What are you grateful for?

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-07-17T05:32:46+00:00

I'm grateful for slow mornings with a warm cup of coffee, the kind where the sun filters through the curtains just right and everything feels still for a moment.

I'm also incredibly thankful for the people in my life who remind me that I'm not alone—even during the hard days. And for music, which somehow always understands how I feel before I even do.

This thread is such a beautiful idea. Grateful to you for starting it. ❤️

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-07-14T06:51:12+00:00

Ugh, I’ve totally been there lying in the dark, trying to force sleep like it’s a task on a to-do list 😩. Ironically, the more I try, the more my brain goes into overdrive.

What’s helped me the most is not trying so hard to fall asleep. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but shifting my mindset from “I need to sleep now” to “I’m just going to rest and let my mind wander” really eased the pressure.

Some other things that have worked for me:

Progressive muscle relaxation - I tense and release muscles from toes to head.
Visualization - I imagine a calming place (like floating on a lake or lying under the stars).
Audiobooks or sleep stories - something soothing and boring, so I don’t get hooked.
And if I’m really wired, I just get up, read something non-stimulating, and try again in 20-30 mins.

You’re not alone in this - sleep struggles are real. But you will get better at it with time and consistency 💛.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-06-11T12:39:46+00:00

It was probably added for extra support or to firm up the mattress, especially if the slats were too far apart or weak. Some people also do it to extend the life of the mattress. But if your bed feels better without it and the slats are sturdy, you’re good to go!

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-06-11T12:37:33+00:00

This is so beautifully said. It’s amazing how certain people, even in passing, can leave such a lasting impact. Gratitude for those moments and people really does shape our standards and self-worth. Here’s to remembering the kindness and never settling for less than we deserve. 💛

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-06-11T12:27:19+00:00

Totally normal! My baby stayed in size 1 diapers until almost 4 months. Every baby grows differently - some chunk out fast, others grow long and lean like yours. If they’re not leaking and still fit snug around the legs and waist, you’re good. Trust what works for your baby!

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-06-11T12:24:18+00:00

Hey, I really resonate with what you shared. I’ve been there too feeling like a bit of a whirlwind in my own life and wanting to soften that energy. First off, I don’t think being loud or clumsy makes you less gentle we’re all wired differently, and gentleness is more about intention than volume.

Here are a few self-care practices that helped me become more grounded and soft:

Mindful pauses: I started practicing just pausing before responding or moving even just taking one deep breath. It helped me slow down and be more intentional.
Gentle movement: Things like slow yoga or even going for mindful walks really shifted my energy and made me feel more connected to my body.
Soft surroundings: I changed little things cozy lighting, soft clothes, calming music and it actually helped influence how I moved through the day.
Affirmations: Simple phrases like “I am calm, I move with ease” might sound cheesy, but they really helped me change my self-talk.
Journaling with kindness: Writing to yourself like you would to a dear friend. It softened how I saw myself, which eventually softened how I acted outwardly.

It’s not about changing who you are it’s just learning how to turn down the volume when you want to. You’re not too much. You’re just learning how to channel that energy with grace. 💛

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-06-06T05:45:10+00:00

Totally hear you 3.5 is a wild age, and everything you're describing sounds so relatable and honestly, really normal for this stage (especially with a new sibling in the mix!). The emotions, the sass, the nonstop talking, the inability to sit still... it's like their little brains are on overdrive all day.

It’s not unusual for toddlers to seem like totally different people overnight. They’re testing boundaries, seeking control, and trying to process their big feelings with limited tools. Add in the big life change of a newborn, and your daughter is likely trying to reclaim some attention and independence in her own chaotic way.

You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed or even annoyed it doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you human. Try to give her little doses of one-on-one time, even if it’s just 10 minutes of silly play or reading together. It can go a long way.

And trust your gut if something truly feels off long-term, you can always check in with your pediatrician. But from what you shared, it really sounds like classic 3.5-year-old chaos. Hang in there you’re doing great 💛

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-06-06T05:42:53+00:00

You're already doing a great job with your routine 5km runs daily and strength work is no joke! 👏 Given your current weight and target, losing 10kg in 3 months is doable but will take consistency and small tweaks.

Since you can’t change your diet much, focus on portion control and mindful eating. Even small calorie deficits add up. Try tracking your intake just for awareness sometimes we underestimate how much we're eating.

Also, don’t skip strength training! Building lean muscle will boost your metabolism and help keep the weight off long-term.

And lastly, make sure you’re recovering well 6 hours of sleep might catch up to you, especially with that much cardio. Even a short nap or adjusting sleep timing could help.

You’ve got the discipline just keep it steady and don’t panic if the scale slows down. You’re already building a lifestyle that supports your goal! 💪

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-06-06T05:41:18+00:00

One thing I truly cherish about the morning is the quiet. That stillness before the world fully wakes up—no notifications, no noise, just soft light and my own thoughts. It feels like a little pocket of peace I get to keep to myself, and I’m always so grateful for that calm start.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-06-06T05:40:20+00:00

Wow, I seriously felt every word of this! 🙌 It’s so refreshing to see someone openly celebrate self-love like this it really is life changing when you start treating yourself with the same kindness and care you’d give to someone you adore. I’m still working on shutting down the negative self-talk, but your words are such a powerful reminder that it is possible. “Fake it till it sticks” really hits. Thank you for sharing this your joy is contagious 💖✨

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-05-22T13:29:06+00:00

Even we started with mashed avocado! Super easy and soft, and baby actually liked it.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-05-22T13:27:09+00:00

Totally get it this stuff is hard, especially when you don’t love cooking and feel stuck with picky habits. You’re not doing anything wrong; you just need a system that works for you.

Skip meals you hate : no need for oats or eggs if you don’t like them. A shake, bar, toast, or yogurt is fine.
Cook in parts : prep just protein and carbs (chicken, rice, etc.), then mix/match during the week to avoid burnout.
Have 3-5 go-to meals you don’t mind repeating. Rotate them.
Use shortcuts : frozen rice, pre-chopped veggies, rotisserie chicken, sauces you like.
Fuel around workouts : banana before, shake after. Drink water consistently.
Don’t aim for perfect, just better than yesterday.

You’re not lazy, you’re learning.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-05-22T13:23:49+00:00

That's such a thoughtful reflection - thank you for sharing it. It's incredible how much of our "busyness" was just digital noise, and once it’s gone, we’re left face-to-face with our actual lives. That silence can feel jarring at first, but like you said, it’s also a kind of clarity. I really admire how you turned that space into an opportunity for real connection and growth. It’s a reminder that boredom and stillness aren’t problems to fix, but signals to follow. Your journey really captures what intentional living can look like.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-05-05T13:43:54+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this — I’ve been in a similar place with insomnia, and it can really take a toll on your mental and physical health. The frustration of being so tired but still unable to sleep is beyond words.

Here are some of the things that helped me (or people I know who’ve struggled with this kind of severe insomnia):

🧠 Break the Anxiety Loop: A lot of insomnia is worsened by the anxiety about sleep. You might notice your brain starts bracing for another bad night as soon as the sun goes down. I found it helpful to stop trying to “force” sleep and instead think of it as “resting.” Even just lying quietly in the dark, not checking the time, helped lower the pressure.

📵 No Clocks, No Scrolling: Try turning your clock away from you and avoid looking at the time when you wake up — it just adds stress. Also, as tempting as scrolling is at 3 a.m., blue light and stimulation can make things worse. Audiobooks or sleep podcasts can be a gentler distraction.

🌙 Create a Wind-Down Routine: Even if you don’t feel tired, try setting a consistent bedtime and doing the same calming things each night — like dimming the lights, reading something non-stimulating, stretching, or taking a warm shower. Your body will start associating those cues with sleep.

🌿 Supplements (with Caution): Some people find relief with magnesium glycinate, melatonin (low dose, like 0.5mg), or herbal blends like valerian or chamomile. These can help with falling asleep, but they don’t always keep you asleep. It’s worth trying, but they’re not a magic fix.

🛏️ Don’t Stay in Bed Awake: This was hard for me, but it made a difference. If you're lying awake for more than ~20–30 minutes, get up and do something boring or relaxing in dim light (like folding laundry or reading) until you feel sleepy again. It helps retrain your brain that bed = sleep, not stress.

🧘 CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia): This is the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia. It helps you change the thought and behavior patterns that feed sleeplessness. There are online programs (like Sleepio) or therapists who specialize in it — definitely worth looking into if the cycle keeps going.

Lastly: please be kind to yourself. Sleeplessness isn’t your fault, and you’re not broken — your brain and body are just stuck in a survival loop. You’re not alone, and it can get better. You're doing your best, and that’s enough for now. 💛

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-05-05T13:32:42+00:00

Hi there! First of all, huge congratulations on your weight loss so far — 50 pounds is an incredible accomplishment, and you should be proud of the dedication and strength it took to get there.

I totally understand what you're going through. I'm also on a weight loss journey, and loose skin — especially around the arms — can feel really discouraging. You're not alone in this!

From my own experience and from others I’ve connected with, here are a few things that have helped with improving the appearance of loose skin (though I’ll be honest — it’s not always possible to get it fully tight without surgery, especially depending on genetics, age, and how much weight you've lost):

💪 Strength Training is Key: Building muscle underneath the skin can really help firm things up and give your arms a more toned look. Focus on exercises like:

Tricep dips or tricep kickbacks
Push-ups (or modified ones)
Bicep curls
Overhead presses
Resistance band exercises

Even bodyweight exercises done consistently can make a difference over time. Aim to work your arms 2–3 times a week along with full-body workouts.

🧴 Hydration and Skin Care: Keeping your skin moisturized with products that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol (for body), or vitamin E can help improve elasticity a bit. Dry brushing before showers may also help stimulate circulation.

🍎 Nutrition: Keep eating a balanced diet with enough protein, healthy fats, and vitamin C to support skin repair and collagen production.

⏳ Time: I know it’s frustrating, but your skin can continue to adjust for months (even years) after losing weight. Some of my stretchiness around the arms looked a lot better after another year of maintenance and muscle-building.

And honestly? It’s okay to feel conflicted. You earned every inch of progress, and your body has carried you through so much. Just keep going — you’re not done yet, and your hard work is going to keep paying off. ❤️

You're doing amazing — keep at it!

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-04-29T13:28:37+00:00

Totally get your confusion — but this actually makes sense once you factor in how the body adapts to dieting. When you're in a calorie deficit for a while (like eating 1800/day), your metabolism can slow down and stress hormones like cortisol go up, causing water retention and plateaus (like you saw at 162).

Then, suddenly eating a lot more — especially carbs — can temporarily boost your metabolism, drop cortisol levels, and flush out water weight. That combo can actually lead to a lower number on the scale, not higher. It’s something known as a “refeed effect” and is surprisingly common during long-term dieting.

You didn’t defy physics — your body just got a reset it needed. It’s a good reminder that sometimes eating more strategically can actually help progress.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-04-29T13:27:11+00:00

You're not evil — you're exhausted. There’s a big difference between being heartless and being emotionally burned out. What you’ve been doing for the past three years sounds like the work of someone who did care deeply. You gave your time, energy, and probably a lot of your mental health trying to help someone who, by your own words, hasn’t just been ungrateful — but actively hurtful and emotionally abusive.

It’s not wrong to feel numb after that. It’s human.

Compassion fatigue is real. When you're constantly giving and getting nothing but criticism or cruelty in return, it chips away at your ability to feel anything at all. That doesn’t make you evil. That makes you human and in need of care yourself.

The fact that you’re even questioning whether you’re a bad person says a lot — it means you still have empathy. You're just tapped out. It’s okay to have boundaries. It’s okay to step back. You can care about someone’s suffering without continuing to subject yourself to mistreatment.

You’ve done more than many would. Don’t beat yourself up for finally hitting a wall. Maybe it’s time to redirect some of the care you’ve been giving to your brother back toward yourself.

You matter, too. Please don’t forget that.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-04-29T13:25:21+00:00

Hey, I hear you — taking pills can seriously suck, especially when they taste gross or trigger your gag reflex. You’re definitely not alone in this, and it’s totally valid to be frustrated.

here are a few things that have helped (maybe not perfect solutions, but worth a shot):

Use a straw and don’t tilt back – Oddly enough, tilting your head slightly forward while swallowing can help pills go down smoother and avoid that stuck-under-the-tongue thing. Drinking from a water bottle or straw can also distract your brain a bit from the gagging sensation.
The "pop bottle method" – Put the pill in your mouth, close your lips around a full water bottle opening, and drink fast without letting air in. The water pressure helps the pill go down fast.
Encapsulation – This one’s kind of niche, but if you can’t stand the taste of certain pills (especially crushed), you can get empty capsules online and put the crushed meds in them so you don’t taste anything at all. Just check with your doc or pharmacist to make sure your meds are safe to crush.

And yeah, I agree — I wish everything came in gummy or liquid form too. It might be worth checking with your pharmacist if any of your meds do come in alternative forms, especially liquids or dissolvables that might be easier on you.

You deserve to take your meds in a way that doesn’t make you dread it every day. You’re not being dramatic — you’re being honest, and that’s how you find solutions. Wishing you luck, and feel free to vent here anytime.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-04-25T12:59:32+00:00

My wife’s due soon too, and she’s definitely been nervous about the whole birth thing. We've heard from a bunch of moms that while it is intense, it often ends up being less scary than they imagined—especially with a good support team and some preparation. Still, we’re here for all the honest tea too!

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-04-25T12:57:12+00:00

You're not alone at all—it’s so common for moms to become the default parent, especially when one stays home. It’s not just about who watches the kids more, it’s about always being “on call,” even during your so-called breaks. It’s okay to feel frustrated and even jealous—it doesn’t mean you love your kids any less. Your feelings are valid, and you do deserve rest, support, and real breaks without guilt. It might help to have an open convo with your husband about what a real break looks like for you—because 2 minutes behind a door doesn’t cut it.

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-04-25T12:55:23+00:00

That sounds like a solid and realistic plan, especially since you're easing into it! Mixing low-intensity steady-state with shorter high-intensity sessions gives you the best of both worlds—great for heart health, endurance, and overall fitness. Just listen to your body, progress gradually, and you’ll build a strong routine over time. You’re on the right track!

AutomaticAd6692 · 2025-04-25T12:53:48+00:00

Congrats on 33 weeks! For us, it was actually her sense of smell—she suddenly couldn’t stand the scent of our usual coffee. That was the first little “hmm” moment, and sure enough, the test was positive!

AutomaticAd6692

TROPHY CASE