Finding Support in Strange Places

February 25th, 2010

In 2002, my family went on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean. While researching the cruise, I happened upon a website called Cruise Critic. It has a message board with a wealth of information and I quickly became enthralled. One of the forums on the message board is called “Lose Before You Cruise” (LBYC). I found my way there since I was desperately trying to lose weight before I had to wear a swim suit in front of thousands of people. I became involved with the forum and made a few new friends.

In 2004, my husband and I decided to go on a “grown-up cruise.” I again turned to Cruise Critic for my research and continued to visit the LBYC forum. I frequented one of the posts there and became good friends with several people. Over the years, our group has grown and we share each others lives as if we live next door to each other instead of in different states or countries. The group has grown apart from the LBYC forum, but we stay in constant contact with each other. The support that I receive from my online friends is priceless.

I met a couple of these wonderful online friends in person and it was so wonderful to be able to finally hug some of my greatest supporters. We hope one day for all of us to be able to meet for a short trip and I know that there will be some great laughs, a few tears, and one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.

As you see, you can find support in the strangest places. You just have to open yourself up and be willing to let others in. Your support group will not care if you need to lose 150 lbs or 10 lbs. They will be with you through good times and bad times, and when your chocolate cravings get to be too much, you can call on them to help you over the hump or help you find the healthiest chocolate around.

Embrace support – no matter where you find it.