Hello, everyone! I am a fifty-one year old mother and grandmother. I was very thin and active as a child and teen, but around twenty I started gaining weight and have been over-weight/obese for my entire adult life. I am determined to be successful in this endeavor and have added one thing to my arsenal that I've not used when trying to lose weight before - counseling. Because as we all know - it's not just about the food. I was a registered nurse for nearly twenty years, but lost that career as a result of an opiate addiction. I've been drug free for nine years and have started a second career chapter. I returned to school and am working toward a degree in publishing studies. I work as a writing consultant at the writing center at the college I attend, I write memoir and essay, and I do stand-up comedy. I'm looking forward to starting this journey and hope this will be a great site to gain support and to support others.