My secret is I have no secrets. Long. No, REALLY. Surprise! :}

This place is full of folks who are similar to all of us - I would encourage you to see bits of yourself in other folks' posts and just set yourself up for success.

Your husband has valid concerns, my husband had the same ones - its hard to watch someone you love slowly destroy themselves, you know?  They are only concerned because they care :} 

Its a really GREAT journey if you let it be.  For me, its like my marriage, I vowed that no tears would be in vain, and no energy spent with just wheels turning.  You can either spend energy in the rut and wallowing, or seeking ways to set yourself up for success.

You can do this thing girlie, and you do not ever have to do it alone. 

HOORAY!!!  :} 

Ms. Brandi,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am bookmarking your "no secrets" so I can read it again and again. There is so much truth you have put forth in this post that hits home for me.
When I first started reading posts on OH I would pass yours by, I think because of the length of some, sorry. But about 2 months ago I started reading through to the end of your posts and now never skip them!
I had not thought of this as being an investment in MYSELF, but it is and THANK YOU again.
Being accountable to one's self is key.
I agree with frisco: YOU HAVE MADE ME BETTER!!!!

:} 

Do not be sorry, not one second!!  I *am* verbose and I am definitely *not* for everyone, but that is aokay!  I might say to you I wish I could/would/did use fewer words, but I do not think that's true at all. 
You are welcome to anything I can share.  I am glad to.  Be sweet to you!  Look how much you have ahead of you - its THE WORLD!! 

*squeeze*

Brandi -- thank you. and may i say i love you? and your honesty? and your ability and willingness to disclose the messy details of your life -- we all have 'em to some extent, i think -- and how you are dealing now and the kindness you show to those of us trying to get where you are and maybe doing it a little differently (something i beat myself up about constantly).

love you, girlie. bookmarking this one!

:} Funny gurl.  You are right, everybody has their row to hoe as mama loves to say.

I am sorry when my bucket of kind gets a little low, and I am a little more abrupt with folks that I might oughta be.  Its kinda like seeing somebody standing there with a gaping wound shoving their fingers in it and screaming about how it hurts, sometimes its a challenge to try and convince them to stick their finger somewhere else.  :} 

But I do try, and I do appreciate that you know my heart.  :} 

And if you need beating up, the whole wide world is knocking on your door.  be sweet!  And get your finger outta there!

Flipping through that book now. Thanks for sharing : )

Sharing is caring!  Barney AND the Salvation Army cannot be wrong!  :{}

great post!

Thanks girlie, keep your good work going on!

Damn good stuff right there. This whole process is more about learning how your brain works than changing your body. Honesty, mental awareness & education are the solution. Success is just the natural reaction.

"You gotta get yer mind right!"