I also agree, core beliefs and also deep seated behaviour are indeed hard to change, or at times, even challenge.
I have a friend, the lady who introduced me to LL, who has almost reached her BMI 25. In doing so she has lost over 6.5 stone. I saw her this Monday, and we chatted about all things LL related. One subject I raised was that of getting rid of all the "outgrown" clothes. I told her that my MIL volunteers in a local Oxfam, and that her manager is only to pleased to get my old stuff, as apparently, there is quite a call for bigger ladies things, but not many are donated!! (In fact I just put together another bag full for her, as OH is off to Sunday roast there with the children any minute!)
Anyhow, this friend told me that, despite her brilliant acheivement, she refuses to throw out her old, big stuff as "I have done so many diets before and I always regain weight.". This is surely a core belief she needs help addressing? I have thought about a private email to our (shared but not same group) LLC, because I am seriously concerned that she hasnt yet gained the right mind-set to enable her to deal with management. Any thoughts?
My own demons are constantly resurfacing at the moment too. I have had a brilliant week, both food wise and emotionally, but once again, I let the chatterbox get the better of me yesterday, and ate hugely. I've no idea why, as there were truthfully nothing but positive thoughts going on in my head. I am ok again today, but cold kick myself for allowing this to happen again. I am fairly regretful that I wont be one of those LLers who can hand on heart say that not a morsel of illicit food or drink had ever crossed my lips! Its almost as if it could be a self fulfilling prophecy that "I never have seen a diet through to the end"! Still, bit well & truly between the teeth again, and off we go!
AJ, your cruise is getting so close! WOW! I have only done two myself, but would definately say that I am addicted, and when finances allow, will be off again like a shot! You are so right when you say that the ship waits for no-one. Two years ago when we did the Med cruise with Royal Caribbean, on a couple of occasions we saw the pilot boat racing after the ship, as it was sailing, with a couple of worried looking passengers on board! We are also guilty of taking a bottle of gin on board with us too! It wasnt spotted nor taken, but we didnt touch it at all!! They did remove any shore bought alchohol though. I understand that it is purely so we, the client, were obliged to buy they drinks if we wanted a G&T or whatever. A bit cheap, when you consider the cost of a cruise, but I guess thats business for you.
My brother in law is a First Officer with P&O, he heads communications etc. As part of the family we are supposedly able to book discounted trips, but in reality this never happens. When we looked into a Caribbean cruise with his ship (then the Golden Princess) it was actually better value to book via a cruise specialist than to take the direct option with P&O!
Well, we have two months until our family break this year. The children are already counting down to it, as they are most excited abut staying in their own villa, with a pool all to themselves. I am looking forward too, but also with some concerns. I will not be any where near management by then, but as we so rarely go away, I do want to be able to partake in some of the local fare etc. (I adore real paella.) I have read with great interest the threads on Minis about breaking abstinence and then returning, about how hard it can be. I am almost certain now that I will be making my own decision over this one. At the moment I am leaning towards perhapa 3 packs a day, and one meal, with a limited amount of alcohol. I have yet to discuss this in any depth with my LLC so will not make any firm choice until that happens, after all there are two months to go!
Sorry to have wittered on again all, been great chatting with you again!!
xx