We just got a very profound email from one of the members of the PEERtrainer community, and I thought it would be helpful to share some of the comments. It is an excellent articulation of the value of our Point Of No Return concept, and helps to show that we are able to deliver on the central premise with both our Tip of The Day And Point Of No Return Program:
"The things I am learning from the 'tip of the day' and also the 'point of no return intensive' is what makes me think that this will be the time that matters....the time I can reach my goals. I realize that there will be no more "times" after this because over the past 2.5 months my whole life has started to change."
This is really the whole point. Most of us have been through things like Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, South Beach. We own copies of Dr. Oz's books. We have Oprah Magazine sitting in our bathrooms and living rooms. Yet we don't make the progress we desire and we don't become the person we want to become.
We built the PEERtrainer coaching program with this problem in mind, and engaged with a talented therapist who is familiar with both the mind- and the spirit. And the email contained a great recognition of that, that we help move people to a different way of thinking about themselves which can trigger immense personal change:
"I knew how to get an awesome workout....I knew how to eat to lose weight....what I needed all these years is the strength for my mind and my spirit....all the tips and exercises and thoughts that I am totally addicted to now! Health and weight loss is not just a physical journey and I am so happy that I finally realize this."
This was one of the best emails we have ever received at PEERtrainer, and are very grateful for it.
To Ann,
You are not the only one!! I am different in some ways than you, I am shorter and have lighter skin and now I am 12 years older too. When I was about 36 I began a struggle to overcome the same obstacles you are facing. My journey took me through Jungian Analysis, Overeaters Anonymous, jogging on the beach (starting very slowly), etc... My life has changed for the better in many ways and I have a much better handle on my emotional eating and I have maintained a 30 pound weight loss. It was a difficult journey but I am glad I endured. I still need help and community. I'd like to eat better and lose 20 pounds. My focus now is taking the time to prepare healthy foods. Now I have a husband and two kids that add an additional challenge I didn't have back then. Believe me I didn't think I would ever find the romance I longed for or have a family. Asking for help is a huge first step. Keep asking, keep looking at your behavior and feelings honestly and things will shift over time. I promise. Kristen
Posted by: Kristen | August 16, 2011 at 01:29 PM
I have to first say "Thank you and your team". With out you every morning I would not be were I am today.along with my daughter my positive team mender . I finaly learned the real meaning of doing it for my self. I respect my self and have empowered my self. Strength from with in. I still have work to do a goal to reach, but I am not beating my self up for my mistakes and I love to exercise now. So girls I hope I can help motivate one of you the way Peer Trainer is helping me. We do have the power and strength with in us. <3
Posted by: Mary B | July 27, 2010 at 10:33 AM
Peer trainer gets to the heart of the matter, emotional eating, which makes it unique. Secondly and just as important, is the daily encouragement we receive. They never give up on us or lose momentum! Thanks so much.
Posted by: Ann | June 11, 2010 at 08:15 AM
Help! I am 36, female, African American, single no kids and FAT! I am 5'8, 284 lbs. and all I do is think about food and the "pretend" romances I would have if I did more that think about food and eat. I am miserable. No exclamation point there because it's just that blah. I want, I need to loose weight. I'm an emotional eater and a sensitive person by nature. Bad Combo! I've never done this whole blogging deal, if that's what it's called, but at this point insanity is not working for me anymore! Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels this way and if I am please tell me you can help me not feel this way anymore! Since I can't get physically nude, I'm going emotionally commando!
Posted by: BJ | April 04, 2010 at 04:02 PM
Dear Jackie, Habib, Joshua and everyone on PT,
that's so true! I was on and off diet for ages, I knew how to do it in theory, but I was lacking the support and commitment to actually do it. That's what makes PT so valuable, you have tremendous support - be it the tip of the day, the videos or the great support in your groups and teams. And what matters most for me: PT "forces" you to deal with your goal each and every day. If you try to lose weight on your own, it's always easy to slack off a bit, but with the daily logging, communicating and reading the tip of the day, that won't happen. You stay on track (well, mostly) and I find myself really looking forward each morning to come here and chat with my group.
thanks for all your effort! It really makes a big difference!
love, Sonja (oh-lilian)
Posted by: Sonja | March 11, 2010 at 04:55 AM