Starting Over, One Step at a Time: My Midlife Health Journey

Let me start with the truth: I didn’t wake up one day suddenly inspired to become a whole new person. I didn’t have a “rock bottom” moment, or a dramatic before-and-after story. What I had was a growing feeling that I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.

In the whirlwind of careers, parenting, managing the daily chaos of midlife—and a series of personal tragedies that rocked me to my core—my health had taken a backseat. Way, way in the back. I was tired. My energy was low. My confidence had dipped. And even though I knew what I should be doing (exercise, nutrition, sleep, hydration, boundaries—blah blah blah), the gap between knowing and doing felt insurmountable. Just the idea of starting was overwhelming.

But here’s the thing I’ve realized: it’s never too late to start again. Not at 40. Not at 50. Not at 60. Midlife isn’t the end of the story—it’s the start of a brand new chapter, if we’re brave enough to write it. We aren't too old to make new habits. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

So I did what many women in our generation are doing quietly and powerfully: I took my first step. Then another. Then another. And slowly, a new version of me started to emerge.

What My Health Journey Looks Like (So Far)

I’m still in the middle of it, and honestly, I hope I always am—because health isn’t a destination, it’s a practice. But here’s what I’ve done so far:

• I joined a gym—for the first time in over 15 years. The key? Finding one that felt approachable (hello, Planet Fitness). I used the services offered to me and met with their personal trainer. Developing a plan with an expert helped destigmatize the gym and made it much easier to show up. I also begged my husband to join me. Going with someone makes going at all so much easier. I’m now at the gym at least three times a week, and instead of dreading the workout, I look forward to the routine.

  
  

• I started strength training with a realistic routine that didn’t overwhelm me. And I allowed myself to be a beginner. I put on my headphones and get to work every morning to make sure my health and well-being are a priority.

  
  

• I got serious about nutrition, especially understanding what my body needs in midlife. High protein, less dairy (it just doesn’t love me back), and a focus on intermittent fasting that fits my lifestyle. Having a supportive husband who cooks has been exceptionally helpful.

  
  

• I asked for help. Doctors, trainers, online communities, friends, family—I stopped pretending I had to figure it out alone. I’m fortunate to have family members who’ve been on their own health journeys, and they’ve been an invaluable resource for me.

  
  

• I used Ozempic. Because support comes in many forms. For me, this medication helped kickstart momentum I had been struggling to find on my own. While it’s not for everyone—and it certainly isn’t the easy way out (the side effects can be rough)—it got me to a place physically where I felt confident enough to join a gym, reach out to the people in my life who prioritize fitness, and start holding myself accountable.

  
  

So far, I’ve lost over 50 pounds. But more importantly, I’ve gained clarity, strength, and a sense of possibility I didn’t know I was missing.

Advice for Anyone Who’s Ready for Change

If you’re reading this and thinking about starting your own journey, here are a few things I wish someone had told me:

1. Start with honesty, not shame. You’re not lazy, weak, or “too far gone.” You’re a woman who’s been taking care of everything and everyone else. Now it’s your turn.

2. You don’t have to do everything at once. One walk. One protein shake. One gym visit. It doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to happen. Any movement is good movement.

3. Your path might look different—and that’s okay. Don’t let anyone gatekeep what “counts” as healthy. Do you want to walk instead of run? Cool. Use medication as a tool? Also cool. You know your body. Trust yourself.

4. Progress is not linear, and that’s not a failure. There will be weeks where everything clicks. And weeks where you eat chips for dinner and skip your workout. That’s life. Keep going. And no—the people who work at your gym aren’t judging you because you missed a day.

5. Celebrate every win—especially the small ones. Woke up with more energy? Clothes fit differently? You actually feel like moving your body? That’s the magic. That’s momentum.

You’re Allowed to Put Yourself First

Let’s be real: midlife is not for the faint of heart. Hormones are shifting, bodies are changing, responsibilities pile up—but underneath it all is the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves.

So here’s your permission slip: you’re allowed to want more. More energy, more strength, more confidence, more joy. And you’re allowed to pursue that, unapologetically.

You don’t need to wait for a new year, a new week, or a perfect moment. You just need a reason—and maybe this is it.