Oh my goodness can I relate to this! At age 49 I went back to school to become Certified in both Life Coaching and Energy Leadership Coaching. I am now working on building my practice and all anyone in my family can see is that I am still fat. No one said hey great work, just your still fat as they proceed in telling me how to lose weight.

Is that a maltese? It's rough all I can think to do is cut everyone out of my life. I'm probly not going to my graduation because I'm embarrassed. Well congradulations. What is energy leadership?

"Blowing out the other guy's candle isn't going to make yours burn any brighter". Throw that at them and see how long it takes them to understand what you're saying. Maybe they'll think about it then. Family can be so mean, sometimes knowingly and sometimes not, but still, it hurts.
We love you here. You're one of us and we'll be here to help. Promise!

Jill don't let embarrassment stop you from going to your graduation--you EARNED the right to be there and you should attend proudly. We all have to remember there are heavy people everywhere, we exist and others will just have to get over it :).
As for energy leadership---we all are leaders of our own energy wheither we are aware of it or not, and we have the power of choice, so we can choose what energy level we want to respond from. There are seven levels of energy, but only two core types Catabolic (negative) and Anabolic (postive--For example--people who have addictions or things like eating disorders are in the catabolic range. In order for them to get rid of their problem they must raise their energy level to an anabolic level. It is quite interesting! If you want to learn more let me know. Oh and yes it's a maltese, our cute little Daisy.

Thanks guys, I like that candle comment. Sad thing is they tell themselves they are just trying to help. I was'nt going to skip my graduation because I'm overweight. I did'nt want my husband to have to sit alone in the audience, but I think I'm gonna go. I have an empty scrapbook I need to fill eventually. Mistie I have 2 sweet maltese. They are so sweet and they are'nt afraid I'll roll over on them either.

Jill, I am about your age and also struggle with bingeing -- on both alcohol and food. I know those conversations with your family -- so well -- because lately mine has been sqwaking about the fact that I am going to get diabetes. My mother is suspicious of any guy I date because deep down, I don't think she can fathom why a guy would go out with me (my other fine qualities be damned.)

I know what it's like to work so hard and want accolades for that, only to have even the simplest conversation turn to the one topic you can't escape. It is really rough.

Although it's hard, sometimes distance (physical and emotional) from people who judge, judge, judge is necessary. I try to come on here and surround myself with my best friends and my guy (who is super-loving and supportive) and tune the rest of "the peanut gallery" out.

I hope that there is at least a small tinge of elation on your part for having graduated and finishing this massive step in your life. You getting your degree is something you did for your own benefit. It's a way of honoring yourself, even if by eating and drinking we dishonor ourselves.

Every small, good thing we do for ourselves should be heralded.

Really happy for you! And proud! And I'll bet your husband is, too.

When I was young weight issues were a big deal. I wish everyone would have left me alone. I still have poor body image. I'm sorry your family is so inconsiderate. It does absolutely nothing to get you to try and lose weight. This makes me mad. We are hard enough on ourselves. I'm so proud of you for sticking with college and about to graduate. That is really an accomplishment.

You guys are awsome, I'm so glad I joined this group. Ok we drink or eat or both too much, we are still trying to be better is'nt that what it is about. I think I'm going to send them a letter and invitation saying just what you all have said. I want you to be here for me, but I dont need anymore critisism, I do enough myself. I need to draw the line for self preservation.