THE JOURNEY of a thousand miles begins with one step. The journey that I started on March 2, will change my life forever. I will not say that the journey was smooth sailing. However, the guidance from the expert team in The Gleaner's Health section was a tower of support and strength, especially when I had my bad days.

In reflecting on the journey, I can safely say that what I have learnt will not be wasted because I intend to use the knowledge gained to empower others. I don't want people to get it wrong; I am not trying to be skinny, I am striving for a healthy weight for my height and to cultivate a holistic approach to life.

I know a lot of people have been following the series and may have doubts and insecurities. My advice is to first find your motivation. I had (and still have) my fears. However, I managed to put them behind me and went for what I wanted. It is also important to have people around you who will help not hurt you. If I were to list the names (some people I don't even know) of all those who supported me while I was running on the road in the mornings or who encouraged me after reading the articles, my journal would not end.

New wardrobe

My weight-loss journey is not over, but I am already in need of a new wardrobe. I am planning to get some strength training over the summer holidays and to try some new meals.

I hope that the people who have seen my transformation can use it to start one of their own. If I have inspired one person to start a healthy lifestyle, then I would have achieved more than The Gleaner's Health section had set out for me.

I need an entire page or two to thank everyone who supported me on my journey, but I have to mention a few people: my wonderful unit 14 mates at Mico hostel, Nurse Owen, Dr Carol Clarke, Mrs Mitchell-Reid, Alison Bowen, Patrice Brown (my sister-in-law), my mother, Monica Stewart-Plummer, and my father, Andral Plummer (even though he is having problems with his sight, my mother read the articles to him). I would also like to thank Karen Morgan, Dwight Moore, Carlene Stone-Henry, Barbara Jackson, Shanique Plummer, the security guards at the hostel and on the Mico University College campus (who made sure that I was safe while running on the road in the mornings) and thanks to God for giving me the discipline and strength to get up in the mornings (even when I didn't feel like it). To The Gleaner's Health section, 'nuff respect'.

Best wishes,

Tanny.