Beth's Real Life Journey to Success

[Debralynn]

Sheesh! I dissapear for a couple of days, and the place turns into the Grand Ol' Opry!

I am with you on the simplifying and get rid of stuff. I have spent the last 2 weekends trying to do just that, and have barely made a dent. I think I have created a bigger mess going through things! Help!

Simplify is such a good word, and it's so inspiring. I need to bear it in mind with my food choices, too!

Have a wonderful week!

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Debralynn

Sheesh! I dissapear for a couple of days, and the place turns into the Grand Ol' Opry! :hyst:

I am with you on the simplifying and get rid of stuff. I have spent the last 2 weekends trying to do just that, and have barely made a dent. I think I have created a bigger mess going through things! Help!

Simplify is such a good word, and it's so inspiring. I need to bear it in mind with my food choices, too!

Have a wonderful week!

Morning Beth..

[Low Carb Mommy]

Hey everyone......

My weight has gone back up to 135.2. I am frustrated and tired. My weight really effects my mood I know. I also think I am dealing with more issues as well. I can't get motivated to do anything. I feel like all I want to do is eat and sit on the couch (sounds like depression, huh?). I cheated today with a homemade "granola" type bar at a local coffee shop. I felt so guilty after I ate it but there was a side of me that didn't care. I was also disappointed that it didn't give me the emotional lift I was needing and looking for.

I have put off rescheduling my doctor's appointment. I stay so busy that it seems that when I remember to call it's too late in the day. Other times when I think about it, I'm either in the car and the kids are too loud or I don't have the number handy. I REALLY need to call in the morning. I just wonder how much of what I am feeling is real and how much of it is just the medicine (or the lack of help it is giving me). It's hard when you can't trust what your emotions are saying to you.

I'm sorry to dump all this on everyone. I just really need all of your prayers right now. I hate feeling this way. I am really just trying to remind myself that things will get better and try not to get discouraged and give up. Thanks.

[seb]

Beth~I'm sorry you're feeling so discouraged. I feel like I'm in the same boat lately. I go from being excited about losing weight to wanting to eat everything in the house.

I allow my weight to affect my mood also. Why do we do this? I don't think I'm encouraging you, just commiserating.

I will be praying for you. Things WILL get better. Make that call to the doc for some help.

Sending lots of love your way.

[PalmTreeGal]

Beth, I just wanted to tell you I feel for you. I have struggled with a mood disorder all my adult life (and before) and it is so frustrating when your mood and emotions betray you. When you want to live life and enjoy it but you can't trust yourself to feel well enough to do that, day to day.

I can't say "don't let your weight affect your mood," because I do it too, but really - you have lost a ton of weight and if your clothes still fit, 3 pounds or whatever is very little in the scheme of things. Don't lose sight of your achievements! I would kill to be 135 right now! And so would you have, 40 pounds ago.

[seb]

Here's the chili recipe.

Dottie's Texas Chili

1 lb ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 Can (14.5 oz) cut diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14 oz) beef broth
1 C water
1.5 tsp chili powder
.5 tsp ground cummin
.5 tsp cayenne papper
.5 tsp garlic powder
.5 tsp ground oregano
.5 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
Optional: 1 can (15 oz) blacy soy beans, drained and rinsed well
Shredded cheese
Sour Cream

Brown ground beef and onions, breaking up well. Drain well. Add spices and continue to cook and blend well. Add remaining ingredients. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes or until reduces slightly.

If using beans, add in the last 10 minutes. Add water or more broth if necessary.

Serve hot with sour cream and cheddar cheese.


**Note from Sue** I just dump all the ingredients sans the beans in the crock pot and cook for several hours. I put shredded cheese and sour cream on the table and everyone enjoys it.

[Livywilltim-mom]

Aw Beth,

Hugs and prayers heading your way! I wish I could write something inspiring or uplifting...but it seems like we are all in the same "sad boat."

Praying for you right now...

[Debralynn]

Originally Posted by Livywilltim-mom

Aw Beth,

Hugs and prayers heading your way! I wish I could write something inspiring or uplifting...but it seems like we are all in the same "sad boat."

Praying for you right now...

DITTO!

Well, they say misery loves company!

Must be something in the air, all across the country.

Hang in there kiddo. My peanut butter cookie cheat didn't give me the uplift I was looking for either. You'd think we would know by now!

[monet0329]

Smile sunshine.... you have came along way... and I agree.. this lil up in your weight ain't nothing.. you've done marvelous darling.. (note.. I am trying to make you smile heehee)..

I can't say that I know how you all feel.. I mean for the most part.. low carbing or not.. I am is a happy happy joy joy mood.. I don't let to much get me down.. it takes A LOT to get me in a bad or down mood.. I wish I could bottle it up and share it with all of you.. I sure would ya know..

I remember ( and please don't hold this against me) when I had my first son.. I wanted a girl so bad.. and I was told I was having a girl.. I almost went into this bad depression.. seriously.. some call it postpartum, or what ever.. the nurse on duty actually TOLD me to go get my baby from the nursery.. when she said that.. I felt I was in a haze.. it was weird.. I had never felt like this in my whole life.. but something came over me right then and there.. (I like to call him GOD..).. told me ..listen here young lady.. here you have this beautiful baby boy that needs you.. get over yourself and take care of him).. from that moment on.. I didn't feel like that.. now I do get sentimental every now and again when I see commercials about daddy's and their lil girl.. or lil girls dancing.. because I love to dance and wanted to teach my daughter to dance.. I tear up.. but I move on.. because now I have 2 handsome great kids.. boys or not.. God gave them to me and I love them so much..

anyway.. if this Haze is what your feeling.. then I understand.. but you know what.. smile and MOVE on.. try your very best to talk yourself into it.. mind over matter.. I don't know if it will work.. or if there is something really wrong and you need what ever meds to balance you out.. but try it.. get up every day and tell yourself in the mirror.." this is going to be a great day.. no matter what.." if the kids get on you nerves.. smile and say.. they are alive and healthy.. and its much better then them not healthy or something wrong with them.. if its hubby.. tell him to shape up..hehe.. kiddin.. but do talk to him.. anything in a positive voice..

OK if you have had enough of my lecture.. forgive me.. but I want whats best for you Beth.. to me.. you seem to have the perfect life.. even though I know NOTHING is perfect.. you have a loving husband.. great kids.. I am sure a nice home.. and your own business.. I also know that there is a lot of stress in all that.. but slow down.. look around.. see all the GOOD you have .. try and turn those feelings around..

I dunno.. I hope I helped..lol.. if not.. remember I love ya.. and I will be praying for you.. .. you do mean a lot to this girl here.. ..

smile SUNSHINE..

[PalmTreeGal]

Ah, Monet, I am so jealous of someone who's naturally happy. Good advice though.

Beth, I didn't know you have your own business. Forgive me for not reaing way back in your journal, but what kind of business?

[Livywilltim-mom]

Missing you Beth!

Praying for a wonderful day for you and yours.

Peace

[Low Carb Mommy]

Monet~Thank you for caring enough about me to take time to give me some advice.

Before this happened to me, I would have said the very same thing you said to me. I was a very happy person. Yes, I would have days that I would let things get me down (such as weight going up ) but overall I was very happy. Those of you that have been reading my journal since the beginning I believe would attest to what I am saying.

I do have a "perfect" life. I have a devoted husband who loves me....4 wonderful kids (although sometimes they can really test my patience)....I really don't lack for much especially compared to where I have come from at times in my life (that's another story).....now I have lost the weight I carried for several years. There is NO reason for me to be having emotional/mental issues. That's why I feel that the stresses of life (caring for four children, husband who has to work long hours, spending so many hours on the road, caring for our home etc.) have just gotten the best of me. My body just decided that it was enough and it is showing out.

Believe me when I say this....I am all about positive confession and giving your problems over to God. I certainly rely and lean on Him for EVERYTHING. I do believe that some of what I am facing is just out right attack from Satan himself. You see, I know that God has promised our family several things that are fixing to come to pass. I believe Satan knows this and is fighting us for all he is worth. We are in the fourth quarter of the game. We are tired and have been thoroughly tested. We just have to keep pressing forward no matter how we feel or what comes our way to get to where God wants us to be.

I do struggle with the fact that I am having to take medication and why can't God be enough to get me through. But I am also human enough to know that God is not holding it against me that I am relying on medication. Hey, he gave men the intelligence to make the stuff. I understand too that my God is not a God of condemnation. I know that this trial is only temporary and I will make it.

I really have to at this point ask God to help me discern the difference between what is real and wrong thinking. He is helping me. That is where it is so important that we all know God's word and what He says is the truth and not listen to lies that would fill our minds when we go through trials.

I have made an appointment for Monday to talk with my doctor. I am hopeful that we can find a solution to my problems. I need you ladies to agree with me that God will direct my doctor to what I need to be taking so I can get better.


Mandy~You have really been a help to me with your support and having someone who understands what I have been facing. I really appreciate it.

Our business is a national franchise. We owe the licence in Gainesville, Ga. It is a cleaning and restoration company. The main part of our business is to work with insurance companies to supply their customers with help when the have a fire or water damage. We also do carpet cleaning, duct cleaning and mold remediation. My husband has been in the Servpro business now for about 20 years. He worked along side his brother (eventually becoming partners) for a while, then he worked for the national trainer ship for 3 years (where he went around to all the franchises and trained them in their business) and then the opportunity to buy our local franchise came up just over a year ago and we (us and our best friends) bought it. Did I give you enough info?

Jaime~Thank you for your prayers!!!


Debra~We are going to get through this time....prayers directed back at you.

Sue~You know I love you....you have stuck with me through thick and thin. I appreciate you so much. Also, thank you for the chili recipe....looks great!



Well, my weight is still up. I really think it must have something to do with this medicine. It shouldn't be this high. I haven't gone off my diet that much. The thing that puzzles me is the fact that when I wasn't doing low carb I really don't remember my weight fluctuating that much. I pretty much stayed the same weight. Why is it that you can eat one bite of bread now and gain a pound? I mean if I ate a pound of candy.....my weight would probably jump up 5 pounds. What's up with that? I have just tried to stay off the scales but old habits die hard. Right now I am trying to not put any added stress on myself but just focus on eating the best I can. So, please forgive me for not posting my menus right now. I am not even keeping up with them in my notebook....only in my head.

On the good news front. I spoke with my mom yesterday and she had lost 7 pounds in 3 days. Her doctor also was pro Atkins (thank the Lord!). She wanted her to continue. I know if her doctor had frowned upon it she would have dropped it like a hot potato. I am just tickled for her. I think now the scales will continue to be her motivation.

We have a busy weekend ahead of us. Our boys have another ballgame tomorrow night. We have a Science Fair our DS#2 advanced to this Saturday (he made a hover craft that works!!), and we will be getting with some friends on Sunday. DS#3 is suppose to go to his Nana's tomorrow too. I will try to check in but if I don't you will know where I am.

[NewYorkGiants32]

Hi Beth......I too have kids and boy do they test my patience! Husband works over nights, blah blah blah you get the point. I relate to what you are going through and only hope things get a little easier.

Your mom lost 7 pounds in three days?!?!?!?!?!?!? What was her menu?????

[Low Carb Mommy]

Thank you Jennifer for the well wishes. My mom is doing Induction plus Atkins products (ocassional bar and shake). She has a lot to lose. I pray she can stick with it.

[NewYorkGiants32]

I meant to say I have 4 kids too....(the baby was crying while I was trying to type)

Well, your mom is off to a great start...good fo her!!

[Low Carb Mommy]

God bless all woman who have four or more children. Hey, God bless woman who have children in general. It is a special calling.

[monet0329]

Beth..

I am so glad you called and got an appointment.. .. I will pray that God will help the doc figure out exactly what you need..... and your right.. he will come through..

I am sure you all have been through a lot with the business.. and yes the devil will try to do all he can to mess things up.. keep in mind.. he doesn't bother those he already has.. just those who he doesn't..
I say.. Satin be GONE..

Congrats to mom.. that's exciting... I am glad its a high number.. it will help her stay excited

have a great Friday and good wishes for the boys..

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Low Carb Mommy

God bless all woman who have four or more children. Hey, God bless woman who have children in general. It is a special calling.

Amen sister..

[PalmTreeGal]

Beth, I am positive that God doesn't want you to be depressed/anxious when there are medications to make you feel better. There are a LOT of options out there for drugs and odds are good that one or more will help you a lot.

[seb]

Good morning Beth.

You sound like you're working things out well, even though this may be an ongoing problem. The Lord didn't promise us that everything in our lives would be perfect, did he? If that were the case, we wouldn't be on this board. I know, though, that through all of this you are going to come out a stronger and healthier woman, ready to help others that are going through the same thing. All things work together....you and I both know that.

Sounds like another busy weekend. Enjoy every minute of it, despite the busyness. That hovercraft your DS made sounds neat!

Lots of love to you, dear friend.

[monet0329]

.. have a great day sweetie..

[Determinedtolose]

Awww Beth! You are so precious!!! What a wonderful gentle and spirit you have.

I just wanted to say Hi to ya, and I'll say it again. You have done so well on losing weight! You look wonderful!

And I guess it goes to show that no matter what we do, only God is enough for us! He is the one who gives us breath to breathe when we wake in the morning, He directs our path daily to lead us in the right direction and He lovingly puts His arms around us when we need comfort. He is all in all!!

You're right about Satan attacking us. But we already have the victory!!! We are in the Fathers care and no one can separate us from His love! Keep your eye on the prize!!

I know you know that but just felt led to say that.

Take Care and have Blessed rest of you day!!!

[seb]

Well said, Diana.