My name is Ashley and I am 32 years old. I have 3 girls, ages 12, 8 and 5. I have been married for 12 years to my high school sweetheart. He met me when I was thin and is still by my side while I'm fat. I want to lose weight for myself and for my family. I currently weight 344 pounds and would like to get to 170. I often find myself wondering how I got here and know that if I want to be here for my family in 10 years, I better do something NOW! This is it. All the times I've tried and failed and just gained more weight has to be in the past. I have to change my lifestyle and stop with the excuses. I am going to need help and support and I am hoping to find that to some extent here on 3FC. I have read many blogs and posts in the forums and am truly inspired by so many of the journeys people have been on. I hope to have my own success story in the future to share.

Hi Ashley and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Thanks Michelle! Your story is truly an inspiring one. Knowing that there are people out there that have been/are in my shoes and understand is just a wonderful feeling.

Welcome!

Hello, Ashley, and welcome! I am glad you are joining us.

I wish you the best on your weight loss journey!

Cheers,

J

You're welcome and thank you so much

Welcome Ashely! You'll hear this from a lot of folks here:

If *I* can do this then you can too!

I think you're making a really positive decision that will benefit both you, and your family. Just imagine how great you will feel when you reach your goal! What I've noticed about many people on here is that they set themselves mini goals to reach along the way, then it doesn't feel like such a big task, and you will feel good about yourself as you achieve each smaller goal which will give you the motivation to keep going. Maybe you could give yourself a little treat every time you lose 10lbs, e.g. a manicure, or a foot massage, or a bubble bath, or buy a magazine or buy yourself some flowers. Good luck!

Thanks for the encouragement. I am starting with a 10% weight loss mini-goal. Then I will do something for me (that doesn't include food...lol). Vladadog, I was curious about the June Wii Challenge. Where can I find out more about that???

Ashley, welcome! You will find some great support here, as well as inspiring stories. I think a mini-goal is the best way to lose weight. Best of luck in your journey...you can do this! You have taken the first step by finding this wonderful site.

Hi Ashely! There is a lot of inspiring people, and information on this site! I always tell people it is easy to gain, but hard to lose. I am learning though that it is never to late to try!
Good Luck on your journey, and stay positive!

Hi ashley! good luck with your goal, I'm sure you'll do it! and i'm with my high scholl sweetheart who is still by my side too after gaining 60 pounds since high school!

Hello Ashley and welcome. I am new to joining and posting. I signed up I almost think it could have been a year ago but never posted anything as life got really busy.

I wish you the best of luck in reaching your goal.

Robyn

Hi Ashley! I am new too and agree, this site is very inspiring. I have a feeling this time is going to be different for us!


Angela