I am finally ready to live a healthier, fitter lifestyle. I am 5'3", 185 lbs and looking to lose 70 lbs. I have both the motive and the opportunity to do this, but just need some encouragement to take advantage of these and take control of my health. I am technically "middle-aged" but already a full-blown diabetic with out of control cholesterol. I have situation-induced stress, but I am finally ready to lead a healthier, happier life... worrying does nothing but send me down a slippery slope with no happy ending in sight.

Looking f/w to sharing my weight-loss, health-gain Odyssey with you all.

Hi Pattana! I just joined as well. Good for you for taking control of your situation. My husband is a type 2 diabetic (diagnosed under 1 year ago) with high cholesterol and he is just not taking it seriously. It's frustrating because sometimes his bad influences hinder my progress. I try to give him some slack though because I know first hand you just aren't going to do it until you are ready and 100% committed. I wish you all the luck in the world during your weight loss journey

Thank you, Nautical Fluff. In all fairness, I've been in denial over my health for a while now, and only just realized that I'd better do something about it if I wanted to usher in 2017. Yes, my diabetes is THAT bad !!!

I wish you the best, too, and hope to get to know you more as we spend this year, decluttering our bodies !

Let the weight loss begin !