Friends, Support, and Staying Focused

Hi Friends!

I hope everyone is feeling good about their progress so far. We’ve spent the last few weeks focusing on what we’re drinking—getting enough water and cutting back on those sneaky liquid calories from soda, juice, and alcohol. I’m happy to say that since I’ve made those changes, I’ve noticed something: my stomach doesn’t feel as bloated, and I look a bit less full. It’s a small victory, but I’ll take it. Yay, me! 🎉

This week, I want to talk about friends. Friends can be a huge source of support, but they can also be a challenge when it comes to making lifestyle changes—especially when you’re on a weight loss journey.

For me personally, whenever I’ve told my friends about starting a new diet or exercise plan, it hasn’t always gone well. At first, they seem supportive, saying all the right things. But then, out of nowhere, they start bringing up my favorite foods in random conversations, or they’ll offer me sweets and treats they know I’m trying to avoid. And when I give them the look, they just laugh and say, “Oops, I forgot.”

Some might say it’s just a coincidence, that they’re just being friendly or making conversation. But I don’t think so. It’s hard not to notice the increase in temptations when I share my goals with them. It’s almost as if my decision to make healthier choices triggers something in them, and suddenly, there are more obstacles in my way.

I want to be clear—I take full responsibility for my own success (or lack of it). But I’ve realized that openly discussing my goals has sometimes led to more temptations, not less. It’s not just the food, either. Suddenly, everyone, whether they’re healthy or not, seems to have an opinion on what I should be doing. “You need to eat this.” “You should use this app.” “Follow this person on social media.” I know it often comes from a place of love, but honestly, it can be overwhelming. Sometimes, all that extra advice just makes me want to throw in the towel and give in to the cravings.

This time around, I’m doing things differently. I’m keeping my journey to myself. I need to stay focused, and I don’t want to add any more background noise that could distract me from my goal. If friends want to work out with me, that’s awesome! I’ll gladly take a workout buddy, but I’m not going to share my plan or my specific goals.

I’m looking at this journey like pulling myself up a rope. I’m pulling (slowly but steadily). If someone comes along and gives me a little extra boost, I’ll gladly take it. But I’m climbing this rope, and I’m not letting go. I have to do this for myself, and sometimes that means tuning out everything else around me.

I love my friends, but this time, I’m choosing to listen to myself. I’m tuning out the distractions, the unsolicited advice, and the temptations. I’m listening to the inner voice that knows I can do this, that believes I am capable of success.

Let’s keep climbing, friends. We’ve made it this far, and we’re not stopping now. We can do this—one step, one pull, one day at a time.

Let’s keep moving forward! 💪🏽🌟