What You Girls Want
Hi, everyone--
So it's been about a week since I vowed to STOP saying how tired and busy I am ... and I have to say, I've only slipped a few times. And I do feel pretty good ... a little more in control ... a little calmer about what's going on in my life right now. I have this way of giving into that overwhelming feeling that makes it a chore to do ANYTHING. But ever since I've said "no" to "tired" and "busy," I've started to feel like I have the energy to tackle some things on my list that I've been putting off. Which brings me to ...
This site. I've been thinking about making some changes to make the site more interactive, more useful and inspiring to you ... and I wanted to get your input. Here's a couple of things I've been thinking about:
A message board: I love the Guest Book ... probably because it's full of fabulous messages about how wonderful the book is (with the exception of a few). But ... I think we need a place where we can talk to each other more easily--where you guys can share, argue, advise, etc. so it's not always just ME. Obviously, this isn't revolutionary, but let me know what you think. I'm not sure if I would keep the guestbook or replace it with a message board ... I'll have to talk with my amazing web guy for advice about that.
Blogs: I'm thinking about giving you all opportunities on this site to blog too. So I would keep my "Secrets" blog and the Ask A Former Fat Girl area (If you want me to!), but would add a function that allows whoever wants to to create and keep a blog here. I love the idea of hearing other Former Fat Girls' journeys and learning from them.
Groups: OK, here's a big one. I want to know what you think about creating in-the-flesh Former Fat Girl groups. I would ask leaders to apply, post guidelines, offer some kind of perks to members, and make myself available monthly for chats or something ... this idea is still taking shape but I would love to hear if any of you would want to meet with a group of other Former Fat Girls and Future FFGs for support.
Jump-Start Weekends: I'm in the process of organizing at least one FFG Jump-Start Weekend at a spa (can't name names right now). The weekend would be full of fitness activities, healthy foods, discussion time, plenty of fun FFG activities, and (of course) spa treatments!
I would love to know what you think about these ideas ... and whether there are any other functions you would like to see on the site (or beyond!). Thanks for your input and your support. You know, you all keep telling me how I've inspired you, but your messages are inspiring me ... to keep living healthy, to keep believing, to keep ME on my own to-do list. I can't thank you all enough for being open to me and my message.
Lisa D
So it's been about a week since I vowed to STOP saying how tired and busy I am ... and I have to say, I've only slipped a few times. And I do feel pretty good ... a little more in control ... a little calmer about what's going on in my life right now. I have this way of giving into that overwhelming feeling that makes it a chore to do ANYTHING. But ever since I've said "no" to "tired" and "busy," I've started to feel like I have the energy to tackle some things on my list that I've been putting off. Which brings me to ...
This site. I've been thinking about making some changes to make the site more interactive, more useful and inspiring to you ... and I wanted to get your input. Here's a couple of things I've been thinking about:
A message board: I love the Guest Book ... probably because it's full of fabulous messages about how wonderful the book is (with the exception of a few). But ... I think we need a place where we can talk to each other more easily--where you guys can share, argue, advise, etc. so it's not always just ME. Obviously, this isn't revolutionary, but let me know what you think. I'm not sure if I would keep the guestbook or replace it with a message board ... I'll have to talk with my amazing web guy for advice about that.
Blogs: I'm thinking about giving you all opportunities on this site to blog too. So I would keep my "Secrets" blog and the Ask A Former Fat Girl area (If you want me to!), but would add a function that allows whoever wants to to create and keep a blog here. I love the idea of hearing other Former Fat Girls' journeys and learning from them.
Groups: OK, here's a big one. I want to know what you think about creating in-the-flesh Former Fat Girl groups. I would ask leaders to apply, post guidelines, offer some kind of perks to members, and make myself available monthly for chats or something ... this idea is still taking shape but I would love to hear if any of you would want to meet with a group of other Former Fat Girls and Future FFGs for support.
Jump-Start Weekends: I'm in the process of organizing at least one FFG Jump-Start Weekend at a spa (can't name names right now). The weekend would be full of fitness activities, healthy foods, discussion time, plenty of fun FFG activities, and (of course) spa treatments!
I would love to know what you think about these ideas ... and whether there are any other functions you would like to see on the site (or beyond!). Thanks for your input and your support. You know, you all keep telling me how I've inspired you, but your messages are inspiring me ... to keep living healthy, to keep believing, to keep ME on my own to-do list. I can't thank you all enough for being open to me and my message.
Lisa D
15 Comments:
I'm a new visitor, am part way through your book. I think message boards/groups would be a great idea, but have no idea how much work they would be for you.
I think a guideline would be to keep on topic. Or at least within one or two steps of topic. On the WW message boards the posts are so rarely on topic it's frustrating.
I LOVE the idea of message boards. Encouragement at any stage of weight loss is SO helpful!
Bev
I'm a new visitor, and just finished your book (and loved it). I love the idea of a message board. I think that real-life FFG groups is a very interesting idea and would love to hear more about that.
I love all of your ideas!
Message boards allow people a forum to discuss things in real time. I agree with Ellen about needing to stay on topic, those WW boards are terrible about that.
Having a section for us to blog our own journeys and inspire others towards their goals would be amazing.
And I LOVE the idea of the Jumpstart Weekends.
i think message boards and chats would be a great idea. i know i would like to be able to give and recieve tips. i have one now, actually. i have recently started doing it, and i couldn't wait to share it, but didn't know where to go where people would appreciate it. the mint 100 calorie south beach snack bars frozen. they taste just like the thin mint girl scout cookies!
message boards, groups, blogs, chat rooms- they all sound like great ideas!
I love the idea of groups for former fat girls. I also love the idea of "jump start" spa weekends.
I love the ideas too! Message and blogging would be great: we can ask each other questions in the message area and ramble on about why INO to have whatever we want in our blogs. LOL! And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea of "real life" FFG groups. We'd have to have some kick-butt FFG leaders 'cause you know how we'd be inclined to meet up at McD's.
I definitely think that the discussion boards and the contributor blogs are great ideas to increase interaction among people who are seeking to become and continue to be FFGs. Your approach has been really refreshing and helpful to me personally. In general, I have found personal journaling to be a great way to get at the real heart of issues. Blogging would do the same thing but I believe would provide the extra motivation and accountability that I find really inspiring to consider.
Message boards are a great way to connect your readers. I give it thumbs up.
Love the spa idea -- it's all about taking care of yourself right? If you need/want organizational help in Mpls, let me know, I'd love to be involved!
~jessica
I agree I think that all of your ideas are wonderful. I think it would also be helpful to be given topics to talk about. Sort of like your blogs, like your lunch blog. Having FFG, or girls that are still struggling with weight like myself, write about their own experiences would be really helpful.
I just finished your book and I am so inspired. I am reading it again actually. I love all of these ideas and I will continue to check in with this site. I have lost 9 pounds over the last few months just by cutting back on my eating, and now I am going to add exercise (sort of the reverse of you I guess!) With your tips I am confident I can lose even more weight and become a FFG.
Also, please don't lose this blog! I am so happy I have found an extension of the book! I love all of your tips! Thank you Lisa.
Don't lose your blog or the ask a former fat girl -- reading them tonight just inspired me to get my "haven't exercised in a week butt" down to the treadmill.
All the ideas are great, but I would especially love an "in the flesh" group. I was struck by your advice to find a former fat girl for coaching and have been wondering how to do that.
Thanks for inspiring me to do more so that I can be a former fat girl too!
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