The Need for Support

Hello, my name is Heidi, and I'm a food addict. I'm an obsessively compulsive rationalizer.




Sometimes all it takes is a little support, I think. Maybe those support groups that everyone makes fun of have the right idea. We are social creatures: we need each other during our good times and our bad times, during our successes and failures.

If you're not one for cheesy, sappy posts, you might want to leave now and try back tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be grumpy and snarky again tomorrow, so you'll get your usual dose of sarcasm and bitterness.....but today I'm thankful, and I want to share it with all of you.

I have tried the whole diet thing so many times in the past year, and have had no success. This time has been different. It's been almost two weeks now, and I'm MORE excited than ever to eat healthily and workout. While I was working out on the treadmill this morning, I was trying to figure out why. WHAT was so different this time around, that I felt like I was actually able to accomplish my goals? WHY was this time so much more energizing and "do-able?"

(I will add that I'm not the most graceful person in the room - when I realized the answer, I DID almost fall off the treadmill)

The difference this time has been in support. The amount of support that I have received over the past two weeks has been incredible. It's come from you reading this blog, it's come from Ellie, as we talk about our day-to-day struggles, it's come from people I don't even know who have happened upon this blog. It's come from family phone calls as they encourage us and share ideas and recipes.

But most of all it's come from Mike, and I want to say thank you.

I have already worked out and showered this morning. It's not even 10 am!! (I did actually think that the world might stop spinning, but it hasn't so far, so we're safe). Both of the big boys are at school - and I didn't have to drive them there!

Mike is a medical resident. Each month he works a different rotation, which means different schedules and responsibilities, but the basics are always the same: He works at least 80 hours a week. Usually, this means that he's gone by 4:30 am and not home until after 6:30 pm. This month, it means that he works every day of the week except one.

Today was his one day off this week. Instead of asking to sleep in (which I think any sane person would request on their one day off during a week), he asked to take the big boys to their respective schools. He offered to take Baby #3 with him, even though it would be easier to leave him home, so that I could have the morning to drink HOT coffee (just one cup, don't worry for those of you following my caffeine intake process), run on the treadmill, AND get a hot shower without any children trying to join me.

For this, I thank you, Mike. Mornings like today are few and far between for me and I really look forward to the quiet, "Heidi" time.

Thanks for your support!!! I love you!