my 'maintenance' work.

 hi folks. i just wanted to share- in case it helps someone...

i have spent the majority of my energy since meeting goal on learning how to live this new life out...stamina and longevity, balance and inner freedom are what i yearn for. healing my heart and learning new strategies for coping are for me that last component.

i have delved into Katie Jay's teaching, also really enjoy some stuff i have learned from Lisa Claudia Briggs (stress control and how to self sooth in particular). i ordered some stuff from Colleen Cooke but have not yet read it. for me if i had to pick ONE resource it would be Katie Jay, and if you sign up for her 30 day program make sure you listen to her 'interview with the masters' downloads. they are awesome!

you can look these folks, their websites and resources up with an easy google search. a lot of their resources are free. what i am learning in this quest has helped me step into the next leg of my journey.

you CAN do this. you are stronger then you think!
blessings,
Kathie

What is the singlemost helpful item you've learned from these individuals?

not ONE thing really. if i had to pick one it would be how to self sooth in non harmful ways, and secondarily how to be kind to myself, and third detailed tips on how to set healthy boundaries. 
being curious rather than critical during a struggle has been a helpful concept.  there is SO MUCH!!!
i think as we expose ourselves to this sort of teaching and wise guidance, each of us absorbs what WE need, so what has stood out for me may not be the area YOU need to grow. it is about me 'being' different, not just learning new things mentally.
i know it is working when it works under fire. when i wiggle out of an area that used to trap me up. when my relationship with food is gradually filled with more and more peace and control. it is not so much about head knowlege as it is a new way of being in the world, and freedom.

 
Hey happy !

I remember when we first started this thing.....actually seems like long ago now.

I'm glad you/we have the concentration on maintenance.......This process really does have a lot of phases and it's the continued education that will make the difference !

OH member brownblonde posted a phrase a while back..... how she now has a "non abusive relationship with food"

This rings true with me also.... just didn't have a term for it before.

My relationship with food now is a healthy one..... embracing food and enjoying taste and flavors....and knowing what I'm eating....It's not always good....but I know what's up now....

One way I try and look at it is that old saying about keeping your enemies close.....

Keep the path !!!!

frisco

awesome! nice to hear from you Frisco!!!
next week is my 40th birthday and my 18 month surgiversery.

I'm so happy for you sweetie,  you have done an amazing job and should be so proud of yourself  :o) jeani

Congratulations on your mindful maintenance!  My amazon wish list is growing today. 

Great post. I've spent a lot of sessions talking to my therapist about self-soothing. It is so important. I am developing habits now. 

It is so important for people to realize that it is not only about getting our stomachs cut-off. We must adjust our lifestyle and relationships, especially relationships with food and ourselves.

This is an extremely important post for pre-ops and those struggling.