Good-bye! It was a pleasure to get to know you in this Diet Journey. Thank you!!

I've been reading a lot of blogs this week, not commenting as often, but reading ...

Half of Blogland, it seems, is taking a break from dieting this next week. 

I get it, I do.  I've done that myself, almost every single diet past - as if I am incapable of enjoying Christmas without unhealthy eating.  Nothing says "celebrate" like a cheese log, auntie's fudge and the family's gooey cookies! 

I've tried the "taking a break" route.  It has never (ever) worked for me.  It sounds good, heck, even logical, but in practice, it usually doesn't work.  In my case, I open the door to long-standing habits, and it is doubly difficult to close it again.  Actually, closing that door isn't difficult, but making up my mind to DO so is nearly impossible.  So, this year, I decided to try something different, and stick with my diet right through the holiday season.  I proved to myself (at Thanksgiving), it is possible.  So I am confident I can do it again.

But, I wonder how many of my favorite bloggers (who are taking a "break") are even going to make it back in January.  It is a little sad, like learning someone has passed away, and not being able to say good-bye.  Everyone jumps on to comment, when they announce their intentions, and people say such supportive and understanding things.  I kick myself, because the best I can muster is to say I'll see you in January (then hope like crazy it is true). 

I'm just a little worried, not uncaring or unsympathetic. 

I've really enjoyed getting to know these bloggers, and am invested in seeing them achieve their goals.  Hey, it helps ME too, when others inspire me.  So, knowing how I've personally handled "taking a break," in the past, I'm a bit worried.  Yes, I know my experience isn't necessarily anyone else's experience (and I hope it ISN'T), but experience is what forms our opinions.  I just can't help it.  This, then, is my opinion:

I think "taking a break" (while understandable) is a major, major diet misstep. 

I'm not judging the "breakers" - I'm just being completely selfish here, because I want them all to return!  I think we all give each other strength, and this will be - for some - the break-up of the support system that is my favorite blogger list.  Some just won't make it, despite their best intentions.  That has been my own personal experience.   So ...

For those leaving their diets with the full intention of making it "temporary," I just want to say thank you for sharing your struggles and successes, the highs and lows of your diet journey.  Successful, or less so, you've helped me, encouraged me, educated me, and mostly, inspired me!  I know you don't intend for this break to be a good-bye, but "just in case" please allow me to say:

THANK YOU!  It was a true pleasure to get to know you in this diet journey!!  I hope our paths cross again one day, but if not, I want to let you know, you made a difference to me!  You helped me.  And I hope one day someone can do for you, what you've done for me (so far).   My heartfelt wishes for a long and happy life, and the warmest of good-byes.  I'm going to miss you!

You made a difference, to me.  We may never communicate again, but I just don't want this chance to pass by without letting you know it.

So long and best of warm wishes!

xxox