Hi everyone!

I am so excited that the challenge has finally started. I just turned 50 this month and have been widowed for 4 years. My husband died of cancer 4 years ago August 1. During my entire married life my husband and I were involved in social work and cared for others. During his illness I took care of him, our family and our community obligations. I know that the way we always handled stress was through food. I am working to change that. I am wanting to care for myself so that I have enough energy to continue to care for others.

I have 2 adult children ages 20 and 22 who are both in university. I work for an international charity and love my job. I am looking to offer support and encouragement to others on this 'get healthy' journey and am looking for support as well!

I am tired of being an observer of life - I want to be a participant! I want to do all the things that my weight has kept me from, so look out I am planning to take my world by storm :-)

I can't control everything in life, but I intend to take advantage of the things I can - and eating healthy and being fit are 2 things I  can still control. I try to live by the moto - "Seeds of discouragement cannot grow in a grateful heart" and today I am grateful for this website and this challenge!

Looking forward to getting to know others!

Patty