Excellent thread
The changes are subtle at first, yes, and then a year or two into it there's this amazing epiphany that you've changed your life around. Stick with it even when it's tough and you feel it's just a miserable grind at times. It's going to eventually pay off.
This thread was a most excellent read, thanks to all who contributed. Great reminders, and especially about kindling and having to start over. I wouldn't ever want to go back to the starting point.