I'm a father of two recovering from an abusive relationship. All my life I've had body issues that have linked to feelings of poor self-worth. With everything crashing down in my world, I feel that my life as I knew it has ended. As one life ends, however, another can begin. I could give up on myself, but I couldn't give up on my kids. I have to do more than survive. My doctor said that if I lost weight and adopted an athletic lifestyle that I would live another 50 years. She also said if I did nothing and maintained where I was that I had even odds of making it to 50. It's a complete change of mindset and lifestyle. I'll need therapy, a support group, and the willingness to put forth a lot of work. I'm terrified, but the alternative is unthinkable.