It's been a LONG time...

[RawSinger]

Well, that's quite the understatement. It's been about three YEARS since I've been an active member of this forum (reading my blog entries from three years ago was embarrassing). Some of the seasoned members might have some recollection of who I am, but if not, that's fine. There were several factors which lead me here this evening, but I'd rather not go into detail right now. Honestly, I was afraid to post after such an extended absence and because I am not currently in a position to embrace raw food the way I did three years ago, and the way I plan to in the future. But I felt too compelled this evening. It doesn't really matter whether you read this or not, although I'd be happy if you did.

I have met with so many ups and downs these past three years, and not just in regard to food. Suffice it to say, these have been the most difficult years of my life. However, there has been one extremely positive development: my significant weight loss (not due to an exclusively raw diet, but better eating habits in general). Although I haven't been raw the past three years, the knowledge I gained through the experience of having been raw, and the support and insight bestowed upon me by other members of this forum, was instrumental in my weight loss. My introduction to raw food FOREVER changed the way I think about food and the value I place on it in my life.

So, I guess this post serves as a "Thank you!" to all of the beautiful rawbies on this forum who welcomed and supported me when I was a confused newcomer, and helped to forever change the way I think about food, health, and my personal growth. I'm sorry it's three years late! Whether I'm still welcome here or not, I just thought you should be aware of the lasting impression you all had on me. It's partly because of you that I'm now able to say that raw is not an all or nothing proposition, and it's okay not to be perfect. And even though I have majorly "fallen off the band wagon" the past three years, that in no way means I can never step back on. We're all on this journey together, but our individual paths may vary.

With gratitude and green smoothies,


Francesca


P.S. - I have often wondered about you guys over the years; your progress, your experiences. I look forward to hearing about how you have all been!

[speltrong]

Hi Francesca, and welcome back! Your post called to me, because I haven't been on the forum for the last several months, and just today decided to log back in to see what was going on. I wasn't on here three years ago, I just started in April of this year, and then stopped checking in after a while.

It sounds as though you've had quite an adventure the last few years! I am sure I can speak for everyone when I say that we welcome you back. We all have rough patches, and I think plenty of people feel like they're chasing the bandwagon a lot of the time instead of being on it, but that's why forums like this exist, right?

[RawSinger]

Thank you! A warm "Welcome back!" to you too :)

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

Well, that's quite the understatement. It's been about three YEARS since I've been an active member of this forum (reading my blog entries from three years ago was embarrassing). Some of the seasoned members might have some recollection of who I am, but if not, that's fine. There were several factors which lead me here this evening, but I'd rather not go into detail right now. Honestly, I was afraid to post after such an extended absence and because I am not currently in a position to embrace raw food the way I did three years ago, and the way I plan to in the future. But I felt too compelled this evening. It doesn't really matter whether you read this or not, although I'd be happy if you did.

I have met with so many ups and downs these past three years, and not just in regard to food. Suffice it to say, these have been the most difficult years of my life. However, there has been one extremely positive development: my significant weight loss (not due to an exclusively raw diet, but better eating habits in general). Although I haven't been raw the past three years, the knowledge I gained through the experience of having been raw, and the support and insight bestowed upon me by other members of this forum, was instrumental in my weight loss. My introduction to raw food FOREVER changed the way I think about food and the value I place on it in my life.

So, I guess this post serves as a "Thank you!" to all of the beautiful rawbies on this forum who welcomed and supported me when I was a confused newcomer, and helped to forever change the way I think about food, health, and my personal growth. I'm sorry it's three years late! Whether I'm still welcome here or not, I just thought you should be aware of the lasting impression you all had on me. It's partly because of you that I'm now able to say that raw is not an all or nothing proposition, and it's okay not to be perfect. And even though I have majorly "fallen off the band wagon" the past three years, that in no way means I can never step back on. We're all on this journey together, but our individual paths may vary.

With gratitude and green smoothies,


Francesca


P.S. - I have often wondered about you guys over the years; your progress, your experiences. I look forward to hearing about how you have all been!

Lots of people fall off the raw food wagon. No big deal, no need to feel ashamed...i'm sure no-one here cares, only you care and are embarrassed.

Just try eating some raw everyday and go from there.

Good to see you back Speltrong.

[Breakaway]

Francesca,
What you said helped me...
" the knowledge I gained through the experience of having been raw, and the support and insight bestowed upon me by other members of this forum, was instrumental in my weight loss. My introduction to raw food FOREVER changed the way I think about food and the value I place on it in my life."
That is very encouraging to me!
As far as the last 3 years you talked about, I think we learn as much from those times when it seems like we've lost focus about something as when we haven't. What matters is learning from everything we go through - and respecting yourself through it all!!!

[Amy Bass]

Don't feel bad. What's terrible is that i've know about the health benefits of a raw food diet since 2001 and it has taken me this long to really dive into it and truly take the plunge. In the past the best I was able to do was 19 days straight. Now instead of 100% raw I am focused on 95%. This way I wont have to feel terrible if for some reason I eat a meal that isn't all raw. Welcome back!