Is Participation the key?

Malissas

Hello everyone!
I am new here, just joined a couple of minutes ago! I'm 41 (feels so weird to type that) and have been yoyo dieting since I was 12!
It seems so much harder now to lose weight but so incredibly easy to gain it.
I've discovered over the years that I tend to just watch the world go by and while I encourage my children to participate in everything, I'm still just watching. So I'm thinking that participation may be the key to a healthy lifestyle?
I also usually just read posts and not participate in discussions either so taking this post entry as a step in a new direction.
Talk to you all sooner or later
M

kir911

I definately think you are in the right place and taking a step in the right direction. Participation is the key...at least it is for me. I love being active and am tired of being the one who gets out of breathe...so I decided to change that. I started running, which I hate, but, I was determined to do it. I am not good at it...yet, but, I am doing it. I signed myself up for a 5k....to give myself a concrete date to get good at it by...LOL. I find that responding to people's posts, reading people's posts and being actively involved in the site helps me too. I get encouraged by hearing positive stories from others, and hearing how I am not the only one who is struggling with things, others are struggling just like me! Congrats on taking a positive step in the right direction...I am sure you will like this site. Feel free to add me as a friend for encouragement. I am 38 and a mother of 3....I know how you feel!

slim_photographer

Participation is definitely part of the equation. Whether it is the key, it's debatable and that's what you are asking anyway. So participating or getting myself involved in activities e.g. dancing, playing ball, etc. came after committing to burning calories everyday.
When it comes to participating in a social site like this, yeah participating helps. Some people call it karma, and while I don't believe in it as such I do think you get what you put into it. When we give advise or answer questions we are in fact answering ourselves too.
The only warning attached to participating in the forums is to take things other say with a grain of salt. Be ready for the silly comments. Be ready for the bully. And be ready for the contrarians. It can be cournterproductive. Some people swear by eating exercise calories back other swear by not eating them back. So stand you ground with a level of flexibility and just don't believe everything everyone tells you. And by all means involve yourself in activities that get you moving.

Mamoonie

Hey!
Welcome to MFP :-)
You've found the right place!!
I am 41 too, and I don't think it's hard or harder to lose weight than 20 years ago. It starts in your head I think. I'm more determined and I have a plan now, so I actually feel it's easier for me. I've never managed to lose 20 kgs in a row, but this time I did ( over the last 15 months that is).

Don't forget that your kids learn by watching you... so if you only watch the world and life, your kids probably will do the same, even if you encourage them to participate. Be a good example, start living and you'll see how much fun it can be :-)

I wish you loads of courage,motivation and determination on your new way ;-)

MM

ashlielinn

Welcome and good luck! You're already taking a step in the right direction!

Eponine7

You and I are so similar... I am 42 and really pushing myself to engage in my life, activity, social relationships, etc.

I'll send you a friend request so we can support each other.

Good luck!

Hellbent_Heidi

Welcome and good luck. I've found that participating on here helps with motivation a LOT! Its a really great site, and I give it full credit for FINALLY being the thing that helps me stay on track!

1953Judith

For me, it is going a little outside my comfort zone -- participating in these discussions counts as that for me. I am expanding my horizons now, not my body.

Malissas

Thank you all so much for your replies and friend requests. So welcoming!
Participating is quite hard when I've been a voyeur for so long but I do understand that this is what I have to do and I'm ready.
Participate in all facets and that is why it will work this time!