Newbies Nest
Pepper, nice analogy. I've slipped 3 times in my short time here. I've looked back to figure out why. Half- heartedness and complacency, then over confidence are what brought me down. I've learnt each time, and think I finally get it. Time will tell.
But the one thing that made the difference is the support, empathy, and welcome back waiting when deciding to get back on and try again. I totally agree with you Pepper.
To anyone considering on starting a new AF life here, or starting over again, don't hesitate. There is so much wonderful support here. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
peppersnow;1671514 wrote:
My little brother runs marathons and his time is just under 4 hours. When he comes up to stay with us to run, his very favorite thing to do is to go back to the finish line about 6 hours after the start, when the slowest runners are finally making it across the finish line. He goes crazy cheering on those people, who are usually rather out-of-shape looking, and when I asked him why he says that it's because it takes so much more work, commitment, and endurance to run 26 miles when you're out-of-shape than it does when you're in top condition. In his mind, they are the most impressive runners in the race and he wants them to be cheered on.
I feel the same way about people who slip and immediately come back. Those early days are the hardest. I slipped the first time I came here, felt ashamed and left. It seems like every week there are new people who join us or awhile, then suddenly disappear forever. We all know it's because they slipped and quit. To keep coming back and trying after a slip takes SO much more courage, determination and strength than to give up and disappear.
So please, please just stick with us and know that when one of us falls down, the only emotion the rest of us feels when you get back up again is tremendous relief, gratitude and admiration that you stayed here to keep trying!
My little brother runs marathons and his time is just under 4 hours. When he comes up to stay with us to run, his very favorite thing to do is to go back to the finish line about 6 hours after the start, when the slowest runners are finally making it across the finish line. He goes crazy cheering on those people, who are usually rather out-of-shape looking, and when I asked him why he says that it's because it takes so much more work, commitment, and endurance to run 26 miles when you're out-of-shape than it does when you're in top condition. In his mind, they are the most impressive runners in the race and he wants them to be cheered on.
I feel the same way about people who slip and immediately come back. Those early days are the hardest. I slipped the first time I came here, felt ashamed and left. It seems like every week there are new people who join us or awhile, then suddenly disappear forever. We all know it's because they slipped and quit. To keep coming back and trying after a slip takes SO much more courage, determination and strength than to give up and disappear.
So please, please just stick with us and know that when one of us falls down, the only emotion the rest of us feels when you get back up again is tremendous relief, gratitude and admiration that you stayed here to keep trying!
But the one thing that made the difference is the support, empathy, and welcome back waiting when deciding to get back on and try again. I totally agree with you Pepper.
To anyone considering on starting a new AF life here, or starting over again, don't hesitate. There is so much wonderful support here. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
). I was going to start writing again in a journal I started when my husband and I separated, but I'm tired of thinking about my marriage, and am going to start a book instead.
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