wounded1,
It's good to hear you are taking charge of your life and making changes. It's so important for you to grow as a person and complete yourself and be the individual that YOU want to be. You can control yourself, but you cannot control what others do or say. I think you are realizing that and stepping into the right direction.
I completely understand how scary this can be for you. The unknown is scary at times. I think once you find you start the ball rolling, it will become easier for you to take those steps towards self improvement, self healing if you will.
Wishing you well

sabby