On a scale of one to ten, with one being “not important at all” and ten being “vital to my existence”, I’d say this forum is an 8. I don’t post much but I read a lot, and every once in a while I see just what I need at the time.  It’s frustrating that peoples’ questions often sit a while before being answered and sometimes no answer comes at all.  I’ve wondered sometimes if it would be better to have a membership fee to compensate you, Jean, for your time and effort, but I would hate to see anyone shut out by that. 

—Karen

I totally agree with Karen. This forum is extremely important to me. I don’t know what I would do without it.

Dear Jean, I joined the forum a few weeks ago, and quite honestly, have been a bit nervous to post or ask a question. Please don’t discontinue the forum. I don’t know what I would have done had I not found it a month or so ago. It has been a tremendous help. I gather so much information here that I’ve been able to use since I started NT 2 months ago.

One more thing: I have a weight loss blog that I started 6 months ago that has since turned into a NT type of journal. So much of what I really feel I can’t write because, plain and simple, folks don’t get it. Knowing the forum is here helps me to not feel so alone in this. As you wrote in your first book, “learning to eat in a new way requires a new kind of support group…it is vital.”

Thanks,
Lucy

It does seem that this is the only NT means of support that some people have. Back when I was just getting started, I would read all of the posts here(new and old) until I had read them all. And it was great to be able to ask Jean a question directly. Fortunately I’m at a place where I feel I know what I’m doing now and don’t check in as often, and post when I feel I can offer someone help, or give some clarity, although at times I think I over-did it and felt like people were probably getting sick of seeing just my posts, and not very many other people posting.  I think it would be helpful if others would post a little more often and not feel uncomfortable about it.  We are all after the same goal here and any question you have I’m sure someone else has been wondering the same thing.  So, although I don’t really “need” the forum as much as I did in the beginning, I would hate to see those who are just starting out lose something that was so valuable to me when I was just starting NT.

Jean asked for opinions and suggestions so I will offer some of both.  Is there a way for the forum to automatically send me an email when a new post is added?  (I know this happens if I start the post or after I reply to a post.  I do not always remember to check the forum daily so I miss posts for a few days.)

Being from Minnesota originally, I’ve known about NT for about 15+ years.  I’ve only practiced it faithfully for the last 6 month.  I KNOW I never would have hung with it this long if it had not been for the forum.  (And I value Swan and Kelcy jumping in so faithfully to help support me and my questions.  As Jean has said there’s nothing like hearing it from people who are practicing it every day.)

Like others new to this, I sometimes fear saying the wrong thing.  I remember reading once somewhere about Jean saying something about many people who are successful with this just read the books, do what they need to do and don’t question it much.  Then, after they are successful they send Jean an email thanking her (that is my interpretation of Jean’s words).  So in some ways I feel like I shouldn’t ask too many questions, especially when it comes to doubts or challenges with it’s effectiveness.

Other than my husband’s support (which is HUGE) I do not have any other support besides this forum so yes, it is very important to me.  But I too would like others to be more active so I don’t feel like I’m the only one posting/questioning.  Especially early on.

Thanks for asking, Jean.

Vicki

It’s important for everyone to feel free to discuss anything related to Naturally Thin on the forum.  We are all supposed to be helping each other, and it’s easy to get confused or uncertain about our experiences as we go along.  So, ask away!  If the answer to your concern is clearly addressed in one of the books, someone will point that out.  If you don’t get what you need, say so.

I have had many experiences with clients who’ve read the book(s)and then seek coaching for specific issues.  I am amazed that at times, individuals misunderstand the most basic ideas of NT, like avoiding famines, and are surprised to learn that these issues are the bedrock of NT recovery.  So, along with those who “get it” just reading the books, there are apparently many out there who don’t “get it” and stay stuck or go back to dieting out of frustration.

I want everybody to “GET IT!”

Sincerely,
Jean

Please don’t discontinue it.  I think it’s a very worthy forum that will help many people get reconnected to their bodies and eating patterns.  I myself just discovered this forum (and the book)recently and I think the whole concept is wonderful!

Hello Jean and everyone!  I am so excited to finally be on here.  I have been casually following this forum for the last 2+ years and have attempted to participate a few times with technical difficulties…but here I am! 

I just wanted to say that I think the forum has definitely helped me along my way at times.  I guess there is one thing that I LONG for as I go on my NT journey and that is to hear more success stories!  I have read over and over the case studies in the book and I guess I just want more.  So if there are any of you out there reading this and you have felt success with NT, please come tell us about it.  And Jean, if you were able to take the time, and if you had permission from your clients, I think it would be great to hear some more real life examples of success. 

That being said, I am going to start a new post with my success story now.  Thank you Jean for saving my life!

Darcy