Lately, I’ve had to face an uncomfortable truth: I’ve gained some weight back and really lost my mojo. I haven’t been as accountable to myself as I expect to be, and that reality stings. But rather than let that setback define me, I’ve decided to practice what I preach and treat this honestly and deal with it directly. For me its a reminder that what worked before might not be enough now, and that leaning into change is sometimes the only way to move forward.

As I sit typing this the windows are open and the night air blowing in is cool and refreshing. You can just feel a hint of fall in the air. The back-to-school season is in full swing and has always been a season of fresh starts. Even as adults, we feel that shift in the air—new schedules, new routines, new opportunities to reset. I had a teacher once say on the first day of school, “Everyone sitting here right now has an A. Keeping that grade is up to you.” I like that idea. It’s always made me feel hopeful and like anything was possible.

For kids, it’s the start of a new school year. For parents, it’s the chance to get back into structure. And for all of us, it’s a reminder that we don’t have to wait until January 1st to make a change. The best time to start fresh is always right now.

So as backpacks get packed and calendars fill up, I’m challenging myself to see this season as my own “new semester,” and treating this moment as a chance to recommit. Change is rarely comfortable. Most of us—myself included—like routines. They give us structure, a sense of control, and a clear path forward. But if I’ve learned anything on this weight loss journey, it’s that the real growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone and lean into change, not away from it.

A New Bike, A New Perspective

One of those changes has been adding a new bike to my mix. Bike riding has been a favorite activity of mine since I was a kid. Riding reminds me of carefree summer days, spending time with friends and freedom to explore. For me it’s not just exercise—it’s adventure, fresh air, and a mental reset all rolled into one.

At first, I hesitated. Did I really need a new bike? My other one, while still in decent shape, was over 30 years old. My ‘new’ bike is actually used and a couple of years old and I got a great deal on it because I bought it from the bike rental store my daughter works at. Shoutout to Pocono Biking for hooking me up.

Sometimes change is as simple as shifting the scenery—swapping a treadmill for the open road, or a predictable workout for something that sparks joy again. I’m looking forward to traveling many miles together with my new bike, seeing new things and having adventures.

Tracking Smarter with Calo AI

The second change I made was switching my food tracking app to Calo AI. This change is especially important now, as I work on regaining the accountability I’d let slip. By tracking smarter, I’m holding myself to the standard I know I can meet.

As anyone who has followed me along for any length of time would know I’ve been a huge proponent of Weight Watchers. I owe that App a debt of gratitude I can never repay, but it was time for a change. Calo AI has given me a new tool to explore and has helped focus my daily eating. Embracing change here meant learning a new way to be accountable for what I eat, and it also meant letting go of my old familiar friend.

Why Leaning Into Change Matters

The lesson I keep coming back to is this: change isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s often the very thing that keeps momentum alive. When we avoid change, we risk falling into ruts, losing motivation, and letting old habits creep back in.

I know because that’s what happened to me. But when we lean into change—when we welcome it—we give ourselves a chance to grow, to adapt, and to find joy in the journey again.

For me, it was a new bike and a new food tracker. For you, it might be trying a different workout class, changing your meal prep routine, or even just taking a walk in a new park. The specifics don’t matter as much as the mindset: be open, be willing, and let change work for you.

The Takeaway

Leaning into change doesn’t mean overhauling your life overnight. It means recognizing when something isn’t serving you anymore and having the courage to try something new. Sometimes it’s as small as downloading a new app. Sometimes it’s as big as taking a new path altogether.

Yes, I’ve stumbled. Yes, I’ve gained some weight back. But instead of hiding from it, I’m leaning into change to get back on track. Because progress lives on the other side of change.

So, what’s one change you can lean into this week?