It's been awhile...and why I have still been consistant on my weight loss journey, something today happened to make me want to post on my blog.
I use a weight loss journaling site to log my food. Every day, without fail (unless something comes up...LOL!). Well today I had some time and decided to look at the forums. I really don't use the forums on this particular site because I had some very negative feedback once to a VERY innocent question / advice seeking post I put out there. I had hoped to see something different there today. Maybe a tip or two, but no! I evidently have a knack at finding those less that positive threads!
I was so angry after reading the response to someone that posted they were trying something new, wanted to know if anyone else was doing it, or if anyone wanted to be friends and check her journey along the way to see how amazing this program was. OK, I think she was maybe fishing for followers (as this program pays for that), and her intentions may have been less than geniune. BUT, she didn't say that...nor did she push that. So why be mean? Why be a bully? Why not practice what your mamma told you. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything"! Maybe she was really looking for support? Who is to know?
As my experience goes, I have a great support group of 3 friends, whom I ironically found on another weightloss journaling site. We no longer journal to each other on that site, and only friend each other on this new one. We also use another site to post daily our successes, failures, thoughts, concerns, and dreams.
I do have a point here, though it's taking a long time to get there. Weight loss journaling sites can help you! Really....but beware, there are some people out there who always feel they are right and have no problem expressing their feelings (despite that it may be very hurtful).
So my weight loss advice is this:
1. Find a support group, people you can count on to keep you accountable. People you value their opinions are best suited.
2. Use a journal of some kind to keep yourself accountable (old school journaling on paper works).
3. If you use a weight loss journaling site and their forums, be aware that you may be looking for advice, but not get the kind you want.
4. Everyone is different. My motto...if it works for you, GOOD for you!!
5. Repeat 1-4
Good luck to those people out there on their own personal journey. Who am I to knock what you are doing? And if that is what you are looking for...well, there is someone out there willing to knock. :)
There are always trolls in every community. :/ Hopefully that won't put you off too much from reading the forums. For each troll there are at least 20+ nice people worth knowing. :)
ReplyDeleteSo true Yazmin. I found my 3 best friends and supporters through a journaling site for weight loss. There are good people out there, and a few bad apples. Cheers for the good ones!!
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. I would love to follow yours but I don't see a way to do this. You are right there are a lot of negativities out there. I have found a wonderful site too. Fully of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI know...I have the same issue. I'm trying to figure out how to follow people to. Thought I had it, but nope...I didn't! :)
DeleteI love this post. I wish more people could read it. These guys are right. I think the only time I'm ever "mean" on a thread is in defense of other people, or if someone says a blatantly obvious one sided view of something without being open to what others have to say. I mean, why visit public forums if you're going to harass people? There is just no need for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda!! It's so true. While there is tons of great advice on these forums, there is also some very unneccessary commentry. I find this especially true on some weight loss sites. Aren't we all there for one common goal? Not to bash each other. Thanks for stopping by, hope you do again!!
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