Feeling comfortable in your own skin

Heynow999 · 05-14-2011, 04:31 AM

I am an alcoholic, but it has been over 20 years since I have drank.

My problem is I have gained weight and lost confidence and I just dont feel comfortable with myself. I don't like what I see when I look in the mirror. I have made some good losses so far on Atkins but I not happy with the way I look yet. I believe that is one reason why I drank, because I was not happy with myself, and alcohol gave me confidence.

I am hoping that if I get down to a healthy weight, I can get that confidence back. My worry is that the lack of confidence is a character flaw that needs to be worked on, and I will still feel the same way when I get slim? I want to be comfartable talking to people and be more outgoing, but it is tough when you don't feel good about yourself.

My work situation is changing. I am part owner of a small company and my two older partners are about to retire and I will have to be the main contact for the company. This means meetings, trade shows, conferences and what I dislike most, sales calls.

Maybe this is a personal log, I don't know, but I thought I would post here because my it is related to alcoholisim

Thanks

LisaMac · 05-22-2011, 04:25 PM

I feel your pain..I never had a problem with alcohol but have had a problem with food addiction over the years. Addiction is addiction in my book and it generally comes from feelings of inadequacy, fear, anger low self esteem...things along those lines. When you give up one type of addiction, you generally fall into another to take it's place. You turned to the food.
I am seeing a therapist right now and working on those issues which caused me to overeat, have low self esteem, loathe my body, etc. I think you have to deal with those internal struggles and issues and the rest falls into place such as weight loss, etc. It goes hand in hand.
With that being said......Congratulations on 20 years being sober! My father was an alcoholic when I was growing up. It's not easy.
Good luck with working on yourself. Remember, we are a work in progress...it won't happen overnight but we are worth it!

Patlaf · 05-30-2011, 01:35 PM

on 20 years being sober. That is an awesome accomplishment. You only have 12 pounds to go to get to Onderland. That will be another awesome accomplishment that will do wonders for your confidence.

Pat

victoryplease · 06-10-2011, 12:55 PM

Congratulations on your sobriety, and your weight loss!!!

I get really down because I am so unhappy with how I look, and it makes my accomplishments feel TOTALLY irrelevent. Just breathe deep and keep on going, because you will move through this and to a better space!

Just remember to find and keep healthy coping skills for stress. For me, it's walking, reading, painting, even taking a shower helps me to alleviate stress. Make sure it's not FOOD or DRINK [or shopping!

]. Keep your rewards simple and healthy, and then reward yourself often!!!

You rock. I'm not an alcoholic, but a food addict. I wish I was 20 years 'sober' from compulsive eating...

Your thoughts on confidence are very perceptive. I'm sorry if this is completely un-helpful or 'duh' advice, but perhaps you should talk to a counselor or find some good books on the subject. How to find the parts of yourself you like, and how to hold those in esteem against the parts you aren't happy with.

Best wishes!

05-14-2011, 04:31 AM	#1
Heynow999 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 7 Gallery: Heynow999 Stats: 236/199.8!/176 - 5'8" male WOE: Atkins Start Date: March 15th, 2011	Feeling comfortable in your own skin I am an alcoholic, but it has been over 20 years since I have drank. My problem is I have gained weight and lost confidence and I just dont feel comfortable with myself. I don't like what I see when I look in the mirror. I have made some good losses so far on Atkins but I not happy with the way I look yet. I believe that is one reason why I drank, because I was not happy with myself, and alcohol gave me confidence. I am hoping that if I get down to a healthy weight, I can get that confidence back. My worry is that the lack of confidence is a character flaw that needs to be worked on, and I will still feel the same way when I get slim? I want to be comfartable talking to people and be more outgoing, but it is tough when you don't feel good about yourself. My work situation is changing. I am part owner of a small company and my two older partners are about to retire and I will have to be the main contact for the company. This means meetings, trade shows, conferences and what I dislike most, sales calls. Maybe this is a personal log, I don't know, but I thought I would post here because my it is related to alcoholisim Thanks

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

05-22-2011, 04:25 PM	#2
LisaMac Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 232 Gallery: LisaMac Stats: 207/167/150 WOE: Low Carb and Exercise Start Date: Over and over and over......	I feel your pain..I never had a problem with alcohol but have had a problem with food addiction over the years. Addiction is addiction in my book and it generally comes from feelings of inadequacy, fear, anger low self esteem...things along those lines. When you give up one type of addiction, you generally fall into another to take it's place. You turned to the food. I am seeing a therapist right now and working on those issues which caused me to overeat, have low self esteem, loathe my body, etc. I think you have to deal with those internal struggles and issues and the rest falls into place such as weight loss, etc. It goes hand in hand. With that being said......Congratulations on 20 years being sober! My father was an alcoholic when I was growing up. It's not easy. Good luck with working on yourself. Remember, we are a work in progress...it won't happen overnight but we are worth it!

05-30-2011, 01:35 PM	#3
Patlaf Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: In a small town on the sunny coast of Spain. Posts: 3,056 Gallery: Patlaf Stats: start 226/178/145 WOE: Atkins	on 20 years being sober. That is an awesome accomplishment. You only have 12 pounds to go to get to Onderland. That will be another awesome accomplishment that will do wonders for your confidence. Pat

06-10-2011, 12:55 PM	#4
victoryplease Junior LCF Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Crestone, Colorado Posts: 11 Gallery: victoryplease Stats: 312/290/130 WOE: SBD	Congratulations on your sobriety, and your weight loss!!! I get really down because I am so unhappy with how I look, and it makes my accomplishments feel TOTALLY irrelevent. Just breathe deep and keep on going, because you will move through this and to a better space! Just remember to find and keep healthy coping skills for stress. For me, it's walking, reading, painting, even taking a shower helps me to alleviate stress. Make sure it's not FOOD or DRINK [or shopping! ]. Keep your rewards simple and healthy, and then reward yourself often!!! You rock. I'm not an alcoholic, but a food addict. I wish I was 20 years 'sober' from compulsive eating... Your thoughts on confidence are very perceptive. I'm sorry if this is completely un-helpful or 'duh' advice, but perhaps you should talk to a counselor or find some good books on the subject. How to find the parts of yourself you like, and how to hold those in esteem against the parts you aren't happy with. Best wishes!