I just wanted to offer some support and kindness towards so many who seem to be upset with their choices over the holidays. It is so hard to read the frustration and anger people have at themselves for choices made at arguably a tough time of year. Holidays can be stressful. It is supposed to be about family, and this year has been particularly tough for me as both my parents died recently, and it is a tremendous trigger of sorrow and grief for me. But I am fortunate enough to appreciate that this way of living allows room for the tough times, and abilities to get back to our regularly scheduled feastings and fastings. I just wish to urge gentleness towards ourselves. No need to kick up the stress hormones, right? There is always the next moment to make a different choice. It took time to incur the damage, and now that we have tools to move towards a better healthier self, I just encourage to remember we are all human, and we got this. Love n support to you all! You have no idea how much an inspiration you all are 
<3 Thank you everyone, mods and membersā¦ If this needs to be deleted, I understand.
Patience and compassion... towards ourselves
My heart goes out to you for your loss. Oh manš
Huge thanks for the words on compassion and 
Love
Uplifting!
So TRUE.
It definitely hit home w meš
@Tmdlkwd Life keeps going on and throwing detours at us along the wayā¦ right? Guess it is the clinician and empath in me that flinches when I see people beat htemselves up on things that we can adjust for readily enough. We didnāt get to these states of health overnight, and the skills/tools take practice. I call this a way of living, not eatingā¦ to remind myself exactly that. LIVING the best life possible, with whatever time we gotā¦ IMHOā¦ thanks for replying!
Sorry for your loss. Love your attitude.
The world needs lots of patience and compassion right now.
I donāt know why we can so freely give to others, and not ourselves, if we are not loved and cared for by ourselves, how can we give it to others?
Big cyber hug sent your way.
Your post is beautiful and true. We do need to be less hard on ourselves. Thanks for sharing what must have been difficult for you.
Iām nearly out of likes, so Iāll have to come and better decorate this thread tomorrow.
I know Iāve posted elsewhere that this was probably the last Thanksgiving Iāll have with my mom :(, and as much as Iām hurt by that, it also puts things in perspective. We all die at some point. I realize thatās kind of a āduhā statement, but knowing it in the abstract is different than being faced with it on a daily basis. So Iām certainly being more forgiving of myself these days, but then, also recognizing that I want to make the most of the rest of my lifeā¦and that means NOT packing around the extra weight.
So itās a balancing act. Eating to feel better and be healthier, but on days when that seems too difficult, not beating myself up over it, either.
Carolyn, Iām so sorry that youāve recently lost both parents. 
This is an eating plan for living. For health and happiness . I love how I feel but I love to spend time with friends and family and that sometimes means a ācalculated deviationā (I hate the word cheat) from the strict plan.
We are human. We slip up sometimes in all areas of life.
Be your own best friend. Always ask yourself what advice would you give your bestie?
Take care xx
Sending you hugs, losing 1 parent is awful, you are an inspiration due to your positive attitude & care for aÄŗl.
Cheers stokies. Way to put things in perspective. Itās not about our failures or moments of weakness; itās about being thankful for what we do have. Not everyone has tomorrow to redeem themselves.
My condolences for your recent loss.
I often harken back to my Marine Corps training and Vietnam War experience because it was such a transformative event in my youth and provided me with a framework for my adult life.
The Corps has many sayings and catch phrases ā a few good men, etc. ā but some disciplines you may not have heard of are even more profound. They can be applied to Keto as well. Indeed, some have already spilled over into civilian life.
ā Fitness is 90 percent mental: there is very little the body canāt do when you will it. Too often the body just wants the easiest or least resistant way out.
ā Pain is weakness leaving the body: Healthy living transitions enact changes in the body, muscularly, hormonally, etc. Embrace the discomfort because it means you are changing.
ā Marines never retreat, they only regroup and attack in a different direction: change up whatās not working in your diet and seek a solution in a different way.
āEach step is a victory: meeting short term goals leads to long term success.
ā Watch your six: always know what is behind you and where youāve been because it keeps you on the right path.
ā Failure is not an option: In the end, it is not physical strength that sets Marines apart, it is discipline and their inner resolve not to fail. So when you pick yourself off the deck and fight on once again against an unhealthy lifestyle there is no need for self pity. For you are doing something about it.
ā Semper Fi (Always Faithful): Keto On.
Thabk you for kind words and for the reminder to be kinder to ourselves, and despite your grief at a difficult time of year you still take time to lift us all up and remind us whatās really important. So sorry for your loss, hugs to you in the tough days ahead.