Need Examples

I am feeling despondent. I am 48 and feel like there is no hope for me to change. I need to quit drinking, lose weight, manage money better, and learn how to be happy. Does anyone out there know of someone who radically changed their life for the better? Maybe if I heard those stories, it would help give me hope......

[Hidden]

Would it be radical? If you stop drinking, you will save money, be healthier and therefore feel better, and possibly lose weight. One small step could be all it takes to set you on a happier path. How much do you drink?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I used to drink every day, but now I just drink on weekends. I havent lost any weight from cutting back, so far. But, maybe I would if I cut ot out all together. Thanks for responding.....

[Hidden]

Cant help you, I need to do all those things too😂 Best wishes to you💗

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You did help....knowing I am not alone. Thx

[hypercat54]

Hi these are big tasks and much too much to do all at once. Bakedbogey is right do it one small step at a time. How about doing the losing weight first? If you have cut back on the drink and you are not losing weight have a look at your eating patterns and google how to eat healthily. If you google NHS BM1 calculator it will tell you whether you are in the healthy, overweight or obese category and how many calories you need to lose weight. There is lots of info online about calorie counting or how about joining a weight loss group such as Weight Watchers or Slimming World.

The above are in the UK but I don't know what country you are in but there should be something you can attend. x

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks for all the good suggestions....I appreciate the help!

[Hidden]

Hi Paris

What are the things that you enjoy doing or that you have enjoyed doing in your life to date? Are there any hobbies that you used to be really passionate about that you have lost touch with? I think that sometimes just focusing on losing weight, quiting things can feel like a drag, but if you can get back in touch with some kind of physical activity that is creative at the same time as getting you up and out and exerting yourself this can really help to detract from the laboriousness of doing exercise or quiting things with no other higher purpose or objective.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I havent thought about it that way before. Good idea to find things that bring me joy or have a higher purpose. I will try this. Thx!

[Dubba61]

I would say tackle the Drinking issue 1st, Paris. As there are tons of sugery calories in alcohol and you would surely loose some weight, in doing so. Also, you would save some Money. I've never been much of a drinker. Just don't like the taste. But, I did quit Smoking over 14 years ago and am so glad I did. Not just for the Money saved but also, for the health benefits. I'm a little fatter but, that's o.k. I reckon. I cut down gradually, maybe you could do the same? Then it doesn't feel to big a task to handle. Best of Luck 😊🌻✌️

[Hidden in reply to Dubba61]

I think you are right. Gonna start with the drinking. Well done quitting smoking....I have seen how hard that is to do.

[Dubba61 in reply to Hidden]

Excellent! Good luck n do let us know how you get on. 😊✌️🌻

[Hidden]

I think you will be that radical story we can relate after you reach your goals.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I sure hope so....thanks for the encouraging words!

[David0987]

I agree with others that some small steps help make change achievable, depressed or not.

I've cut back my drinking by picking a beer style don't normally drink and savoring that one beverage. Its helped a lot although I occasionally cheat. That's normal I think. I also think it's good to reduce drinking if u have depression because alcohol is a depressant and we don't need more of that!

Oh, and I was also disappointed that I havent lost weight because of that so I can totally relate. I am only now losing a little by working out more and eating less. Less beer also means less snacking. And I got off one med that may have caused weight gain in part.

I don't know if any of this is helpful. I still struggle and mostly wanted to say I hear you and you're not at all alone on these fronts. It can seem overwhelming so I urge u to take small steps and build from there. Good luck and keep us posted

[Hidden in reply to David0987]

Thanks for replying....it does help to know I am not alone in the struggle. Small steps...and some patience will hopefully lead to big results for both of us.....

[ChareBear143 in reply to Hidden]

Let me know if you ever need to just ramble and talk. You are defiantly not alone.

[ChareBear143]

Good afternoon Paris48. There is always hope for change. Sometimes its just a one step at a time, be patient with yourselves. Find inspirational speakers that are encouraging. I really like Joyce Meyers, she has been through a rough past like me, and has a book out on overcoming the negative mindset. My sister wrote a book after she struggled with some of those same things called Recalculating Destination by Hope Wirta. It all starts with loving who we are now, something I am really trying to work on myself. Hope this helps.

[Hidden in reply to ChareBear143]

Thank you for responding. I will check out Joyce M as a speaker. Good luck with all of your own efforts towards change.