Hi!
First off welcome to the boards! Congrats on what you have done so far in the weight loss department. Have you lifted 11 pounds of anything? 11 pounds is a substantial amount of weight to have shed. Keep up the good work!! More will follow.
Here is my take on the Online Journals. I really really like them for a few huge reasons. 1) They teach accountability. If I put it in my journal, I have to see it through. If not, there are zillions of people out there who will know I had a "bad day." Or in my case...an UH-GLEE week. When it comes down to it, these journals are here for YOU. Write whatever you want to. Each journal on here is completely different than any other, and a delight to read. You can be as personal or as impersonal as you wish. If there are things you need to get out of your system, but dont want to broadcast into cyberspace, then you can send a personal message on here to somebody you trust, or you can keep an offline paper journal at home. I honestly believe that in order to change the outside, you have to heal the insides first. Otherwise, the cravings will eventually come back. Another great thing about these journals is that they talk back. People will read your comments and write some of their own. Unlike other sites, this one is 100% positive feedback. I have not met one nasty person on here. The comments I have received have all been motivational. If you have a less than stellar day, your friends here will be there for you. I cant say the same for that hamburger. What has that hamburger done for you lately except make you feel bad? One "not so good" choice wont undo all the positive ones you have made thus far. Accept it and move on. You are stronger than you think.
As for your family wishing you were like your cousin....you cant really think they believe that do you? If for some ridiculous reason they do, then tell them to shove it. (Figuratively) I think you are 1,000% right to say that you arent losing weight for them, but for you. If they cant see your inner beauty, then they have lost sight of what is really important about a person (their insides). I wish you the best of luck with your journey. Keep us posted!
~Carrie
