Introductions

[Nancy B]

To celebrate the new virtual Life Makeover Message Boards you're invited to introduce yourself and tell what brings you to this community.

I'll start.
I'm Nancy Baker, I use my full name so you don't confuse me with Nancy Levin, our computer and retreat goddess:). I'm a Life Coach who leads the monthly Life Makeover Telegatherings with coaches Sally McCue and Sharon Day, and I'm moderator for the Virtual Life Makeover Group Board. Cheryl was my first coach, I share her passion for the power of people in community.

Four years ago I started the first Life Makeover Group at a Barnes & Noble near my home in Willow Grove, PA to bring people together to share possibilities. We just celebrated our 4 year anniversary and you can read about it at http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/3-05182003-91732.html
I believe that when we share our challenges and successes we strengthen and empower each other, which is what Cheryl had in mind when she gave us this awesome tool.

How about you? Can you describe yourself in 150 words or less?

[danh603]

Hello everyone,

My name is Daryl and I live in Southern New Hampshire.

I am deeply committed to making my life better along with those of other people. I just "up and quit" my job in April and have started Massage Therapy school. I am very excited about this new opportunity since I have been out of school for almost 27 years.

I enjoy meeting new people, who like myself, want to better themselves. I did have the unbelievable opportunity to meet Cheryl and Michael at a book signing about 2 months ago and it was an experience that changed me forever. I actually cried when I met Cheryl. ( Yes, men to cry in public.) It was an expereince that I will hold close to heart forever.

So, come on the new board and introduce yourself.

Enjoy!
Daryl

[tamakay]

Daryl...thanks for sharing the tears. I cried too when I met Cheryl, both times!!! She had an amazing affect on me.

My name is Tamara. I am a 31 year old native of Denver, Colorado. I have two boys of my own 8 and 2, a step-daughter who only visits in the summer 8, a puppy, a cat and a husband Jared who is 28. We are the epitome of a blended family; his, mine and ours. I am a new college student, just finished my first year at community college. Some of the things I have been dealing with are my self-esteem, my 'loveability', my weight, my "calling in life", my lack of creativity and my non-existent spiritual life.

What I am looking for here is support from people who don't have a personal interest in my choices, but who want me to succeed. I have supportive friends and family, but they are also the nay-sayers when I want something that they don't want for me. I need people who have experience in life, creativity and an interest in the self-help genre.

My life revolves around four things 1. My children. 2. My marriage and 3. My relationships with others. and 4. My relationship with myself. I would like there to be one more thing on that list...my relationship with "insert higher power of choice here".

What a blessing to be a part of this community.

[rosebud2004]

Hi,

I'm a 41 year old single female with no kids. I currently reside in the San Francisco Bay Area.

For the past 7 to 8 years, I've been sleepwalking through my life. I seriously neglected my personal life and spiritual side. I was completely out of touch with myself. Looking back, the signs were there...I just ignored them. Everything came to a head earlier this year when I hit bottom. My depression overwhelmed me. I couldn't keep up the facade of normalcy. I didn't get out of bed until noon. I stayed up until 3am because I was scared to fall asleep ( I was having horrible nightmares) and I dreaded the next day because it would be like the previous day.

I finally went to a therapist. She helped me to realize I was depressed and had been for a long while. Most importantly, she helped me get in touch with my feelings and my passion. I now know where I want to go or remembered where I want to go. I have definite goals. I get excited when I think about fullfuling or even pursuing those goals. The only problem is that I'm not sure how to get there from here. Some days, it seems attainable and others it seems like an overwhelming tasks. Currently, I'm unemployed and it has been a struggle finding work.

Unfortunately, I could only see the therapist for 60 days because it was a county (read free for unemployed folks) program. I'm trying to keep the momentum going, but somedays I falter. That's why I came to the this board. I want to connect with like-minded individuals who to keep myself motivated. I also want to help motivate/support others. One of the best joys in life is to help others reach their goals.

TC

[Denise Anne]

Hi I'm Denise,
I've come to this board to find like-minded people to talk to.
I live in New Zealand and could probably start a LM Group if I was "up to the challenge" but I know I am not at that stage yet.
Meantime I need to bounce ideas off others.
I have been severely depressed for several years causing anger and frustration in my life - I haven't felt really in control..... until I read Cheryl's book Take Time For Your Life.
Believe me I have been an improvement-aholic - I have a whole library of books, but Cheryls was the first one to start with looking after myself - something I never thought of.
Once I gave myself time I found I could plan things and achieve - only in very very small steps at first. I kept a notebook and reading back has had me in tears and laughter at what I wrote.
Six months ago I came out of the cloud - now the progress is steady - but I still confuse myself sometimes and would love to talk some of my issues out......low self esteem and a loss of faith in my own judgement are my working points.

I have three grown up children - 26,24,22 and a 3 1/2 year old - a surprise 40th birthday present from my current partner. Yes I'm 44.

I work and my partner stays home with our son.

I would love a male perspective on some of the issues I have as I get really confused as to what is my issue and what is my partners and setting boundaries with everyone....... well thats been a minefield - my family haven't taken to change very well = however I feel much better.

heck...... what a ramble .....you better all help ..please.

DENISE

[WaterLily]

My name is Rose, I'm from the Boston, MA area and also came here to find like minded people. I am single with no children and have two cats at home.

Since many people have discussed depression already, I suffered from clinical depression for many years but didn't want to go on medication because for some reason taking medication for depression was some sort of character flaw. I fought it for many years but finally gave in and started antidepressants. After about two months on the medication, I realized that I was dealing with life better, that for the first time in my life I could actually say I felt happy. I thought, is this the way most people feel? No wonder they can smile everyday! My only regret is that I waited so long to start medication that I obviously needed.

Since then I have found a new source of energy and have found my passion in traveling. I get away as often as I can, 3 weeks a year and weekends as often as I can plan them. I love visiting new places and trying new things, something I never would have done BM (before medication). I'm even taking an online course on travel writing in the hopes that someday I could write about my travels.

For my commitment to improving my health, I have quit smoking the beginning of the year, have adopted a healthier diet and try to go for a walk every day. Even if all I have time for is a walk around the block, it's better than nothing at all. I have read a couple of Cheryl's books and she has been instrumental in encouraging me to just do something, anything to improve my life, to take baby steps when giant steps aren't possible.

[tamakay]

Originally posted by danh603

The one thing that I have read, or haven't is that none of us are doing anything about "taking care of ourselves" health wise....



I should mention that I have lost 25 lbs so far this year and am working on losing another 20. Drinking Water has been the key to my success along with a healthier diet.

[danh603]

WAY TO GO Tamkay.....NICE WORK, keep up the progression that you have started.

Welcome, Rose...I am from the Northeast also, glad to see that you are here and posting your thoughts and feelings, that is the first step. That's wonderful about the travel writing course that you are taking, you must enjoy that alot. Good luck with it.

Take care my friends...
Daryl

[Louise]

Hi!

My name is Louise and I'm from Canada. I am in my late 40 s and have had many dramatic changes in my life in the past 12 years, moved to another province, divorced, both of my children are now grown and have moved away. Last summer I married a wonderful man whom I met 4 years ago and have 2 step sons.

I work in the IT industry and find my work
rewarding but stressful. I am hoping to start making some changes to transition to another career in the next few years.

I've read Cheryl's books and would like to join an online makeover group to help me in this transition.

Looking forward to making new friends and getting and giving support on our journey to a better life.

[rosebud2004]

Tamakay,

Woohoo.....congratulations on your weight loss!!

Daryl,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I do have small steps on the way to my larger goals. I call them plan A, B, C. Problem is that they aren't working. I have worked temp for several years, but the jobs have dried up.

So, now I trying my hand at self-employment.

Tam

[foxgoddess]

Hello,

I am Susan. I have been reading the posts of ya'll (I am from Texas) and could not help but be drawn to all of you. I am in my mid-40's and have read Cheryl's books and found my purpose.
I am recently divorced and have taken a small break from romantic relationships. Unfortunately, I have also lost my friendships and for a while I was alone. Oh, I had my family: parents and siblings, but I am in need of friends. I don't have children. I recently added to my family by adopting a kitten named Buster Ryan. I firmly believe cats should have a first name and a middle name. He is a joy.
I have a job but NO career.
I have found a purpose in rehabilating myself: self care is no longer a luxury, but a mission.
And I am hoping that there are folks out there that understand this process and will be gracious enough to share and kind enough to allow me to share.
Buster has checked this out as well. Yawned and walked off. So hoping that I have not overstayed a welcome. Look forward to chatting.

Susan

[Louise]

Susan,

Like you I am divorced (as you could see from my introduction). You definitely need a time to rest and reassess your life after a divorce. The first 2 years after my breakup I was bitter and spent a lot of energy on being angry.

Fortunately for me, I had good friends and a wonderful family who put up with me. My journey has been rough at times but I must say that except for the fact that I really never would have chosen to be divorced because of my kids (they did not deserve to go through that), I am really much happier and a better person because of this experience. It has been over 10 years for me. I chose not to date for the first 4 and then started dating ( hadn't done that since I was 19 years old). It was interesting to say the least. And fortunately for me 4 years ago I met a great guy ( a soul mate) and we married last summer. But in the meanwhile I had made a lot of changes in my life and for the first time started taking care of myselt (body, mind and spirit).

Anyways, I would love to be a friend to you.

Louise

[croakie]

I am a soon to be 35 year old (Birthday is next month) married woman. Been married for 10 years and have a BEAUTIFUL 9 month son. I live in the Boston area.

Some of you may already know this from some posts I have made. Over the past 3-5 years my husband and I dealt with infertility treatments. After 4 failed IVF's being the last of our fertility journey, we adopted our wonderful little boy. He is so precious!!!!

Being a Mom is much more wonderful than I ever even expected but it is also much harder. Most of the curve balls I have been thrown are how I feel/react to things. More on this later...

I was at a crossroads with my job as recently as last week because I was starting to think about working more hours even though my dream (and plan with my husband) had always been to be a stay at home Mom. I work part time (and part of this is from home) as an assitant to a President of a company and I also am a personal assistant to my previous employer (working only about 4 hours per month or so).

Just found out beginning of this week that I am pregnant. WOW!

So, I am hear to try to sort out what I am going to do about my work situation while dealing with the guilt/resistance/my own happiness.

You all sound like a very encouraging group and it seems that you have all already began to take steps in "your" right direction which is very encouraging to me. I firmly believe that action, begets (sp?) action.

Good luck to us all and I look forward to communicating with you.

[Jamie529]

Hello!

I am a just-turned-40-last-week woman who lives in the upper midwest. We don't have a Life Makeover Group nearby, but I would like to start one!

I have a 16 year old daughter who is entering her last year of high school. I've been a single mom for her whole life and we have a really good relationship. I am beginning to feel the twinges of empty nest syndrome, although she plans to go to a university in our town and won't be far.

I'm a mid-level manager working for state government in a job that I NEVER thought I would stay at. Sixteen years later, I'm still here! Argh!! I am now compromising every day, shackled with golden handcuffs to a job that doesn't "do" much for my self esteem, but that pays well. (And for that I am grateful).

I got married in December 2001 to a man 13 years younger than me. After being single so long, it's been quite a challenge to adjust- waaaay more difficult than I ever thought. The differences that have to do with our ages, including maturity level, attitude, expectations, values, etc., has rocked me to the core and I find myself struggling with depression. For some reason, I have also found myself becoming fearful- as though since I took a chance with this relationship and it hasn't turned out well- I don't want to now screw up even worse!

On the bright side, I have been reading Cheryl and Michael's books, as well as a few others, and am gradually getting unstuck. I have been attending a class on balance taught by a life coach and find that very helpful. Things are looking up and I'm excited!

Best wishes to everyone. I look forward to "meeting" you!


Jamie

[lexy]

Hi

I am a new member to the forums.

My name is alec, I am a 28yr old male from the UK.

I havent read much about Cheryl Richardson, however my friend got me a book "Stand Up For Your Life" last year. I have just started to read the book upto Page 21. I seen the website url and thought I would have a look about.

Thats all for now. See you around... :)

[Nancy B]

anybody else for intros?

[emerginny]

Hello everyone,

My name is Ginette. I'm presently in Edmonton, Alberta but was born in Montreal, Quebec. I'm 43 years old. I am presently in my second marriage and have been for almost 10 years. I have a wonderful loving and very supportive husband, Evan. Evan lost his sight 2 years ago. We have a 13 year old son who is full of life and is my greatest teacher. I work full time at the National Film Board of Canada, a governmental documentary and animation production agency.

About 4-5 months ago, I came across the cassette tape version of "Life Makeovers" by Cheryl. It took me about 15 minutes to realize how in tune Cheryl and I were. It all made perfect sense to me. So I decided to check her website. Lo and behold, all the information was layed out for me to start a group. I always wanted to start a group but fears always won, and the dream was pushed back in the recess of my mind. Not this time though. What an opportunity that was! I decided to invite all the women I knew at that time and as far back as 10 years before. I can remember how painful of a process that was for me. I have a big issue with rejection and this process sure did bring that issue to the forefront. You probably have heard the phrase "Feel the fear but do it anyway!" Well that is exactly how it was. There was plenty of fears but I kept on going. On the information night, one lady showed up but two others told me they were interested. I was pleased to see that we had the start of a group. So the 4 of us met and organized ourselves. That was 3 months ago. Now there are 7 of us and we have decided to close the group for now as we feel that 7 is enough. We are doing wonderful. I have a sense that there are no coincidence in the 7 of us coming together. We are growing already each in our own ways.

Last night we had our 3-month check up meeting. We looked at what we have done in terms of meeting format, time, days, etc. etc. We affirmed what works and found better ways for other things. We are looking at doing a weekend retreat together. We will also be having a creative night each month to do things that are related to what we are working on but in that isn't working the book. We will be using art and movement therapy and any other tools which will help us to get deeper within and find more healing and the courage to live the best life we can. We have also decided to buddy up in between meetings so that we can work the chapters more in depth. This is indeed very exciting. Our hope is that we still will be a strong group many years from now.

I would like to encourage anyone that might be thinking about starting a group themselves. Yes it might be scary but it is SO worth it. Give yourself this gift. Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Namaste!

[Maggie]

Hey! My name is Maggie. I just joined your LM Group. I work the midnight shift at an "Assisted Living Center". While I was working and all residents were doing what I should have been doing, I read a magazine and read about losing weight and changing one's outlook on life.
I have been diagnosed with clinical depression as alot of you which seems to be our common bond on here, thus far.
I was married for 10 years and produced 2 sons, 18/19.
They betrayed me in court in 1998, or so I felt at the time. So I moved to PA.
I married in November/2003 to a fabulous former Marine and ultrafabulous great guy.
I have changed my whole life around since being involved with him 3 years ago after meeting online.
*So those of you who think you CAN'T find love on the net..there is someone for everyone!*
I am a die hard Steeler fan and love to talk sports.
I also collect Boyd's Bears,watch cooking shows on the Food Network, enjoy fishing for trout, and am currently in the hunt to lose weight,LOTS OF IT, the healthy "life managing" way!
I would love to hear from others who are also in the quest for bettering our lives, for whatever reasons.
Hey, let's bounce ideas off one another!

I guess the one phrase that coins me lot is this:
Maggie, You don't know a STRANGER do you?
No, I dont!

Hey, everyone has a story to tell.
So...
What is yours?

Take care and God Bless..
Maggiek

[Caroline]

Hello, Hello, Hello ...I have been posting on these board since August 2003 and never came across this introduction thread until today.

I think it is a great idea and thought...why not bring it back to life!

So, why today? Why did I find this today? I was just on the gratitude thread and sharing my gratitude for the LMG support friends here, there and everywhere.

I decided to make a "Shout out" to acknowledge specific friends which led me to reminiscing about some friends that I am very fond of and are not as active in their posting these days. This led me to searching some old threads to trigger my memories. This time, I decided to start looking at the beginning of time on these boards...and I found this "Introduction" thread.

I have not introduced myself yet....but I will be back to do so. Please join in.....