Our Strength Is ... ????

The teamwork and encouragement that is given by the members of this community is heartfelt and inspiring.  Each of you shows remarkable caring, friendship and knowledge as you answer posts and help each other.  

Can you think of a time when you received some vital information, validation or encouragement from a MedHelp friend?  Do you remember how you felt when someone understood and could relate to your question or concern?  Do you remember a note of welcome, encouragement or sharing a bit of humor .. and the smile it brought to your face?  

"Friends who take the time to care ... are really angels unaware ... "

Well each of you has given of yourself to support your friends and teammates ... you are the angels who may be unaware of how much you touch the lives of others.  You uphold each other and encourage each other ... and that can make a huge contribution to our success.  

Thank YOU for your commitment to yourself and for your support of each other.  YOU are the heart of the WL&D community ..

Here is a little something in your honor ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICstHyaDXsY&feature=related


And a few thoughts to contemplate ...  

"A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself."

"A hug is worth a thousand words. A friend is worth more."

"Strangers are just friends waiting to happen."  

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him, his own."
-Benjamin Disraeli

"I can trust my friends. These people force me to examine, encourage me to grow."
-Cher

[TrudieC]

I stayed away for a while dealing with health issues and a bit of depression and it feels so good to be back giving and receiving support from all of you.  It really makes a difference.

[twehner5]

"Newbies" come and go - YAY for the ones who STAY!!!  The more the merrier!

I have found strength in that there has also maintained a core group that was here when I landed here, and they (now "we") are all still around.  I find comfort in that - it's like family.  They are there for you, even if you're not always around.  I've been playing around MH, but I *ALWAYS* visit my family in WL&D!  That won't change any time soon.  I need to stay focused on the principles of good eating and regular exercise.  I get that here.  I hope, too, to encourage a few more along the way...

[Ranaesheart]

Thank YOU BOTH for your thoughts and feelings .. caring and commitment certainly abound!

Think it is true that we all shrink from view from time to time as we face life's challenges and get feeling a little down on ourselves.  It is also difficult for someone new who is searching for answers to step into a forum .. they may be feeling down themselves, new to a support community or just unsure as to what they are looking for and too shy to ask.

May I suggest we all watch the sidebar in the community and when posting to our trackers and food journal .. and make a conscious effort to reach out to those who are NEW to us.  Their moods, the titles of their journal entries and the notices of who has joined ... is a perfect way to INVITE them to be a part of the Amazing members and team that is growing and supporting each other in this community!

[Barb135]

I'm like twehner5, I play around different forums on MH and have made lots of friends, but always come back to WL&D to check on what's happening........

There are a lot of newbies who come ask one or two questions, then leave, but it's true that there seems to be the same ones of US that are around most of the time... I like to think that once in a while, I'm able to throw out an idea or two that might help give someone some encouragement or help........

Thanks everyone for your support.  

[Ranaesheart]

Barb .. once in a while???  You are ALWAYS throwing out ideas, information, encouragement and help .. you're one of the mainstays of the community.

Besides .. you and twehner bring such uplifting humor and antics .. what would you two do if you didn't have each other to play with????  And don't say you wouldn't be in the corner .. because you both send yourselves there quite regularly ... KIDS!!!  lolllll

[wonko]

I fall into the category of knowing the facts and logic to weight loss, but lacking in the emotional (and sometimes physical) health to achieve it.  

I also have lifelong experience with weight problems and eating disorders.  

I've been more quiet on this forum the last few months because of my inability to stabilize my own weight.  But I would still peek in and read the posts and use the MedHelp trackers, which I think both helped in terms of "damage control."  

I've been doing better the last few weeks health-wise, and while it's too early to say if this will continue, it's done wonders to restore my spirit and outlook.  I've made some changes to my diet in response to complications from my medications.  While challenging, I hope my dietary changes bring better health and improved weight management, and dare I say, weight loss?

It took me a long time to learn that weighing myself didn't need to be being mean to myself.  I think the forum has helped me learn that I can be accountable for and cognizant of my weight changes and not face criticism from others.  That in turn helps me to be less critical of myself.

[Joeysfoxymama]

I am here on MH because of Ranae. I am so excited to be part of a group that is caring, and have great ideas, and can have fun at the same time! I cant wait to meet more people in this group!