I am back... - YouLookFab Forum

Good morning (or evening depending on your location) to my lovely YLF family. Let me begin by saying that I have missed each of you deeply. My limited activity as of late has been due to a myriad of reasons - crazy work schedules, family committments, health concerns,etc. But truthfully, the largest reason that I have not posted, is that I have been feeling less than fab about myself.

Between the Christmas season and Valentine's Day, I gained 12 pounds. A good portion of the weight gain is likely linked to my battle with endometrisosis. However, 12 pounds meant most of my clothes did not fit - or at least fit poorly. Therefore, I felt bad about myself and shyed away from coming to YLF.

But now that my endometriosis is better controlled (thanks to hormone therapy and accupuncture), I have been able to start working on getting back to my happy weight. I have started training again for a 5K race, lifting weights with my husband, and teaching aerobics. While the scale is not yet reflecting a big change, I feel a 1000 times better.

Therefore, I wanted to come back. I have missed each of you and the sense of community YLF provides. I can't wait to catch up with each of you.

13 years ago

HeleenH

Veteran

Welcome back, I just came back after winter, too. Isn't it nice to find the YLF community so welcoming. Some people you remember from before and some new people on different legs of their style yourney.

kimlee

Heleen - I have taken several breaks from YLF over the years. And it never ceases to amaze me that when I come back, I am welcomed with open arms each and every time.

ManidipaM

Kimlee, so glad to hear you're feeling better. Stay well and stay stylish!

(You do know you're being too hard on yourself, shying away just because your body wants to take a break and look different, right? You can be fab at ANY size, etc... Though exhaustion often helps us surrender to negative thoughts, and I bet all that you've been going through has been pretty tiresome!)

MandipaM - Thank you for the kind words. I agree 100% that you can be fab at any size. However, the exhaustion of my life had me giving in to the negative thoughts. But not again. I will embrace and love my body and style no matter what a scale says.

Amy

(website)

Kimlee, I'm so glad you're back and feeling better!

Thanks Amy!

Deborah

Kimlee I have missed you. It is lovely to have you back. Sounds like life has been challenging of late and I trust that things are settling down for you.

Deborah - Thank you for such sweet words. I have missed you as well. Life is finally starting to settle down. It seems that when one thing goes awry everything gets out of sorts. Thankfully, work is slowing, my health is better, and life is improving on all fronts.

Transcona Shannon

Welcome back Kim! We've missed you too! I'm sorry that you've had some health issues but awfully glad that you are finding some relief and feeling better about yourself.Those few pounds can really mess with your head, can't they? Welcome home!

Shannon - Yes, they can. Thanks for the warm welcome.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

We have missed you too, Kimlee,

I'm sorry to hear about your health challenges (((HUGS))). I want to support your weight loss goals because I want to support you - but please remember that your body is perfect the way it is right now, as long as you are healthy. And if that means that you have to purchase stuff that fits - that is not a bad thing.

And FWIW, you always look fab. It would be hard for you to look otherwise no matter what

Jem

Welcome back, and I'm glad you are getting your health problems under control. I'm sorry you have been feeling bad about yourself, but am happy you are starting to feel better!

Angie - There is such wisdom in your words. Intially, the weight gain had me very upset which lead to a negative self image. To complicate matters, I was unable to do many of the physical activities that I loved (running, weights, aerobics). My emotions overtook me and feel prey to a few unhealthy habits. However, now that my health has improved and I am able to be more active, I feel better, and I once again feel fab (even in bigger sizes). I am trying to re-establish a healthy lifestyle. And if the scale never changes, I am truly at peace.

Jem - Thank you so much.

Now THOSE are wise words, Kimlee!

Carole

Kimlee, so happy you are back and feeling better. I completely relate to your feelings. Sometimes life takes a direction that makes it difficult to focus on ourselves, fashion or otherwise. YLF is such a great place to get back on track.

Thank you Carole! YLF is truly a great place to help me get back on track and to remind me to focus on myself.

anne

Welcome back Kimlee. I remember reading your physical goals for the year (I think you had linked from your blog) and I guess it must have been hard to not be able to do what you planned. I am glad your headspace is better and that the symptoms are becoming more manageable.
I don't think I have ever seen you put a style foot wrong (and we have been together on YLF for a long time), so I am confident you are in fact looking good at the moment!

Anne - Thank for such a kind words. I appreciate you confidence in me. I hope to post some photos later this week or next, to show that I am once again rocking my style.

Anonymous

Kimlee! You've been missed. I'm so glad you're feeling better and are back!

fashionista

Oh dear so sorry to hear about your illness. Best of luck for your determination.
And you can always count YLF for anything "even if you don't feel fab days". We are always there for you. What say gals.....???
Welcome back!!!!

catgirl

Kimlee, welcome back! Sorry to hear of your travails - many here have been struggling with their own or loved ones' health issues too. Or just the weight concerns... feel free to post, and I MUST start doing regular fitness threads again myself!

Claire - Thank you for taking the time to welcome me back.

fashionista - Thank you!

Una - I would love to see you post regular fitness threads...I loved reading thru them before.

Aziraphale

I'm glad to hear you've got your endometriosis under control and you're feeling fresh and healthy. I know firsthand how tough gyno problems can be. Well done and best of luck!

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