I think it all boils down to what you believe about yourself. If you realize how powerful your mind is, then you know and can believe that you have within you a powerful way to fix things.

You can utilize it in this way:
1. Mentally see the problem
2. Mentally fix the problem
3. Mentally see the problem fixed

Seeing is believing.

Jan Tincher
Master Neuro Linguistic Programmer
Http://www.tameyourbrain.com

Celebrate the fact that you’re in the right group! I’m actually working on a post that will address these very subjects – it should be up by this evening. I’ll hurry it along.

Thanks so much for the kind words, they mean a lot. Hang in there and keep your chin up. When we get down, we’re easy prey for discouragement, depression, and a host of other overwhelming disasters.

Life is a journey, after all, and sometimes the road is rockier and sometimes the sky is darker. The trick is to keep moving, though, since it’s the only way we’ll ever find the smoother roads and brighter skies!

I’ve found that I do better when I tackle one thing at a time. When our house is a total mess (anyone who works and/or has a family has this problem, I promise you) and we need to get into shape (just about all of us battle this one too!), AND work isn’t going smoothly – it’s easy to get discouraged.

You have to remind yourself to take it one thing at a time, though. Tackling all at once will just drive you nuts.

Another good thing about your situation (in addition to the fact that you’re in the right group!), though, is this: If you want to work on your home AND your body – the two can actually go hand in hand. Lots of calories can be burned simply by doing housework. Prevention.com has tools that will calculate exactly how many calories you burn (it depends upon your weight) – but if you clean house for just 30 minutes, you burn well over 100 calories.

I try to combine my housecleaning in 1 hour chunks – that way I get a workout that burns around 200 calories. Usually, by the end of the hour – I’m feeling so jazzed and ready to go, I take a walk and burn more.

Finances are another area that just about everyone’s feeling. I’ve found that if you cut out any extra spending at all, it really adds up. I’ve stopped taking unneccesary trips to save gas, and get my running around done all at once. I’ve also switched to some “off brands” and can only tell the difference at the register!

We all turn out any lights when no one’s in the room, too. You know, little things. But they do add up. PLUS, they make you FEEL like you’re doing something – and that helps a lot.

As for your relationship with God, I love that you list that amongst your priorities! I’ve always told my girls this: The Bible is the lamp or lantern that lights up the darkness. Prayer is our line of communication – not only is it how we speak to God, it’s how He speaks to us.

After I suddenly lost my mom in 2006, a few months went by and I thought, “I just don’t feel close to God at all.” Then I asked myself, “When’s the last time you prayed or read your Bible?” I couldn’t remember the time for either! I had gotten into such a DARK place that I guess I didn’t want any light.

I started reading the Bible again every morning and started praying more. I felt His presence immediately – He had never moved, I had.

Prayer is very special to me, and I think everyone should allow themself this joyous privilege more often. Most of the time, in the car, I turn off the radio and simply pray. I also like to pray while in the tub/shower and washing the dishes. It helps to have certain times that you associate with talking with and listening to God.

I wish I could give you advice about what’s going on in your workplace – but, alas, I’m zero help there. I work from home, so my only “co-workers” are 3 daughters, 4 cats, and 1 husband (when he’s not at work). Many times, though, when it comes to relationships – people ultimately will treat you the way you treat them. Not always, of course, but very, very often. The fact that you warned the night shift shows that you try to look out for others, that’s a great trait to have!

I’ll try to get the post up asap – I only hope there’ll be something in it to make you feel better! You sound like a wonderful person – I hope you never lose sight of that!

- Joi

I think I can give up burgers – since I love Boca Burgers and fish.

I can cut back on fries and go with baked potatoes and salads instead.

But, as for the Diet Dr. Pepper.. oh, man. I’ve been trying to cut back (not out…just back) for years, but so far – not so good!

- Joi