Having support is critical while on a weight loss journey. It has been my experience that those who have support and/or offer support to others have a higher rate of success. While it is true that the only person who can make the change is themselves, they usually don’t do it all alone.
Having a network of supporters is absolutely critical. The weight loss process is grueling, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sharing the journey with others, not only keeps oneself accountable, but it also helps with staying motivated. I have been involved with many weight-loss groups, most of them were free! So cost should never be an issue when seeking out support. Some groups were better than others, but I have found the best groups are the ones that have open and honest communication.
There is one group on Facebook that is particularly impressive. SPARK. The purpose of this group is to begin, inspire, and transform. This group consists of mostly females who are reaching out for emotional support and motivation on their weight loss journey. SPARK has members who are at the beginning of their journey, in the middle, and those coming within view of the finish line. This group has grown into an online community where close friendships have been made and secrets that wouldn’t even be told the family dog are shared. Respect and no judgment have been key for the success of this group. From this openness it is easier to recognize behavioral patterns that may sabotage ones success. There are also great tips and motivational stories shared here as well.
Perhaps a support group isn’t really your thing. There are people on Facebook who share their stories, who inspire hundreds and some thousands of people to live a healthier lifestyle. I am one of those people. I share my successes, frustrations, let-downs, I respond to messages, I offer fitness tips, and motivation. I am another resource. No one should do this journey alone. You can’t do it alone. You must do the work, but you need a support crew.
I have a pretty large support crew myself. Without them, I know I wouldn’t have had the successes that I have had. I wouldn’t be doing what I love to do, which is inspiring people to change their lives. To show that there is a better way to live. Believe me when I tell you that having someone to talk to when things get tough really goes a long way.
The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.
Hubert H. Humphrey, Jr.
Let me share with you and incident that occurred to me just a couple weeks ago that highlight how important support is: I was feeling great, just bought some new SMALLER clothes to workout in. I finally fit in a pair of running shorts that I’ve had my eye on for a while. I was on “cloud 9.” I decided to weigh myself, which can be a dangerous trigger for me. I let those numbers get into my head. I know the scale doesn’t define me, but sometimes…I lose sight of that. When I stepped onto that scale, I gained. I wondered how this could have happened. Nothing has really changed, my workouts are more intense, I wanted to quit right then and there. Suddenly all of my massive successes meant nothing. I had lost sight of how far I have come. I texted, phoned, and emailed people within my support group. I got rapid responses. I got the reminders I needed and had to come to peace with myself again. They helped me realize I was more than just a number on the scale. Perhaps my biggest supporter was my trainer. She sat down with me and we talked for an hour, going over everything. We found the cause, and decided to change absolutely NOTHING. My diet and training regime is pretty much the same. And in these past couple weeks since then, I’m down another 10lbs.
Without the support that I have I can guarantee that I would have gone on a full out binge. I would have let the emotions take over. But I didn’t. I reached out and asked for help which is one of the hardest things for people to do. But we have to learn how to ask for and accept the help we seek.
Until next time, stay active, make healthy choices, and support each other.
