like a different person than I was two months ago, and I'm excited to see what the rest of this journey has in store.

And I am grateful for this community ... I have never been one to be active on message boards because I just haven't liked the way things tend to turn on some other sites, but this seems like a safe place to me.

And I can't say it better than this, so I'll just quote it:

I guess what I'm trying to say is that not every family gets along, but we tend to look past those differences when the result is worth it. And being healthy is worth it. Having you guys to go to when I need advice is worth it. Just being a member of this community with so many people that reach out beyond themselves is worth it.

Marla64

And tamtastic, I watch your ticker with amazement and excitement. Every pound you get closer to your goal is just more impressive. It's as exciting as watching my own ticker (when I had one).


and if you made it to the bottom of this, thanks for taking the time.

I did make it to the bottom-- great post. Thanks.

And I'm with you, I watch everyone's ticker and am so tickled when I see it move. This place has been incredible to help us focus on the success of others as much as our own-- community-- family-- call it what you will, but it's an awesome place here.

mjfer123

:drinker:

kellch

Very well said! :drinker: I couldn't have said it better myself.:flowerforyou:

songbyrdsweet

Awesome post! I feel the same. It's so rare that someone says something to purposely offend anyone. We all come from different walks of life and have different 'boundaries'. While we all should feel open to share our opinions, I do like the quote, "Your free will ends where my nose begins." So we have to respect each others' noses.:laugh:

kellch

I just keep reading and re-reading...you go girl!!:drinker: Point-on!:flowerforyou:

With such a wide variety of people from different walks of life, it's tough not to offend someone. But I have never seen anyone do it on purpose. And if you PM that person I guarantee there is not a person on here that isn't willing to apologize and edit their post if need be. We are adults and we need to handle it as such. Not start fights in the middle of the community. People state their opinions or concerns and are immediately jumped all over.

Can't we agree to disagree? This is an adult forum. We need to act like it. There is a reason for different categories on the forums and a subject line. When posting, post under the correct category, and label it as such. When replying, stick to it. Don't hijack. I've noticed on here...people are very quick to offer advice and support. This place is great for that. We have a community full of wonderful people here.
Also if a post is chit chat and fun, there is a category for that, so don't expect an informational post under that category. If you start reading it, and you don't like what you see? Simply move on. There are plenty of fun posts that you may enjoy. In life, whether, on-line or off-line we will come across situations, conversations, pictures, and comments we may not like. You can choose to look past it and move on, or dwell on it and argue about it. Personally, I'm not going to let anyone else's behavior ruin my day.

But rather than write a book...I will just say that I loved that post. It was excellent. Very very well put and very well worded. Saying the things I want to say but can't quite figure out how to say them...Well Done! :drinker:

Marla64

I just keep reading and re-reading...you go girl!!:drinker: Point-on!:flowerforyou:

With such a wide variety of people from different walks of life, it's tough not to offend someone. But I have never seen anyone do it on purpose. And if you PM that person I guarantee there is not a person on here that isn't willing to apologize and edit their post if need be. We are adults and we need to handle it as such. Not start fights in the middle of the community. People state their opinions or concerns and are immediately jumped all over.

Can't we agree to disagree? This is an adult forum. We need to act like it. There is a reason for different categories on the forums and a subject line. When posting, post under the correct category, and label it as such. When replying, stick to it. Don't hijack. I've noticed on here...people are very quick to offer advice and support. This place is great for that. We have a community full of wonderful people here.
Also if a post is chit chat and fun, there is a category for that, so don't expect an informational post under that category. If you start reading it, and you don't like what you see? Simply move on. There are plenty of fun posts that you may enjoy. In life, whether, on-line or off-line we will come across situations, conversations, pictures, and comments we may not like. You can choose to look past it and move on, or dwell on it and argue about it. Personally, I'm not going to let anyone else's behavior ruin my day.

But rather than write a book...I will just say that I loved that post. It was excellent. Very very well put and very well worded. Saying the things I want to say but can't quite figure out how to say them...Well Done! :drinker:

firegirlred

Exactly what I was thinking when I wrote this!

TamTastic

Very well said firegirl!!!! :flowerforyou: :drinker:

And thank you so much for your kind words about me. It truly makes my success that much sweeter, knowing that it is helping others to keep going. :happy:


-Tam

kellch

LOL Marla...Thats great...And Ill drink to that:drinker: :flowerforyou:

Peter_Brady