Emotional Eating: What if Weight Loss Isn't about the Food? | Tricia Nelson | TEDxWestMonroe
NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk as a substitute for health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of emotional eating. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
Conventional wisdom suggests if you eat less and exercise more, you’ll lose weight. But that’s not so easy for those that struggle with emotional eating. Tricia Nelson describes how she lost 50 pounds by getting off the diet rollercoaster ride, looking beyond the symptoms of food and weight and healing her emotional relationship with food instead. She’s spent the past several decades helping people lose weight without dieting through her process that she outlines in her book, Heal Your Hunger, 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating Now and her popular podcast, The Heal Your Hunger Show. Tricia Nelson lost fifty pounds by identifying and healing the underlying causes of her emotional eating and sugar addiction. Tricia has spent over thirty years researching the hidden causes of the addictive personality. Tricia is an Emotional Eating Expert, founder of HealYourHunger.com and author of the #1 bestselling book, Heal Your Hunger, 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating Now. Tricia is the host of the popular podcast, The Heal Your Hunger Show and has been a highly regarded guest speaker on more than 100 popular podcasts. Tricia has been featured on NBC, CBS, KTLA, FOX, The List and Discovery Health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
"Eating was how I coped with life" this resonated with me big time.
Thank you for sharing! :)
Yes, it's a sad reality for many people
I hope now you're finding better ways
1.25 speed, thank me later
Even 1.5 is good 😊
I’m southern so she’s speaking at the right pace and tone😂
😂
Sounds just fine to me.
It sounds normal, It doesn't even sound like I sped it up😭
It's definitely not about the food - just like any addiction isn't actually about the substance. We are all just here self medicating in hopes of feeling something, anything, that gives us a moment of joy. There's so much more to life than instant gratification. Great talk Tricia.
Thank you!
Omg this is so right on. I relate to everything you are saying. Thank you so much for the understanding of why we eat. The acronym pep is so helpful. Love your talk. Thank you Tricia ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
@@thenelsoncenter Thank you for the real talk!
@@janicebyron2155 Thank you so much for watching. Feel free to reach out if I can be of support.
I am going to watch this a few more times! The part about taking the tiger (or lion?) out of the cage to give it a snack hoping not to get mauled in the process really illustrated how hard it is for an emotional eater to face down food each day without falling into self-medicating for pain, escape, or punishment.
So many people have unhealthy relationships with food, it's not just the ladies. Hopefully men will start having the courage to talk about it too
I believe that around 70% of people have a problem with their food
as much as we need food , it can also be dangerous for us
Sometime jsut by organizing your food you can change your habbits
I feel like men have a bigger problem wiht food disorderes
some times weight can be emotionally connected
Emotional eating is a form of self harm like cutting. Why isn't this in mainstream media.
If I'm anxious I eat,nervous I eat, sad I eat, excited I eat.
Laughed when Tricia said she hoped she'd get a disease and lose weight without dieting. I hoped to catch a tape worm that would let me eat and eat and get thinner.
Me to girl!
I said this last week 🥴
Are there people who would like to connect? Speaking about emotional eating and supporting each other would be great. I'm 31 from Germany. Thanks for the Ted talk ❤️🙏
Yesss
Ja!
I've been watching a bunch of these videos lately and more and more these are illustrating the links between people-pleasing, burnout, depression, addiction and low self-esteem. thanks for the great talk!
thats cool..
Its eye opening!
For me the link between all of these things was trauma
Did you have to spell out my entire personality? 😂🤦♀️
Oh wow, yes, you're right, those are definitely main themes
That's true. Often the over-eaters are overdoers and people pleasers. They tire themselves every time and got to release their emotions through something that they think will not bother other people, that is food. Thanks Tricia for the great talk! Will try to slow down and manage my stress level, and to learn to say no when my plate is full.
YES!! It's so important to take action so you can finally live in freedom! Reach out if you need additional support. :)
So true 😭
i cried so hard watching this bc i related to every single word she said. hope i'll also get better.
Thank you. There is hope. Sending hugs!
@@thenelsoncenter ❤️❤️❤️❤️ thanks
Same …
Food can be such an easy way to comfort, especially if it's been a part of your cultural upbringing there are so many inbuilt positive responses. It's when food becomes the only thing that comforts us that it's a problem
that is a big problem in my opinion
I feel as if people only know how to find comfort in the food
Food should never be a comfort zone, it is not a healthy thing to do
The biggest problem is when the food is sweets...
I feel like it is not all about the food at times
I saw this video just after I felt horrible after bingeing , 2 days in a row, and this has really given me motivation to find my way out of this binge cycle. I hope we can all work through this together:)
How’s it going for you?
The timing of this video in my life is to perfect. My lack of control with emotional eating is of the rails right now. Really speaks to me. Thank you for this.
I relate to this so much. I’m praying that you find ways to get more control and be happier
You're not alone. 💞 Emotional eating controlled my life before I met Tricia as well. There is peace and freedom, it does exist. I hope you reach out to Tricia for support, I know she can help anyone going through this. 💖
Check out Overeaters Anonymous. It’s filled with thin people who can stop overeating, there are all kinds of people there. Emotional eating doesn’t require more “control” to heal. Wishing everyone freedom. 💙
@@thoughtfulpro371 Are you implying that you think Tricia teaches control? If so, you couldn't be farther from the truth. OA may be great for some, but Tricia dives in so much deeper than that and teaches the tools necessary for true and total healing. Also, just because someone is thin and not overeating doesn't mean they're healthy, healed, or free; that's a dangerous implication and thought process. What Tricia teaches is true healing from our deepest core. Tricia has shown me and many others what true peace and freedom within this condition is and she lives it every day so she understands. Because of Tricia, I do have freedom. She has saved not only my life, but also so many others. I'm so beyond grateful for her and her being brave enough to utilize her struggles to help others.
I saw another TED Talk by hypnotherapist Danna Pycher last year and ordered her Food Freedom program…worked for me from Day 1…solving a 43 year food issue. This is another great talk!
So perfect for me. I'm over 100 days sober and I'm also struggling with emotional eating. So many emotions to deal with at once. Thank you 🙏
Be proud of yourself for the accomplishment you have made being sober. As you deal with the demons that caused your addiction in the first place, the emotions will lesson and you will gain skills to help you cope with the emotional eating. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself some compassion. In
Good luck Gordon ❤
Wow! Congrats on your sobriety. One day at a time
Congrats! Keep going. It gets easier.
Congratulations on your sobriety 💪
Can we also talk about neuro-divergent people who binge eat and love high sugar high carb foods because they're constantly looking for a dopamine hit?
Very enthusiastic about this idea.
YES! 100%
“Emotional eating is one of the hardest of the addictive habits to break… because we HAVE to eat!” Man, yes!!! This has so frustrated me! When I realized I was punishing myself with food, I knew I had an eating disorder and I needed to deal with the emotional issues and anger. I’m dealing with it, but I sure could use a community!!!
Let me know if you find a community to discuss it with Alina- I feel the same way
Hi Alina: I have a Facebook group you can join: The Secret Sauce to End Emotional Eating, and beyond that, I offer courses that include communities with other emotional eaters that are on a healing path. No one can do this alone, so I hope you'll join us.
@alina OA is a great fellowship that addresses compulsive eating as well as all other forms of disordered eating. there are meetings daily all over the county (and the world) that meet in person and online which you can find on their website
@@babyblue0731that’s interesting. Could you please share what OA stands for? Can’t find anything.
It would be great to have an online community. I'm from Namibia and we dont have that here...
I enjoy having a squishy middle. I once read that empathetic people tend to be more heavy set, it said so that they had some extra cushioning for all the feels but I now reckon it's because they go for the instant gratification and emotional eating to take the edge off all those feels.
When I addressed my emotional eating after following Tricia's PEP test, I made progress with weight loss like never before in my life. Thank you for doing this talk and for your passion to help others improve their relationship with food. You are an amazing woman!
Growing up I had grandmothers and aunts who showed their love by making my favourite foods. So the connection was made....food = love. Love = food!!
Great talk. It's good to hear that there are people out there who understand the reasons behind the over-eating and don't just tell you to stop, not knowing what's behind it or how hard it is to stop. People should try to have more compassion for other people's issues even if those things are easy for themselves. Everyone is different and has their own problems and capabilities.
very true, kindness goes much further than judgement
Interesting topic, really. I agree with your statement. They need to see a bigger picture of everything and life.
@@gordonharper2961 That would be nice. Well done for 100 days of sobriety btw, that's a great achievement 💪🏻 All the best!
@PaggW3lly You are missing the point
@Gabriel Gaming You are missing the point
… it’s so weird that I’ve watched so many weight loss videos in my life, but that story she told and the way she talked about this was just way too similar to my own experiences. Part of me is just hoping that this will stick with me
I felt the same way the first time I met Tricia! 💞 I felt like someone FINALLY understood what has been my core issue for decades, so I truly feel where you're coming from. 💖 I hope you reach out to Tricia, she has helped so many and can help you too. Have a great day! 😁
The same
Set a reminder to watch this once a week or at least once a month
Come back to this yt clip and make sure to become the best version of yourself. I know you can do it!
Came back to watch this video for the first time in a while. I relearned a lot of things I had forgotten. I now am recognizing the added stress I have put in my life. I’m going to try to avoid that in the future when I’m agreeing to things. Thanks for the reminders that got me to rewatch this video
You would never have thought she went through this!
I can recognise so much of myself. Eating ice cream, chocolate, popcorn etc until I feel so full and bloated I vow never to do it again, but I always do. Plus the uncomfortable emotions that arise when I am trying to stick to a diet. Really interesting and eye opening talk, thank you.
Awareness of what’s going on is such a gift and the springboard for change! You’re on the right track. Don’t hesitate to reach out to get help if you need/ want it!
3:45 That tension she explains that you feel physically in your gut, oh my goodness I have felt that. And then the utter relief that physically flushes through me with that first mouthful of that comfort food. My goodness, it is so har dot know how to ever overcome that.
Her realization about the connection between her emotions and overeating resonates deeply
Tricia, you hit the nail on the head. It's not about finding the perfect diet. It's about addressing the underlying emotional issues and building a healthier relationship with food.
Tricia's honesty about her struggles with weight and emotional eating is inspiring. It takes courage to share such personal experiences.
It does, yes, especially in a way that isn't preachy or conceited
Definitely Tricia, and it's also really scary to think about the fact that even if you do get thin, you're still the same person in your brain.
This is the Ted talk I did not know I needed! Literally in tears watching this because it was so on point. Thank you 🙏
So glad you watched. Sending you many blessings. Please reach out if you need support. xo
I am an emotional eater. I am everything that you described. It's definitely what's eating me.
snacking is a addiction , even it is healthy nuts in large quantities . Like this talk . One of the best.
Overworking and emotional eating goes hand in hand, this is resonating with me big time.
My whole family suffers with ED and I know that the guilt that comes from this behaviour is what triggers many of us. Thank you for this Tricia.
Oh, thank you so much for watching and sharing! it's such a tough condition to experience.
What alarming rates of weight regain after diets... Wow... Her emphasis on addressing emotional coping mechanisms aligns with scientific research that suggests emotional well-being plays a significant role in sustainable weight loss. It's refreshing to see a focus on self-care rather than quick-fix diets.
So many don't even realise that Emotional Eating is very much an ED. It's so tough know when or how to go about doing better so I really appreciate what Tricia is doing here. Sharing! Thank you!
I have come to believe it’s an eating disorder for me. I maintain enough self-control not to get overweight, but I feel crazy about food. Obsessive, I can’t find the balance! I don’t know if you could say I binge-I graze and never feel satisfied, but usually do it on foods that are healthy. Still, I can’t feel grossly full and not feel satisfied. Junk food is more satisfying, but still not completely. When I withhold myself from stuff I shouldn’t eat, or decrease portions, I feel so sad, literally depressed. I get angry at myself when I overeat and see the results, but then there’s a self-destructive element that comes in, and I think I self-harm with food. The good news is I’m working through my emotions and already seeing the result in my appetite. Praise God!
@@AlinaTowers Praise God indeed! Please reach out if I can support you in any way.
Yes, there are so many forms of disordered eating...and whatever form it takes, we are using food to mitigate our emotions. Thanks so much for watching, and chiming in! :)
Getting support from a community of people who understand what you're dealing with is so important. I think Tricia's suggestion to seek help and connect with others who understand the struggle is incredibly helpful.
It's refreshing to hear that she found a different path to address her weight loss problems. Maybe there's hope for the rest of us too!
Community is so critical. I do not know of any person who progresses towards goals or maintains health and wellness goals WITHOUT a community of others who have lived their experience and can lead the way in progress along with accountability.
very true
Intermittent fasting has been a godsend for me. It has allowed me to lose and keep weight off. It’s been life changing. Having said that, I still struggle (some days more than others) with food during my eating window. It’s not so much about weight loss anymore, but it is still about binging, craving, shame, etc. Not all binge/emotional eaters are overweight.
What hours do you do for intermittent fasting?
@@meganpittFor the first couple years, I fasted 18 hours, leaving an eating window of 6 hours. I still usually do that but sometimes shorten the fasting period to 16 or 14. I try to keep protein high, about 100 grams a day.
It's fascinating how she identified the painkiller, escape, and punishment aspects of her eating habits. This introspection highlights the need for a holistic approach to weight loss that addresses emotional well-being alongside dietary changes.
I used to ignor my emotional side relationship with food, now i am learning to deal with my relationship with food. I used to love to please people and my mom my dad, and I always make myself busy not making time for myself to eat properly, and food used to be the only way for myself to reward myself.
Your belief in finding a peaceful and self-caring relationship with food is inspiring!
Yes it's nice! Easy to believe in it once you've achieved it.
This is the best talk on emotional eating I have ever heard!
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to leave such a nice comment! :)
@@thenelsoncenter ty for being honest ♡♡♡
I've literally had all those thoughts that she describes at the beginning of her talk.
found Tricia Nelson's insights on the impact of emotional eating on weight loss to be both eye-opening and empowering. By recognizing the emotional triggers that lead us to overeat, we can start to unravel the complex patterns and develop alternative strategies for dealing with our emotions. This talk serves as a reminder that sustainable weight loss requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses both physical and emotional well-being.
Hence the words "comfort food" and binging watching. They go so well together.
It's crazy to think about how much your emotions can affect!
I’ve been learning about different kinds of hunger, like emotional hunger and stress hunger, but also mouth hunger and stomach hunger. There is little understanding of the different functions of food because we have come from a dangerous social commentary of ‘skinny= successful’. Changing your relationship with food and addressing what you and your body needs is powerful.
Beautifully honest and touching talk. So many people numb their emotions with food. I love how the speaker creates a simple framework to help you identify the emotional root of your food cravings.
Nr
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Too bad her voice sounds like a 3 year old...
It's also really important to consider the way your childhood experiences come into play here. I think our early experiences with food really shape our attitude and behaviour towards it... same with everything I guess 🤷🏽♀
As a nutritionist, I understand the challenges of emotional eating and its impact on overall health. It's important to recognize that our relationship with food is complex, influenced by both physiological and emotional factors. While it's crucial to focus on nourishing our bodies with balanced and nutritious meals, addressing the underlying emotional triggers is equally important. Finding healthier coping mechanisms and developing a positive relationship with food can lead to sustainable weight management and improved well-being.
What she said around the 4:08 mark resonated so much I just took my first steps to getting some help with my mental health! Thanks Tricia.
So beautiful, Natasha! Thank you for sharing this great news!! :)
"The worst of life couldn't take out the best of me." I saw this saying somewhere and loved it. Naturally I like to tweak things a bit... "the worst of life brought out the best of me".
What I love about Tricia's message is that she has lived this, and healed this...and because of her incredible journey, she has changed and improved thousands of lives with her passion for healing emotional eating across the globe. Thank you Tricia for your passion and support. We need you.
In my years of wisdom I have recognised when I'm feeling my best weight, I like to celebrate. And then I get back on track. I've come to realise acceptance each day works best for me.
I appreciate your honesty and openness in discussing the struggles of binge eating and the shame that accompanies it.
Ironically, just below this video on KZhead is an ad from Sherri's Berries with their chocolate covered strawberries. We are constantly bombarded with images of our addiction. Makes it tough! I will use the PEP test & see if I can make some progress.
The idea of nourishing our souls through connection and community is beautiful. It reminds us of the importance of support and accountability in our journeys.
Our personalities originate from our formative years. If we are frightened, sad, perfectionist, hollow, angry, or terrified of abandonment we may have had experiences that damaged or neglected us before we had critical thinking or our own inner resources to protect us with. Some of us had experiences so profoundly damaging while our brain was developing that we are only a fraction of the person that we might have been. What if on top of that we’ve never been able to form supportive bonds with others because we don’t trust others? Maybe our bonding experience was dismantled and pulverized by vandals who were supposed to love you and keep you safe. We all tend to move toward what seems familiar so when your mother didn’t protect you from abuse by your stepfather but instead snuck candy bars under your pillow 🤫 or would binge eat with you from freezer contents, hiding the evidence bc he was working nights and we could stuff ourselves instead of having our food rationed so we become hungry insomniacs? You made some valid points but it felt a bit like starting in the middle of a movie. We can see what’s happening but we don’t know why or how it started. I didn’t find it to be very helpful. This was about the mechanics of turning down your thermostat if your house is too hot when in reality the thermostat is broke and stuck on high.
I realized i was an emotional eater when I first read Tricia's book and it changed how I approached food completely. Thank you Tricia for your tireless work and great talk!
I have emotional eating with stress and anxiety. I have a urge to eat, when my level of stress is high. Then i feel sick, guilty. Try to balance my calories but end of the binge i had 2500cal. The next day i try to exercise. Ive been battling this demon since i was 8. Today at mid 30s, ive lost 47kg, 5kg away from my GW. Still i binge eat, i strength train, cardio. I guess i cant cope with stress and hurtful situations. A vacation or treating myself to clothes doesnt help. We all deal with stress differently I like to eat. I guess this is how id be untill i die.
I don't think it has to be that way until you die. Have you sought therapy or looked into better coping mechanisms for stress? Could be helpful!
@@MyOwnBookpad cbt doesn't help recalling all the past and failures just embarks on more emotional eating. I do try going for walks, listen to music it helps alil
I think there's also a huge impact that our culture makes to our eating habits... if you come from a family that always gathers around food, it's hard to not associate food with comfort and joyful family time.
love hearing the sound booth people talking anf sniffling
I’m surprised I had to dig for a comment that mentioned this. Idk why they didn’t edit it out before posting.
Rediculous They need to quit whispering and just be quiet
Food addiction is the hardest habit to break.
Can definitely relate to her spending years looking for the hidden solution to weight loss problems but I think what Tricia maybe isn't addressing here is that it really comes down to setting a proper lifestyle and routine for yourself and valuing yourself enough to stick to it.
This is a really valid point
Agreed. I believe most addicts in any addiction do not truly love themselves; otherwise, they would not engage in destroying themselves. It comes down to not believing the negative comments people said about you, your whole life. Learning to feel feelings instead of eating them away. Giving yourself fuel for food and not escape. Committing to and following through with exercise, portion control, high quality nutritious foods, and a daily self-care plan that addresses the individual's needs. Every person needs productive hobbies and high quality relationships where both individual's needs are met. Then there is the most important part, taking ownership and responsibility for your health and life. Address trauma and grief with a qualified therapist, get a qualified therapist for EMDR...etc. @@AnastasiaCostcalla
My name is also Tricia and I felt like she was literally telling my story. Love to you Trish! Appreciate your bravery
Thank you Tricia! :)
I like this a lot. I know that EE is something I do, or have done. Tricia Nelson's work aligns with what I've learned and am practicing now. I finally threw out the diet mentality about 9 months ago, which is saying something since I've been on that roller coaster for more than 50 years. What's started working for me is a blend of several things: learning the principles of Intuitive Eating, which I discovered while researching motivation, which led me to Self-Determination Theory and then to I.E.; understanding the biological processes which get triggered by caloric reduction (the body's famine state response) and how that works to tank quick and sustained weight loss efforts and why I should chill about losing weight, but rather focus on healing; and now, addressing my emotional eating which has two parts: learning every day coping strategies as Tricia outlines, AND getting help to heal from trauma since many studies have shown folks with addiction issues are very often trauma survivors, as I am. It's so great to see all the work being done, and I wish that older members of my family had known of this way back when.
Ohhhhh such a perfect speech about the addiction of soooo many…
I've worked with many individuals struggling with emotional eating. It's crucial to delve into the underlying reasons for turning to food for comfort, whether it's to numb painful emotions, escape from stress, or even punish oneself.
This is a vital message in our current world.
I really like the sound of having a peaceful relationship with food instead of the constant guilt/resent that I'm in the cycle of.
The anatomy of the emotional eater resonates deeply. It's eye-opening to recognize how habits like people-pleasing contribute to emotional eating.
S.E.L.F C.A.R.E!! meeting emotional needs every single day is so important!!
Kudos for the power of your first-person narration. Fantastic.
This has given me a lot to think about. I'm an emotional eater for sure and I think part of that is trying to escape. If only I could figure out what exactly I'm trying to escape from...
HI Bethany...I recommend my book, Heal Your Hunger, 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating Now...I outline many of the most common emotion and causes. :)
I've been on a diet rollercoaster for years and it's so refreshing to hear a different perspective on weight loss. Thank you for sharing your story and insights.
Your emphasis on understanding the emotional aspects of eating is refreshing. It's important to address the underlying issues rather than simply focusing on diets and restrictions.
Yeah, it's not often that side gets talked about hey
I feel sad all the time and a moment where I feel joy is when I get to eat chicken wings, burgers and chips. She's so relatable. I literally have been through all these back and forth with food as she described
Sending blessings. Please reach out if you need support.
@@thenelsoncenter thank you so much Tricia 💖🙏🏽 what is the best way to reach out?
I totally relate to this.
we can talk if you want to.
It's so much easier to make a toasted cheese sandwich with double cheese than acknowledge how stressed out I feel. Thanks Lisa I will be rethinking my self care.
It's a fact that Tricia has hit the nail on it's head. PEP - makes a lot of sense. For me the food that blocked my pain (the first P) was cake, biscuits and chocolate. By eating way to much of these I could escape (middle E) my fear of hard raw emotions. This behaviour brought on self punishment of guilt and ... eventually another diet (final P). At the age of twenty three I got things sorted. I stopped eating my three trigger foods and slowly, over a year or so, I gradually lost the excess weight. I'm not saying that I'm free of thinking about dieting and food related issues. I believe that in those formative years I imprinted those things into the 'wings' (imagine life as a stage) of my day to day life. People pleasing makes sense only when the people you're trying to please respect and care about you. I'm now sixty two, I had three daughters and now with two adorable grandsons I know that I won't ever be overweight again because all food is just 'stuff on a plate'. It's not going to numb feelings and why would I expect it to? By the way, after that spell of not eating the trigger foods I now don't turn to them for any emotional relief. I'm at ease with food and my partaking of it.
Wonderful! Blessings to you and your family! :)
This is so true, I do this!
this message about emotional eating resonated with me on a personal level. For many, food becomes a source of comfort, distraction, or stress relief. Her talk highlights the importance of self-awareness and understanding our emotional triggers, empowering us to develop healthier coping mechanisms and reshape our relationship with food for long-term weight loss and overall well-being.
Great advice!
This was so healing
11:04. This! This took a lot for me to accept and understand.
This is so true, I lived through this in my teen years, I wish I could have seen this talk then, my life would be so different now!
Wow she looks great !! I used to be a binge eater growing up , but seeing her and how much she’s changed gives me hope !
Thank you for watching Krissy! :)
I love this talk thank you
Bingo! Well done.
Such incredible insight & loving the PEP test! So easy to remember. Really a great talk. The stories and visuals were so powerful. Thanks for sharing your vulnerable story and wisdom.
What a great talk. Adding to favorites for when I need a boost
Emotional eating is a coping tool. Some times it's not even about addiction but about having access to any comfort or distraction for a moment of self-love before tackling big feelings.
I love seeing ads about exercise as i'm driving to figure out the patterns of my emotional eating!!
blew my mind, could relate 100%
This resonated a lot , thank you
This is truth, I have been there unable to fill the void, thank you Tricia
Thank you for this.
So helpful!
It’s so helpful! Thanks ❤