teacher new to group fearing summer vacation!

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, I want to introduce myself. I just joined the group and have been

listening to the IOWL podcasts for a couple of months. I finally joined because

I listened to the podcast about getting ready to be ready 3 times in a row!

That one was definitely meant for me, I think!

I am a middle school teacher - VERY stressful job - and I think that one reason

I overeat is that meal time or snack time is one of the few opportunities I have

to relax and take a break. I just completed my Masters, I am supporting my

husband through school as well, and I teach a college class in the evenings for

extra money. I have been wondering lately if my being overworked isn't a

symptom also, like my overeating. What am I avoiding? What is so scary about

me having a little alone time with me? Why do I kill myself working too hard

and eating too much? I honestly don't know the answer right now, but I am

hoping that with the support of my husband and maybe a few of you fellow

IOWL-ers out there, I can get up the courage and confidence to dive a little

deeper into my issues with my weight.

Summer vacation is almost here. My night classes are over, my husband is going

away to visit family, and soon I will have nothing to do. If I really stop and

think about it - it's scary to not have anything to do. In fact, to make it

official - my intention over this summer break is to help myself consciously

understand at a deeper level what my issues really are. What am I really

covering up with all this flab? What will happen to me when I am alone and have

nothing to do? Why am I so afraid of this?