It's Been Awhile.... and a question

[linda_rose_61]

Hello All... It has been quite some time since I have posted but I do visit often.

My question/dilemma is this.... Have any of you made MAJOR life choices in order to finally succeed at losing?

I started a business out of my home almost ten years ago. It enabled me to be home when the children were younger and still earn that extra cash for me to enjoy.

My business is making cakes for birthdays, weddings, or whatever the occasion. And now, ten years later, I have quite the following of regular customers.... BUT... BUT (isn't there always a but?) I am now at a point that my children are aged 21, 19 and 16 and I find I am sooo sooo tired and bored with making cakes. I know there's a direct correlation in my over eating caused by the boredom and being tied to the kitchen for so long... (I know what I do when I am bored and stuck in the kitchen for hours on end)

So I have found myself lamenting for a few months now... ridden with guilt at the thought of quitting something I started..... and a comment that got back to me saying "oh she's crazy to want to quit her business"....

I took a month off just to test my theory.... and I ended up going to the YMCA with my daughter to exercise regularly and the CONTINUAL ''baking mess'' is no longer there.... and I feel more in control and have been OP and am not assaulted with freshly baked cake aroma.

Sooo before this becomes a novel.... I would truly appreciate some feedback... because sometimes maybe we have to make a hard change in order to succeed.... right?

P.S. my husband supports any decision I would want to make

So what do you guys think? And why do I feel so incredibly guilty about quitting?

[50_for_my_30th]

Maybe you're guilty for letting go because it's something you've done for such a long time, but change can be refreshing.

Sometimes we need some major life event to take place that kicks us in the butt into doing something we've always thought of.

My big brother and only sibling passed away a few months ago and I think his death has kicked start my process of wanting to seriously lose weight. Plus the fact that I've gained 25 pounds in less than 4 months and now am 45 pounds overweight instead of the 20 that I was in the summer. I've also gained a ton of new stretch marks in places that I've never had them in before - ugh.

Anyways, I think that change is good. Maybe letting go has free'd up more of your time. I'm sure you're enjoying going to the gym.

[Aquarius6450]

Hi Linda Rose......maybe you may decide not to exactly quit, but more like " limit" your time, maybe 2 or 3 days weekly & NOT on the weekends OR maybe only on the weekends & spend your quality time with children/family during the week.
Maybe you`ll get into make`in NO PUDGE Cakes & include brownies & cookies!! mmmm....
MOST of all, you`re REALLY lucky to have a DH that supports your decision!! That`s *SWEET*!!
I can relate to a CONTINUAL mess, I have a hardwood/butcherblock top island that only I continually clean,thanks to my 4 lovely teenagers.
I have a 20 yr old DD & we enjoy go`in to the gym & exercise`in & our quality time together as well.
Take Care & have an OP Grand Day!!

[linda_rose_61]

Good Morning ...

I think I will start repeating to myself every morning that "Change Can Be Refreshing".....

I'm thinking this decision and change is totally up to me. Who better to know what will help me, but me?

My sympathies to the loss of your big brother. I can relate as I too have only one sibling, an older brother.

I am going to consciously try to let go of the guilt.... be secure in my decision.... and it's funny because if I had a magic wand and saw that a few months down the line this change enabled me to succeed in the ways I think it will.... I wouldn't be doubting!!! Go figure?

ALSO: Would you believe I have never tried the "NO PUDGE" cakes??? I might give them a try... for my family ONLY tho!! Sounds like we both have a houseful of young adults :D I know from experience life is never boring with that.. is it? LOL

thanks for your input!

[Hope212]

Dear Linda, When I read over your question and read thru ..it sounds like you have already answered your question. And you did something else that makes you feel better right now. Life is NOW...and living it with joy..if I don't find joy in what I am doing I change it..I am learning to really live in the now...Who says we only get to do one job ...sounds like you were doing about 5 jobs with the family and making money with cakes...Anything the mind can conceive it can achieve...anything...go for it..or take a break..out inner self..holds all your answers....Choices...this is really the gift God has given us..I truly beleive that today... What are my choices today..do I really know. Today I am concentrating on eating healthy..choices. Hope

Wirte and tell us what you are good at or would like to try to do...read some autobiographies, that always gets me inspiried..

[SharB]

Linda--Missed this one first time around. Like Hope, I think you've already answered this question for yourself. As for the guilt, I think it's programmed into women and mothers to feel guilty and second guess any decision that makes us happy!

I am the same way. I would stick with something I didn't love just because I was used to it. However, after graduating college and getting a teaching job, I found myself not wanting to do it, and feel really horrible. However, I took a risk and changed careers, and it was the best decision I ever made!

Your children are grown, you've done your job, and unless you must have your cake money to survive, I'd say, go for it!! You deserve to be happy! Good luck to you.