I think I had a real breakthough on Friday and over the weekend. I am in a stressful job that I don't like. I am in the process of looking for a new job, but it's slow going in this economy. Well, an incident happened on Friday that just about sent me over the edge. AND, as I was reaching for a bag of M&M's, it hit me. A big part of my problem (with weight and this job) isn't so much what is happening around me, but my reaction to it. It sounds so simple, but until that very moment, I didn't realize it. SO, I put back the M's and looked for a healthier outlet for my frustration. I went downstairs (via the actual stairs) and walked for about 10 minutes. Then, I came back up those stairs and addressed the issue. It was through an email, but the people I needed to speak to were gone for the day already and I knew if I didn't do something then, I would chicken out by Monday. The email also allowed me to carefully choose my words.

I know I can't control the actions or words of others (especially the higher-ups) but I can control my reaction to them. I have kept my mouth shut on a serious topic around here for too long for fear of losing my job. I realized, they can't fire me over this, and if they do, well, I'd probably be better off. SO, I took action on Friday and felt energized. I felt the best I have in a long time over the weekend and actually went to the gym (motivation to exercise is my biggest issue).

I am new to this board, but I think some of the things I have read helped my "breakthrough" along. I have finally committed to me and what I need out of life and myself. Thanks for the help.

Mel

Good for you for tacling the stress instead of the M&M's!! I am also doing my best to find another job because of "higher ups" putting me in awkward positions. I'm sure it will work out. I was struggling with my job search and then a couple of weeks ago I recieved several calls. Today I have a second interview with a pizza chain for a management position. I was supposed to have it last week, but it was postponed. Good luck!!!! Keep looking and stick to your guns.

Laurie

Congratulations, Mel!

Catching yourself in the act of reaching for M&Ms and then replacing that behavior with a healthy one is huge...I would bet that moment will relive itself in your mind many times, when you are reaching for something out of emotional need (stress, anger, etc.) rather than physical need (hunger).

Great job in taking charge of your own destiny. You rock!

Good for you! You handled the situation in side yourself with great skill. I am so very proud of you! You have a new spirit and a new confidence. Using it will help you go far.

Good luck on the job search, and keep it up, girl friend!

Way to go! That's excellent. You took a potential pit fall and turned it around.

I've been unhappy in my job too. I actually went in a couple of weeks ago and told my boss I was going to start looking for another job. He was actually very supportive and has offered to let me work flex hours or part time. So things may work out after all.

Dawn

I am happy that you were able to make the choice to work through some of the difficulty rather than to eat. I can relate and know that it is always helpful for me to take action other than eating.

Congratulations! That's a huge step.
I hope that your new outlook on life helps you find joy and happiness.

Great Work!
I am in awe that you were able to walk away and do something healthy to destress the situation. Unfortunately there are many people out there who feel stuck at a job due to the need to survive. For you to be able to recognize and and change an unhealthy situation was a big step.

Beth

Hi Mel,

I love those "Ah Ha! I GET it!" moments.

Thanks for letting us read yours. I know someday I'll be reaching for m&m's and I'll think, "Somebody posted about this... I think that I will go for a walk..."

I know that there are a couple of other people on the board that can relate to being in a hated job or having yucky bosses.

Hang in there.

Denise