Sienna

Yeah, surprised us too! Sorry about England though

Haha, thanks!!

Hi guys! Sorry for being late to comment! I'll skip Week 1's topic since I had already posted my story before that (shall link that later). Now, Week 2! My Black Dog is pretty much invisible these days. Maybe it's because I'm busy or distracted but I almost forget he's there. Then suddenly, when I least expect it, it appears. But in contrast to just a few weeks ago, he seems to be much more restricted - as if he was on a leash. He barks and barks at me (meaning my anxiety attacks do come once in a while) but the leash holds him back (the attacks don't affect me as much as before and I am able to control them much better). This seems to be because of the medication I've been given which fortunately does not give me any weird side effects so I'm able to carry on normally. I feel a bit guilty that I have to rely on a pill to make my life more comfortable, but after years and years of the same anguish that I couldn't solve on my own, the contrary seems unreasonable. Do seek treatment if you can, guys. I promise you it helps. And do things you like, even if you don't feel like it at the moment. I assure you, you'll feel better than you were before you started!

Hi everyone! Sorry for the late reply; it's been a crazy week! (with my 22nd birthday included!) Thanks for the welcome! I've been having more difficulties with finding more ways to eat veggies than not drinking soda (Does corn count as a veggie anyway?) but thankfully a few of my friends are helping me with it: next week we'll be going to a salad/fruit bar and I can't wait to discover more awesome combinations that I can enjoy! I've been feeling my legs getting stronger! When I first finished my workouts my legs were all wobbly but now they're getting firmer and more resistant to the exercises. Also, I'll check that challenge out! Mmm... sounds delicious! Better than my everyday common salad... :/ It went okay :S I guess I'm still getting used to the new routine. I did the BBWW two times instead of the three I'd planned, and I also missed around two days of veggies. It's isn't much but I'm struggling a bit to keep my deadlines. I'm still decided to continue the challenge so that's good! In other news, today was the first time I could perform the BBWW as a circuit! Did all the exercises in one go, rested a bit, and did them all again! I could have tried it for a third time but I decided to take it easy. Some of the exercises are getting way too easy so I should start adding some more reps or weight to make them a bit harder. But it felt incredible to grow stronger in such as small period of time! I'm super happy! Yay, fellow (pirate) pole dancer! I haven't started to actually do pole dance but I hope I begin in the nearby future. Meanwhile, training! We should keep in contact to see how we're doing! There's not so many people here who are doing pole dancing so I'd be really glad if we could make some sort of a group/club for us to share tips, exercises, or just chat!

The cup has already started! Who are you supporting? For myself, I'm cheering for my country Chile and Germany as a close second.

Aw yeaa, Team Popeye! And you too rock, Arya!

Great, thank you! I've been doing pretty well with my goals for now, although I had to miss one veggie day yesterday since I was out. But on a positive note, I've discovered that lettuce spinach salads are heaven-like! I'm also getting better with the bodyweight workout. Lunges were killing me at first but I've gotten more used to them. So yep.

Thank you!! Surprisingly, giving up soda hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. I just get bored of having to drink only water (I'll try sparkling water instead - thanks for the tip!) Best of luck to you too!

As cynic as it sounds, "Trust no one but yourself". I'm also beginning to use "Why not?" when I'm scared to do something. It's a surprisingly encouraging thought.

Wowza, so many people! Thank you everyone! I'll be sure to check your challenges and support you as well!

Woot! Welcome, fellow newbie! (and future guild mate!) Hope you like it here!

No one in pole dancing? D: My name will be there... eventually

/waves back Aww, thank you Chris! Sure thing! I've had my heart set on the assassins since the very moment I read about them. I've never been able to hula hoop but I'll be glad to give it a try in the company of all the ninjas and pirates you've got!

Double post that needs to be deleted

Thank you for linking to my challenge here, Chris! (And sorry for forgetting to post it D:) Just a little background from me: I've been suffering of anxiety since I was little, perhaps as early as 5. The attacks presented as short but very intense, with one of those fears that make you lose control for a second and scream your head off. I learned to manage them as time went by and while uncomfortable, they didn't interfere with my daily life. Well, that until this past May: I had an attack one night that evolved into a full blown anxiety episode that extended for over 12 hours. After visiting an urgency place and meeting with my doctor, I'm now on Paxil. This is my third week taking it and I'm feeling way better. But I've got to admit, it's quite a frustrating thought to realize that you depend on a pill to feel normal again. I may not have lived as long as you guys with all your bad feelings and troubles but if there's something I've noticed is that there's nothing that helps you more than having a strong support group. Fortunately for me, my family have been incredible with my situation and are on board with anything I need to feel better. I now want to extend that same feeling to you: please, if someday you feel like the world is weighing too much over your shoulders, contact me (and us here on this group). We'll be your rock and help you feel accompanied. Let's kick depression/anxiety in the butt!

Hello! Thanks for the intro and all the info. I'll check it out! And I look forward to receiving any feedback or support you can provide.

Good day, fellow rebels! I salute you! Welcome to my first challenge: Finding the Map! Every pirate's dream is to find the treasure... but the treasure cannot be found without a map first. You need a plan! And so, this is mine: Main Quest: Drop the extra weight I possess (Around 20 lbs) Objectives: 1) Do the Beginner Body Weight Workout at least 3 times per week (So I can gain strength for future pole dancing incursions) 2) Include in one of your meals of the day a reasonable portion of vegetables (at least a quarter of the plate) 3) Drop the soda (Definitely) And so, there you have it! My first steps towards the hunt for the booty! But remember one important thing:

I know it's not depression but I have anxiety. May I also participate?

Oooooh, pole dancing! I want to do that too but probably won't be able to get a pole until next year. On the mean time I'm going to improve my flexibility and strength. But it's great that you're into pole dancing too! Good luck on your challenge!

Personally, I'm not a bikini person. Call me prude but I don't like showing so much skin to strangers (annnnnd I don't have a bikini body... yet), so I wear a one-piece. I got this really simple ruched black swimsuit from JC Penney last summer and every time I put it on I feel like a damn goddess. But if they aren't your style, they also have great separates. Mine was $20 bucks I think, so the price for them should similar. It wouldn't hurt too much to check it out; they do have some good pieces.

I also have different sized boobies (pretty sure one's a B while the other one's a D - makes bra shopping a nightmare!) but I'm hoping that when I lose some of my extra weight they'll get more even. As for surgery, I'd say to each their own EXCEPT on cases of surgery addiction. I've seen some of those on TV and they'd risk their lives for just one more surgery. As long as it's something you want and have thought over well, I can't judge.

I don't have so much trouble getting clothes that flatter than finding shoes that fit. I'm a 10/11 in US size, and every time I go to Ross to buy a pair (because they're the only store that have shoes my size that are pretty and quality) the section is almost completely empty. And to make me feel worse, all the 6s through 8s racks are completely full with gorgeous models... -sigh-