I Am Worth It Challenge II

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

see mg, i told you it would fine. i'll bet you'll learn a thing a two by the end of our 3 days.

December 17
I’m Committed! Oh, Really?
Homework/Board Work
1. Copy/paste the Challengers Commitment into your Journal either in Journal Chats or Journal Stats or write it into your personal journal. Yah whatever....hahaha...just kidding. I wrote it down at home.

TEASER!

2. Copy and paste the following questions in this thread and then answer. You may also place this in your journal but it is not a requirement.

· Why are you here at the ADBB? Because this is where I get all my questions answered, and it's where I can give some others answers and support too. It's a positive place in a big, nasty, negative net.

· Why are you doing Atkins? weight loss, healthful way of eating, would like to see if I can lower my cholesterol..
i am very happy to keep reading that y'all want to have healthier bodies. i know we of course want the slim and trim but i'm not so much hearing that. i like this. i think you will lower you cholesterol without a doubt.

· What does the word “commitment” mean to you? Strength, fortitude, honesty, hard, hard work.
fortitude... have we seen that word yet? we'ver read so many today i can't remember, but it's a good word!

3. Find a quote concerning commitment and share it in this thread.
The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating -- in work, in play, in love. (part of a quote from The Way I See It #76, Starbucks Coffee)
jsut about anything from starbucks is good

4. Comment on the following quote:
“Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than
words. It is making the time when there is none. It means coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism”
I wish I had said that! This is exactly what commitment means to me. Especially where it says, "It is making time when there is none." . That's it in a nutshell.
that's it in a whole ball of wax isn't it? if we could get that imbeded in our human hard drives, we'd be able to end this challenge 2 days early.

5. Make a list of synonyms for the word “commitment“. Put this list in your journal.
honor, guarantee, pledge, faith, word. (meaning, "my word"). I'll put the list in my stats journal.

good job! again, i am impressed with the thoughts you put into this. and it didn't even hurt.

[daione]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

I’m Committed! Oh, Really?
yes
Homework/Board Work
1. Copy/paste the Challengers Commitment into your Journal either in Journal Chats or Journal Stats or write it into your personal journal.
Okay

2. Copy and paste the following questions in this thread and then answer. You may also place this in your journal but it is not a requirement.

· Why are you here at the ADBB?
I am here because I want to lose weight and become healthy with the only way I know that works for me .. the Atkins way. I want to belong to a community that believes in this woe.

· Why are you doing Atkins?
Because after trying many other diets this is the only one that I lose weight on and I am completley satisfied.


· What does the word “commitment” mean to you?
To do what you promised ... to give your word and honor it. To be true and honest and give your all to what you have given your promise too.

3. Find a quote concerning commitment and share it in this thread.
Okay I am putting more than one qoute really profound.

Marian Wright Edelman:

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day.

Marian Wright Edelman:

A lot of people are waiting for Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi to come back -- but they are gone. We are it. It is up to us. It is up to you.

Marian Wright Edelman:

Whoever said anybody has a right to give up?



There are some more good ones at this link: http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_commitment.html

4. Comment on the following quote:






“Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than words. It is making the time when there is none. It means coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism”

This quote just decribed what I call faith. In the bible, Hebrews it is says faith with out works is dead. It is okay to believe in something to want something, but you have to put some works with it. You have to do more than say it. If you believe something then you will act on it.

5. Make a list of synonyms for the word “commitment“. Put this list in your journal.



Promise
Obligatin
Word
Vow
Pledge
oath

[dreamof145]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?

I was totally out of my comfort zone when I was nominated as the President of the Writer’s Group. It was a full-time job in itself when things were running smoothly. While I was President, there was a lot of conflict that built up between a few people and it turned very nasty.

I had to put my feelings aside, investigate all the allegations that were being thrown around and make decisions that changed a lot of events in the state. A lot of people were not happy - but in the end…it turned out to be the best decisions for the entire group. I felt that I put my all into my beliefs and acted on behalf of the state, instead of trying to please the ones making waves. It was a good feeling, I could sleep at night knowing I did my best and what was honest and right.
Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?

I have never bought into the theory that we are all human, therefore we can use that as an excuse to cheat or fall off the wagon. To me, being human does not justify being able to say I am not responsible for my actions. Each time I fail, it is because I haven't done the necessary actions required to succeed. This is something I always knew, but since taking on the responsiblity for my weight journey....I have become more aware of it. I still make mistakes with this WOE, but it is a learning experience and I improve my plan with each decision I make. I have tried different foods, but always with a conscious effort and recorded them in my food journal and wrote down what effects they had on me. Everything I eat is an experiment. To me occasionally means when I try something different, something I wonder if I can tolerate without gaining. If It doesn’t work, I don’t try it again. To me, committed means not only M-F, or not to be discarded on holidays or special occasions, the conscious awareness of what I eat is with me 24/7. I know I am ‘AT RISK’ everyday to becoming fat again. I must never forget that. I know I must be on guard forever and I am okay with that. This program has brought me this far and I know as long as I don’t revert back to old ways, I will continue to have peace with myself.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

i'm so glad to see your post pam ! makes me feel good to see the new challengers really making the effort.

December 17
I’m Committed! Oh, Really?
Homework/Board Work
1. Copy/paste the Challengers Commitment into your Journal either in Journal Chats or Journal Stats or write it into your personal journal.

Since I don't have a journal on here I have placed the Challengers Commitment in the notebook where I am tracking my weights and measurements
tracking stuff is a very good thing! this was exactly what was intended. now you have it right there, hand on and don't even have to look for a post number!

2. Copy and paste the following questions in this thread and then answer. You may also place this in your journal but it is not a requirement.

· Why are you here at the ADBB?

I found this board quite by accident and became really interested in it about a month before I started posting. It is a great source of information, support and inspiration.

· Why are you doing Atkins?

The simple answer (I guess) is because I have to lose weight in order to be healthy and happy in my life. I like it because it involves a permanent change in the way I will think about food in the future which I know is the key to experiencing and sustaining weight loss.

On a more personal level, I just looked again at the pictures in my bathing suit that my husband took of me the day I started induction.
I do not want to be the woman in the pictures and I know adopting this WOE will help me not be this woman.

this is in all of us. looking at the pics, shopping in the sizes that we don't want to be in. i have to say, i'm pleased the health issue was listed first.


· What does the word “commitment” mean to you?

It is a non-negotiable promise that I make to myself or to someone else that I will do whatever is needed and whatever it takes to fulfill the promise.

3. Find a quote concerning commitment and share it in this thread.

“Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.”



I like this quote because it tells me that since I have made this commitment to myself I can utilize such a wealth of information (including this board )to creatively find ways to make this WOE work for ME which might be different than what someone else might need to do. The reality is that once I lose the weight and maintain this WOE (which I am TOTALLY COMMITTED TO DOING) my body and spirit will be free of this burden I carry around with me all the time.

i love this explanation! the word "utilize" and "creativity" show you are searching and working this woe/wol and also provides a non boring way to progress.

4. Comment on the following quote:
“Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than
words. It is making the time when there is none. It means coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism”

This quote is so empowering because it reinforces to me that I HAVE THE POWER to do this--my weight is within my control and I am committed to staying the course, believing that I will succeed and knowing that I can improve my physical and spiritual health my committing to this WOE.

5. Make a list of synonyms for the word “commitment“. Put this list in your journal.

Promise
Vow
Certainty
Grit
Determination

GRIT... there's a new one, i think!

well done, pam!

[decreaseself]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Daione,

I like your reference to the Bible. It is nice to see so many believers on this board.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

miss liz, i'm very proud of you for doing this today. you committed and so far, so good.
lets read what the good stuff you've written....

1. Copy/paste the Challengers Commitment into your Journal either in Journal Chats or Journal Stats or write it into your personal journal.

• Done

2. Answer the following questions:
· Why are you here at the ADBB?

• I am here to gain support on my weight-loss journey. It is helpful to get to know others who are facing some of the same challenges as me.

did you immediately find the century club or were you directed to it? i think the members who have lots of weight to lose but stick to their guns are the most incredible people.

· Why are you doing Atkins?

• After being overweight my entire life and trying numerous diets, Atkins is the only program that has worked for me. No, it is not always easy for me, and no, I have not always kept my committment to this WOE, but I want to lose weight more than anything and I know that this is the plan that will help me reach my goal.

but i think you are showing more commitment day after day. commitment doesn't mean perfection but that stick to it ness that , in the end, is going to get you where you want to be.

· What does the word “commitment” mean to you?

• Commitment means making a promise that you fully intend to keep no matter how rough the waters get.

3. Find a quote concerning commitment and share it in this thread.

• Commitment is life-changing. It has the power to make you triumphant over your goals. -Unknown
• If you want to take your mission in life to the next level, if you're stuck and you don't know how to rise, don't look outside yourself. Look inside. Don't let your fears keep you mired in the crowd. Abolish your fears and raise your commitment level to the point of no return, and I guarantee you that the champion within will burst forth to propel you toward victory. - Bruce Jenner

bruce jenner has been quoted a couple times now. those are some powerful words.

4. Comment on the following quote:
“Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than
words. It is making the time when there is none. It means coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism”

• Promises without commitment are broken. Commitment is not always easy. It is a daily decision to do the right thing, to put your words into actions.

5. Make a list of synonyms for the word “commitment“. Put this list in your journal.

• Covenant
• Dedicated
• Obligation
• Promise
• Word of honor
• Devoted
• Responsibility
• Agreement
• Vow

well done liz! i'm so very proud of you!

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

didn't want to close out the day without looking over what you wrote, daina.
i'm sure i'll be as pleased as i read this as i was with everyone else's.

I’m Committed! Oh, Really?
yes
Homework/Board Work
1. Copy/paste the Challengers Commitment into your Journal either in Journal Chats or Journal Stats or write it into your personal journal.
Okay

2. Copy and paste the following questions in this thread and then answer. You may also place this in your journal but it is not a requirement.

· Why are you here at the ADBB?
I am here because I want to lose weight and become healthy with the only way I know that works for me .. the Atkins way. I want to belong to a community that believes in this woe.

· Why are you doing Atkins?
Because after trying many other diets this is the only one that I lose weight on and I am completley satisfied.

it does work and the commitment that you have is going to see you through to be another success story!


· What does the word “commitment” mean to you?
To do what you promised ... to give your word and honor it. To be true and honest and give your all to what you have given your promise too.

3. Find a quote concerning commitment and share it in this thread.
Okay I am putting more than one qoute really profound.

Marian Wright Edelman:

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day.

yeah, i like this one. i came across it too.

Marian Wright Edelman:

A lot of people are waiting for Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi to come back -- but they are gone. We are it. It is up to us. It is up to you.

Marian Wright Edelman:

Whoever said anybody has a right to give up?

There are some more good ones at this link: http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_commitment.html

thank you for the link! that was a great thing to add! we may not have time now but this will be here for searches and reference and it's good to have. thanks!

4. Comment on the following quote: “Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than words. It is making the time when there is none. It means coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism”

This quote just decribed what I call faith. In the bible, Hebrews it is says faith with out works is dead. It is okay to believe in something to want something, but you have to put some works with it. You have to do more than say it. If you believe something then you will act on it.

what a beautiful reference.

5. Make a list of synonyms for the word “commitment“. Put this list in your journal.

Promise
Obligatin
Word
Vow
Pledge
oath

you synomym list is as good as the others. we've double and tripled and overlapped on many of our thoughts. you've done well, daina. very well.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

i'm going to take a minute now and make sure i have things up to date. you've worked really hard today and i don't want to miss anyone.
this is who i have for completing todays assignment

apple
Claudiabi
daione
decreaseself
dreamof145
elsy
fowlergirl
gmitroff
inhisgrip
jimmie 48
learning2loveme
LooseShoes
MorningGlory
pamelainaustin
purplecat
sillygirl
Suga Britchess
SunnySmile501
Viking Jim


please feel free to correct me if i missed anything. with all the posts and now we will be overlapping into the next day, i very well might miss someone.

good job today, challengers. i've recieved two pm's telling me what a great job y'all have done.

[MorningGlory]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Before I go to bed, I just want to say that already I'm glad for the opportunity to be part of this challenge...I can see we're on a wonderful journey here... I really enjoyed reading everyone's answers! I don't have a lot of time to come here and respond to every single one, but I want you to know I read them all.

Goodnight!

MG

[LooseShoes]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

[QUOTE=jimmie 48]i will answer to the posts made while i was out tonight. in the mean time, here is assigment number 2, due any time on tuesday.


December 18
Looking Back
Homework/Board Work
1. These are to be posted in this thread. Copy and paste the questions then answer.

• Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?
• I have been committed to a Bible study for the last 2 years. It's a 4 part study of Revelation that involves much homework, study and thought. It's a difficult study and there are seldom easy or obvious answers to my questions. Every time a new part of the study starts, there are a lot of people that come. By the end, there are just a few. I've had eye problems where reading was difficult. I've been sick, busy, and out of sorts at different times. However, I committed to God to do it. It's the only book of the Bible that states if you study it you will be blessed. The last part of the study starts in January, so I'm not through yet. I have completed 3 parts, though, and am one of only 3 people that have stayed faithful to this point. I believe God will give me the strength, time and concentration to finish what I promised. I have learned so much. It's worth it and I'm worth the blessing that has been promised.
  
• In thinking about other commitments I have met--college graduation, job commitments, etc--I don't think completion or "finishing the goal" was what it was all about. It was the every day journey that was more important. In fact, there's a letdown when you achieve a goal--I've seen it several times here from goalies, and felt it when I've finished something. You have to keep setting goals or you'll stall out.

• Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc. I am the queen of overcommitment. I have trouble telling people "no" because there are so many good things that need to be done and so few that will step up. There are times when it is just too much and I have to step back and prioritize or lose my mind. Other times, if it's short term, I handle it better than if I have too much time on my hands. Then I can REALLY get in trouble. I just have to be realistic as to how far I can stretch myself. Sometimes having less spare time forces me to plan better and I end up succeeding better than if I have more time and don't bother to plan. (Plan is a 4 letter word--I really prefer not to do it, but it makes life simpler in the long run.)
  

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up? I'm an addict. If I give in to my cravings, I'll fall of the wagon, give in and give up--temporarily. The actual way of eating is pretty easy. It's the "head" stuff that's hard. I sabotage myself because of fears. Relationship issues, insecurity, emotional and hormonal problems sometimes gain control of my better sense. It's easier to hide behind the fat than to face the problems head on. There's a song by Casting Crowns about wishing I had the faith to face a giant with just a sling and a stone--but the giant cries out my name and he laughs at me. Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed. The giant keeps on telling me time and time again, boy, you'll never win. But the voice of Truth tells a different story--do not be afraid, this is for My glory. I will choose to listen and believe the voice of Truth. Committment doesn't mean it's easy or you don't give up for a time, it just means you don't quit.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

December 18
Looking Back
Homework/Board Work
1. These are to be posted in this thread. Copy and paste the questions then answer.
i’ll also be pasting this in my stats journal. it’s a personal thing.

• Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?

i will bring this to the very recent and at this exact moment. about 6 months ago, i took on the responsibility of the first I AM WORTH IT CHALLENGE. i got good feedback both from members and mods/admins . i knew this was a keeper of a challenge. i saw members doing the assignments well after the challenge had ended so i knew it was helping after the fact. i also saw other challenges pop up that reflected what had been done, that being a compliment in itself.
one of the struggles i have is that i am not a therapist, i don’t have a degree in human behavior and i wonder at times what the heck i am doing. another struggle that i dealt with was the timing and the intense nature of this challenge. i had just come off leading the month long Read the Book Challenge and was quite frankly, ready for a rest, but, the Worth It Challenge had already started being advertised. it had also been slated to take place in december on the calendar of events. what was i to do? i went into deliberation with a couple mods who understood and words were exchange like “i’m tired”, “is it okay to put i off till january ?” and the like. this challenge, focusing on COMMITMENT answered the questions. the challenge had been advertised, it had been slated, it had been promised as a semi annual event.... how could i not go through it? so here you have it. it did get shortened by a couple days but what is packed into the three days, i think is well worth it.
how do i feel about all this? i’m tired. i was tired before the challenge started BUT i am happy that it happened because i see some peeps in this challenge that are going to glean some valuable information and carry that into 2008. what i have done in the process is kept my commitment to you, my position as Challenge Coordinator and to myself. i feel a sense of accomplishment.

• Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc.

boy howdy have i been over committed and overwhelmed. too many irons in the fire. it made my challenges stressful to complete. i did them but not in stellar fashion. some of them were sheer drudger to me to finish. the solution was simple.... drop one or two and take a few days off from moderating. i suppose during these times my woe was not as grand as it should be meaning i didn't eat enough or drink enough. what i did/do eat during these times was/is legal but just not enough. over commitment can be as bad as not committed at all, imho.

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):
1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?

i hope to not come across as high and mighty, better than the next peep, but i just didn’t struggle with this so much. the thought of “occasionally” hit me a few times but i was so sick of the health problems that were getting worse and just so sick of being fat that when i said i was doing this, i did it.

when i was fat, friday night was pizza night. no question, no hesitation. i made the promise as i started low carbing that pizza would not cross my lips till i was at my goal weight of 130. i stuck to that commitment. was it easy? in a matter of speaking, yes it was because i made this promise to myself that i couldn’t do what i had done before and i knew one bite, one occasional deviation might get me off course. this is what dr. atkins was talking about when he said if you follow the plan, it’s easy. doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted but it does mean, that if you are committed some of these issues are really not issues at all. if you are committed then the answer to “shall i eat this Little Debbie cake?” is easy to answer.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?

I was totally out of my comfort zone when I was nominated as the President of the Writer’s Group. It was a full-time job in itself when things were running smoothly. While I was President, there was a lot of conflict that built up between a few people and it turned very nasty.

I had to put my feelings aside, investigate all the allegations that were being thrown around and make decisions that changed a lot of events in the state. A lot of people were not happy - but in the end…it turned out to be the best decisions for the entire group. I felt that I put my all into my beliefs and acted on behalf of the state, instead of trying to please the ones making waves. It was a good feeling, I could sleep at night knowing I did my best and what was honest and right.

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?

I have never bought into the theory that we are all human, therefore we can use that as an excuse to cheat or fall off the wagon. To me, being human does not justify being able to say I am not responsible for my actions. Each time I fail, it is because I haven't done the necessary actions required to succeed. This is something I always knew, but since taking on the responsiblity for my weight journey....I have become more aware of it. I still make mistakes with this WOE, but it is a learning experience and I improve my plan with each decision I make. I have tried different foods, but always with a conscious effort and recorded them in my food journal and wrote down what effects they had on me. Everything I eat is an experiment. To me occasionally means when I try something different, something I wonder if I can tolerate without gaining. If It doesn’t work, I don’t try it again. To me, committed means not only M-F, or not to be discarded on holidays or special occasions, the conscious awareness of what I eat is with me 24/7. I know I am ‘AT RISK’ everyday to becoming fat again. I must never forget that. I know I must be on guard forever and I am okay with that. This program has brought me this far and I know as long as I don’t revert back to old ways, I will continue to have peace with myself.

becky that's some interesting thoughts about being human or not. our thinking is not quite alike on that so it's nice to see the different angle. we all have to make a conscience effort to cheat to not, ditch the good or not, binge or not. it does come down to a matter of how committed are we are.

i like your wording "AT RISK". we see that all the time concerning diabetes, heart attacks, and so on but i wonder how many times we think of it concerning our weight. i can say, i have not, but being fat more than once in my life, i might very well indeed be at risk. good thoughts!

thanks for sharing the life event story.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

caryl, you were almost as quick with the assignment as becky was. lets see what you wrote........

[QUOTE=LooseShoes]

December 18
Looking Back
Homework/Board Work
1. These are to be posted in this thread. Copy and paste the questions then answer.

• Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?

I have been committed to a Bible study for the last 2 years. It's a 4 part study of Revelation that involves much homework, study and thought. It's a difficult study and there are seldom easy or obvious answers to my questions. Every time a new part of the study starts, there are a lot of people that come. By the end, there are just a few. I've had eye problems where reading was difficult. I've been sick, busy, and out of sorts at different times. However, I committed to God to do it. It's the only book of the Bible that states if you study it you will be blessed. The last part of the study starts in January, so I'm not through yet. I have completed 3 parts, though, and am one of only 3 people that have stayed faithful to this point. I believe God will give me the strength, time and concentration to finish what I promised. I have learned so much. It's worth it and I'm worth the blessing that has been promised.


In thinking about other commitments I have met--college graduation, job commitments, etc--I don't think completion or "finishing the goal" was what it was all about. It was the every day journey that was more important. In fact, there's a letdown when you achieve a goal--I've seen it several times here from goalies, and felt it when I've finished something. You have to keep setting goals or you'll stall out.

• Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc.

I am the queen of overcommitment. I have trouble telling people "no" because there are so many good things that need to be done and so few that will step up. There are times when it is just too much and I have to step back and prioritize or lose my mind. Other times, if it's short term, I handle it better than if I have too much time on my hands. Then I can REALLY get in trouble. I just have to be realistic as to how far I can stretch myself. Sometimes having less spare time forces me to plan better and I end up succeeding better than if I have more time and don't bother to plan. (Plan is a 4 letter word--I really prefer not to do it, but it makes life simpler in the long run.)

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up? I'm an addict. If I give in to my cravings, I'll fall of the wagon, give in and give up--temporarily. The actual way of eating is pretty easy. It's the "head" stuff that's hard. I sabotage myself because of fears. Relationship issues, insecurity, emotional and hormonal problems sometimes gain control of my better sense. It's easier to hide behind the fat than to face the problems head on. There's a song by Casting Crowns about wishing I had the faith to face a giant with just a sling and a stone--but the giant cries out my name and he laughs at me. Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed. The giant keeps on telling me time and time again, boy, you'll never win. But the voice of Truth tells a different story--do not be afraid, this is for My glory. I will choose to listen and believe the voice of Truth. Committment doesn't mean it's easy or you don't give up for a time, it just means you don't quit.

thank you so much for sharing you story about you Bible study. that hit me in a more personal way.
you have relayed the goalie situation quite honestly and on target. i was one of those that got there and then said "now what?". it took a bit of time but finally realized, that was not the end of the journey at all.
caryl, this was really nice to read.

[sillygirl]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

I have to scram to work this morning. I see there some great reading about todays assignment for when I return.

[learning2loveme]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

December 18
Looking Back
Homework/Board Work
1. These are to be posted in this thread. Copy and paste the questions then answer.

• Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?
• Well, I left everything I knew and loved to move to the UK for that man that I love. It is still hard, I still cry and sometimes I even want to go back home. What makes me stay? In the end, all of the tears and heartache are worth how happy he makes me. My whole life I had to listen to lectures about how fat girls don't get the guy. He is my prince charming. He is gorgeous and fit, funny and successful and he loved only ME! The struggles are knowing my parents aren't getting any younger and anyone can die at any time and I might not be able to be there for a funeral (dark, I know). I stay the course with my husband because I committed to him for better or worse. I stay the course because in the end, our relationship is still worth all the sacrifices. Marriage is an obligation that needs to be every day, you are never done and I feel the same way about my food issues. I will never wake up cured of my addiction, but it is managable. Staying committed to both my hubby and WOE make me feel accomplished and some how a little smarter than the rest of humanity.
  

• Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc.
  
• I over committed in college. I was Student Body President, in a couple of other clubs, trying to take 18 units and enjoying friends and church. It didn't work out so well. I didn't succeed in anything. It all exploded in my face and I felt like a failure because I couldn't do a bajillion things like so and so did. During that time of my life is when I gained the most weight. No time to eat=overdosing on carbs and with my carb sensitive body that meant 150-200lbs weight gain in only 2 years or so.
  

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?
Because carbs taste good!!! I'm such an addict and I don't think I could ever look you in the eye and proclaim chocolate is gross, ever. There is a difference between battling cravings and giving in and just giving in and quitting. My opinion is, this WOE is for the rest of my life. No one, not even God himself expects me to go the rest of my life without good food. However, that does not mean I eat carbs on every day ending with Y! That means I am on program at least 90% of the time (after induction/6 months). This isn't a contest for me. This isn't a race. I'm going to lose weight AND live life at the same time. If there are donuts in the office I can say no, but if there is a special occasion (birthday etc) then I will indulge a LITTLE with the promise of getting right back on with my WOE at the next meal, not the next day, week, month etc.

This will always be a battle for me. I'm ok with losing a few battles as long as I win the war.