I wanted to thank the many of you who emailed me and left comments in my last post asking if I was okay. You all are the best.
I apologize for only posting once last week. Quite honestly, I was in a bit of a quandary as far as what to do with my blog. I love, love, love sharing my thoughts on weight loss and weight maintenance. I find myself laughing out loud at things I write when I remember some of the “now funny” things that happened to me when I was morbidly obese. (I amuse myself easily. 
)
I enjoy reading your comments and hearing your honest opinions of what I wrote – even if you disagree. And I enjoy the blogging community.
What I struggle with, and I’m sure I’m not alone – is really being part of the community. I gave up Twitter awhile ago due to time constraints and cut back on responding to your blogs. Then the guilt set in. Should I just quit because I’m not able to visit everyone all the time? This is what I was thinking about last week.
Vickie emailed me encouragement to keep writing and sharing my odyssey and thoughts on losing half of myself. I decided to take her advice because even if only one person reads the blog and is encouraged, that’s worth it to me.
For me, the time crunch of keeping my kids and husband a priority while still getting to my housework, cooking three meals a day, doing some freelance writing and visiting with family and friends is a balancing act. I’m sure I’m not the only person reading this who continually works to keep the main thing the main thing.
All this to say, I’m going to keep writing and I’m going to do my best to keep in touch.
These past few weeks have made me realize the “realness” of this virtual community we call blogging and I want to continue to be a part of it.
Thanks again,
Diane
Please keep sharing ~ I have the link to your blog on my online healthy lifestyle group as I feel you have been there, done the work and wearing the t-shirt so to say…so want all the others who I know who are on this journey to hear what you have to say…
I don’t mind if you don’t visit my blog as there is nothing but my daily experiences, my private blog is a little more personal and would be nice to have your opinion from time to time on my situation…you always make me feel encouraged and able to cope with my problems…however big or small.
Marcelle´s last fabulous musings ..First Week On Challenge
Hi Diane, happy new year! I can relate to your post, I too have been having mixed feelings about continuing to blog or not, sometimes it feels like the spark goes out and I don’t really have anything to write. It was nice to take a little break from it over the holidays but I think I will continue, even if it might be less often. I hope you do, as well, and I hope everyone in our blog community can be understanding when some of us comment and post a bit less than we used to!
Amy´s last fabulous musings ..Happy New Year!
I credit you and Lynn of “Lynn’s Weigh” for bringing me out of a deep period of discouragement and for the start of my own blog. That’s because those two blogs are the ones I “found” when I googled “weight loss blogs” as a last resort! I was thrilled the first time I communicated with BOTH of you personally and have NEVER expected anything back from you or anyone else. I consider it a honor when someone thinks enough of my writing to respond. I am so happy you will continue to blog as you are a true source of inspiration to me. I really missed you last week!
Sharon´s last fabulous musings ..The Banyan Tree
Ah, I wondered. Yes, it is all about priorities and balance. I followed your example and cut back on my number of posts each week and that was such a help and relief. And I have to consciously tell myself it is okay not to comment on every blog post I read. Honestly, I don’t think I could do it if I either had a job or all those great kids at home like you do:)
Karen´s last fabulous musings ..What’s My Problem
Diane, please keep sharing your story and thoughts when you can! You are an inspiration to me. It’s so hopeful to me to know that the weight can be lost and lost FOREVER! I understand that family is the first priority. Blogging takes up a ton of time, so focus on them, don’t worry about visiting blogs and write when you can. We’ll be here
Marisa @ Loser for Life´s last fabulous musings ..Believe
Glad your still gonna blog missed reading your blogs last week:) There are 12 I try to “read” regularly and I often don’t have time to comment but I get something out of them just the same.
Also, you could blog about maintence issues since all weight losers will eventually get there:)
While our stories are much different, I am struggling with the same thing. I have resorted to cutting down significantly on my commenting. I still read a lot, but I can’t comment everywhere and live life.
I totally understand, Diane. I am glad you’ll keep writing,even if it was only once a week I’d be glad to continue gleaning from your weight loss wisdom.
Leah´s last fabulous musings ..Weigh-In – Sweets Break
Very glad you are talking about this. Because on different levels, it is as issue for us all.
As I mentioned in my email, you have a huge following. It is just not possible for you to read the blogs of all your commenters. I think most of us would tell you NOT even to try. We all understand there is only one of you and piles of us.
I applauded when you stopped trying to comment on all the comments on your own blog, reduced the number of blog sites you were visiting, and reduced your number of blog entrees. (I still suggest taking one of your blog entrees and making that your Dr Oz posting each week, so there is no extra writing to maintain his site).
Home schooling, family, husband, self (probably in reverse order) are big priorities for you. Managing your blogging time sets a very good example as part of a successful maintenance life.
You provide a very valuable service by being a maintenance blogger. There are not a lot of successful maintainers. And there are even less maintenance blogs.
You also provide a forum. People who have no readers on their own blogs, or do not have blogs, seem to feel very free to leave comments on your topics. This is a very important service.
I mentioned (my email) I started out in the blogging community as a commenter on a very similar blog. And I met a lot of bloggy friends this way. It is hard to find like minded weight loss/maintenance people in our ‘real lives’. Open forum blogs provide a real service to many who need support and comfort as well as practical information.
vickie´s last fabulous musings ..a backhanded link
Diane, I was so gonna email you BUT I knew you had cut back & honestly, I was hoping it was something that was none of my business like an illness or such.. than go it was not that!
I so hear you on this & I don’t even have all those kids! I struggle to figure it out with just little ole me.. and I may cut back due to things on my end that need to be taken care of – like me & making some money.
Hey, if it is once a week or twice a week, just do what you can.. you have so much to offer!
HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS: I so understand the guilt of not visiting blogs at times…
Jody – Fit at 53´s last fabulous musings ..Bites & Nibbles Count! Blog Help Needed
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about blogging. I also have had to cut down on posts and comments. I think what happens is that once we begin blogging and develop relationships, we feel obligated to other bloggers, in a ways that rivals, or perhaps exceeds, our obligations to “in person” friends or family. I think this happens, because in some ways, we are more intimate and truthful with our blogger friends than we are with others in our “real” lives. As I see it, the dilemma is this: While we get and give very valuable support in this way, we have to be realistic about how much we can do and still be accountable to our families, jobs, etc. We all only have so much energy to give, and I have found that too much time spent blogging is counterproductive to my relationships, work, as well as my weight loss.
In that respect, I believe it is OK to set some very healthy boundaries. Some of us are concerned about keeping the “numbers” (followers) up. In the scheme of things, that means very little. I think we all have to ask ourselves what we want to accomplish through our blogs, as well as what we want to accomplish in our daily lives. Is our goal to gain and keep followers, or is it to express ourselves, learn from others, and/or keep a journal for our own purposes. Whatever we decide works for us is what we need to do, but we can’t expect others to have the same goals. If we want to blog and comment daily, weekly, or monthly is a personal decision.
We all have enough guilt, without feeling guilt for blogging or commenting too little, too much, not well enough, etc. Guilt is one of the feelings that feeds our food addictions.
I think most bloggers will understand what these concerns are all about. Your blog is so helpful and informative, and I am so glad that you will continue to blog. However, I hope you do it in a way that works well with your life.
Jane´s last fabulous musings ..Thanks For the Kind Comments
I was wondering if this was the case – your insights are so appreciated, and even though I’ve never commented before, everytime you post something, I read it. Your journey is an encouragement to so many. Thank you for sharing your story, and even if it’s once or twice a week, your insights into this struggle/journey are valuable. Thank you, Diane!!!
I’m so glad to see this post from you today. Your insights and wisdom into weight loss are much appreciated and valued. I hope you know we’ll keep reading whether you post once, twice, or three times a week. Just do what is sustainable for you and we’ll all be here.
Desert Agave´s last fabulous musings ..Back to Structure
Glad to hear that you are going to continue to blog. It is a balancing act. I have had to cut back on how often I post but I think it makes the posts I do be of better quality since I am not pressed for time trying to post every day.
I totally understand about trying to find balance and time in a busy life. I’ve never had a Twitter account, and I know that it’s not a good idea time-management-wise for me to open one, so I won’t. I do love your posts and reflections on weight loss and will continue to read whenever you do post
Cilla´s last fabulous musings ..Week Planner
Glad to hear you are going to continue to blog! Your insight is always appreciated!
Alissa´s last fabulous musings ..30 Day Shred Giveaway
Whew—I’m so glad to know that you’re going to keep posting!! I was real busy last week and somehow missed that you were thinking of stopping. :-/
I have been so inspired by your story and all the things you share—there are so many things that I’ve been able to relate to.
I recently shared your site with my cousin—who recently lost 70 pounds and is wanting to lose more in the next year.
I know that as a homeschool mom you’re already loaded down with a full plate—no one expects you to be able to post everyday in addition to everything else you have to do. So just post when you can and know that when you do, there are always readers out here that want to hear what you have to share!
Thank you for being willing to share Diane!
Actually, Diane, I don’t think of you as losing half of yourself as much as someone who found your better half with what you accomplished!
I remember you saying you were going to cut back. Never feel guilty about commenting on other blogs (or even visiting for that matter). We all have periods where certain things take precedence over others, aka our ‘real’ lives. That is the most important thing. You don’t have to shut a blog down if it doesn’t get used much. Just post when you want and take that pressure off of yourself.
Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last fabulous musings ..Back to routine feels so good
Diane,
Thank you for continuing to write about your life and about your weight loss, and more importantly, maintenance, journey. I gained around 3 or 4 pounds over the past few months coping with a lot of stress and the holidays, and was having terrible beating myself up about it thoughts–and then I read a few of your posts and put it back into perspective. I still am healthy in terms of BMI and blood pressure. I exercise, I eat 4 or 5 servings of vegetables a day and a couple servings of fruit. I will likely re-lose the weight after the winter (when I like heartier warm fare anyway) if not sooner. Your blog puts things into perpective about health and the long haul…
Thanks for being there and being you. God bless you and your family in the coming year.
I’m so glad to see you are staying with writing. It is nice to be able to share your story and know that I wasn’t the only one in that situation at one point.
Please keep writing. I enjoy reading and continuing to grow.
yes…PLEASE keep blogging. I love reading your insights and the question you leave at the end. I am in the beginning of my journey…although I have been at the beginning for TOO LONG…the questions really give me things to think about!
I’m very glad that you’ve decided to keep blogging! Your stories so often make me think and remind me why it’s so important to make good choices every day… And, yes, balancing blogging and “real life” can be very challenging. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t “get around” the blogging world as much as you used to! We understand!
Andrea@WellnessNotes´s last fabulous musings ..Veggie-Filled Weekend
You are such an inspiration to me and so many others so hopefully you carry on blogging but I know how hard it is to keep all the balls in the air.
Happy New Year to you and the family.
Julia´s last fabulous musings ..First WI of the New Year
I’ve cut back hugely on the blogs I read, for the same time constraints as you struggle with. Try not to feel guilty about it when most of us so obviously understand your dilemma
We enjoy your posts regardless of whether you can reciprocate with comments or not.
Taryl´s last fabulous musings ..HYC Week 2 of 2011
I hear you girl! It is so hard to not feel guilty about keeping up with everyone else. Just do the best you can and keep BLOGGING!
Lisa´s last fabulous musings ..What is this I am feeling and cutest pic ever
Happy New Year Diane,
)
You always amaze me with all you do : running a big family, keeping your weight off and writing some posts so so interesting.
You quit Twitter : that’s ok i don’t have time to tweet (even if this website was created by French, cocorico our inventions are few so i take the opportunity to write it
But i hope you won’t quit writing. Your stories are so interesting : funny or sad or experience we’ve been through too and that we are happy not being alone.. A post a week or a month? Whenever you have time, we will never leave you!
Julie
It seems like balance is something that is found for a temporary season , and then something new enters the picture and the balance needs to be adjusted ! Life with a family is never static or dull, and it seems that when we home school the mix gets even more entertaining at different times.I always enjoy reading what you share. No two people have exactly the same road, but it is ALWAYS helpful to read of another person’s experience. You will always walk away with a valuable nugget to add to your own ruck sack.
Diane´s last fabulous musings ..Now this is interesting and could be the proof that conventional wisdom is totally wrong
I definitely feel you on the time thing… Glad that you’ll continue blogging.
‘Drea´s last fabulous musings ..A Look At Eating Animals
Diane, you do a great job and we can all understand the challenge of the balancing act. Didn’t you say you were working on self-publishing a book? Maybe you should post occasionally and work on the book. If you feel the need to post more than once a week, maybe you could post a short topic for discussion, a photo post, or whatever. Just an idea. Oh, and I would rather you keep writing than quit because you can’t read and comment on our blogs. At some point, every successful blog (as yours is) exceeds the ability for the author to read and comment on all others. Do what you can. We’ll understand when you miss.
Alan (Pounds Off Playoff)´s last fabulous musings ..The Final Four Edition!
Diane — I’m from Tallahassee and have followed your blog even though I’ve not commented before now. I’m so glad all is well with you. It has been very helpful to discover people who have lost weight and kept it off. Your blog has been essential to teaching me weight loss can be permanent. As much as I looked forward to your blogs, be it daily or 3x per week, I find the opportunity to “keep in touch” and keep learning is more important.. so please take care and I’ll follow your blogs at whatever rate that best fits your life. – Luanne
You All Are the Best fit to the finish I admired your article.Btwwonderful subject.
Please keep blogging, even if it is only once a week. You are such an inspiration to me and reading what you have gone through, being overweight, losing the weight and now, keeps me motivated.
I don’t mind if you don’t visit my blog, just keep blogging. Please.
blackhuff´s last fabulous musings ..What’s been up exercise
I am actually amazed that you continued with all the posting and commenting for as long as you did. I realized a while back that I am only willing to spend 5 hours or less a week on my site. Either I spend this time writing and doing maintenance work on my site or I can spend the time commenting on other people’s sites. These days, I don’t even post more than 1-2 times a week. And since my posts tend to be 800+ words, it can take me anywhere between 2-3 hours to write one post.
Like you, I enjoy the community aspects of blogging, but I like living my life more. And if this means I have to limit the amount of time I spend on the internet, oh well.
Totally understandable with all you have going on in your life (plus you’ve GOT to get that book published!). As far as I’m concerned having insightful blogs are far better than losing you altogether because you’re exhausted and/or guilty trying to keep up. Do what you can and we will all appreciate it.
Diane, you don’t have to read all of us, let alone comment, every day. that’s just nuts.
That said, I think you might find my blog entry for today interesting and relate-able. And thanks for being here. 
Sunny´s last fabulous musings ..Grabbing My Life-Priorities Back
I’m glad you will keep on blogging. I like reading your blog. I wouldn’t worry too much if you don’t have time to comment on blogs.
I’ve limited myself to 1 hour a day of blog reading since the start of this year because I have a lot of other things I love to do. So it might take some time before I comment but Google reader is patient.
Hi Diane, Just wanted to check in and say I completely feel you. I have been in a very similar situation recently, and though I know I will return to blogging at some point, I am in no hurry, because I know my blog pals will always be around! Enjoy your family