Hi everyone...I've never posted anything online before so I hope this is the right way to do it. I been on this site many times before and have gained so much inspiration from everyone that posts here. My goal is to one day post on the "Goal Met" section. I want to gain the ability to have a better quality of life for myself and my family.

Welcome to the forum! So glad that you have joined us.
Do you know what food plan you are going to follow? There is a ton of information about many different food plans on this site. Pick a plan that fits in your lifestyle and you can follow long term. I chose calorie counting because it is free and flexible. It allows me to eat almost anything I wanted as long as it fits within my calorie range for the day and there are ton of free apps out there to help you track your food.
Give up the sugary drinks and drink lots and lots of water.
Incorporate some exercise into your weekly routine. You do not have to join an expensive gym try to walk more, use the stairs more, download videos off of YouTube or Hulu.com to work out to. There are a lot of things you can to do with spending a ton of money.
Lastly, if you have a bad meal, a bad day, heck, a bad food week. Do NOT let this be a reason to throw in the towel. Get back on track at the next meal. You do this!!!
Best of luck to you!

Thanks for the warm welcome. I've decided to count calories as well since I can keep better track of the food that I'm eating for the day. Working out is not a problem, since I have a home gym. I just needed the motivation to get going. I've always tried to do this before for some other reason than just for me. This time it's all about me. All of the things that I want to be for other people...well, if I don't take care of myself, then I'll won't be able to do it for them. Thanks again!

Welcome. Understand that it's a process, an up and down one at that. Going to be some rough spots along the way, but in the you'll realize you were worth all of it.

Ricenbeans, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diets, themes, or age groups, find one that inspires you and just post to join! Be sure to check out the Calorie Counters and Exercise sections! I'm jealous of your home gym. I workout in my living room so getting all the equipment out then put away feels like another workout.