I started this weight loss journey 1½ years ago. In that time I've gone through several life challenges, the most challenging being this fall when I lost my Mother to cancer within a matter of six weeks of her diagnosis. I know a lot of people would have given up at that point, but I saw this as an opportunity to push myself, keep going and know that my end result would have made her so proud.

The hardest part of getting healthy for me, was actually starting the process. I knew what I needed to do, yet put it off over and over again because it all seemed so overwhelming. Once I made the commitment to myself that I was in this for the long haul, I broke it down in steps for myself. I recently hit the 'over 120lbs gone' mark, and hope that these simple steps will help you too.

Hello friends! Just a quick note from me to introduce a new member of the Baudville blogging team. Dawn has been on a personal wellness journey for several years, and has seen amazing results. We've been so impressed by her progress and momentum that we asked her to share her story, as well as her successful tips and ideas you can use to get results. We hope you'll be just as inspired by Dawn as we are at the ‘ville! ~Allison

I am nearing 40. I came to this realization about 1 ½ years ago. You would think that the 37 years before that would have given me fair warning. I was tired all the time, very out of shape, and life had been literally passing me by.