You probably read that title and wanted to give me the side eye, but hear me out. First, let me say that there are various ways that you can start over. You can start over in your career: new field, new company, higher position. You could be starting over in a new location. A place where nobody knows your name. A change of scenery. Maybe you’ve had to clean out your circle, and you’re starting over with building new friendships. Or maybe you’re starting over with your identity, you’ve lost yourself. I have had to start over in all of the above.
I think starting over gets a bad reputation. People feel as though they are starting from the very beginning. Many don’t see the opportunities that lie inside of starting over. And while I know my view may be an unpopular opinion, I’m going to share 4 reasons why starting over is not so bad.
1.) There is freedom in starting over. Starting over comes with a certain feel of liberation. You are at the start of something, and you have the power to make it beautiful. Have a clean slate. A fresh start. Maybe even a re-do, but with better results. The choice is literally yours. Starting over can seem crippling. Or you can choose to embrace the possibilities to do things differently, better, with more wisdom, etc. I can vividly remember being so excited that I was starting over after a particularly bad ending to a relationship. I was free! Yes, that meant starting over with finances, new place, car, and my own identity, but the freedom from the shackles of something that was holding me back? Priceless!
2.) You’re not truly starting over. Yes, you may be in unfamiliar territory, or a new place in life, but you take all of your life lessons you have learned up-to-date along with you. That means making better decisions from experience, using strengths you’ve built along the way, and choosing who you are at this level of your life. The words “starting over” may not be the right words to describe every situation. Maybe you’re rebuilding. Or maybe you are creating something entirely new. Either way, your experiences and lessons stay with you no matter where you’re at in life’s journey.
3.) There is beauty in endings. Some things needed to end so that you could move on to the next stage or journey in your life. I can tell you I was willing to stay in place at a job just to stay comfortable. I’m not proud of that fact, but you know what? Things ended anyway. I ended up being laid off. And in hindsight, I’m so glad that I did, because I was meant to move forward, onwards, and upwards. And I wasn’t going to move on my own. That leads me to my next point.
4.) There is growth in starting over. Every single time I have had to start over, it has come with growth. Painful, challenging, yet beautiful growth. Starting over allows you to reconnect with yourself in a way that allows you to grow stronger. In starting over, there is power to rid yourself of what no longer serves you, and attract or create better for yourself. I have become a better version of myself each time I have had to start over. And my dear, so can you.
My mom used to say never despise small or new beginnings because great things can still come from them. I have had to start over many, many times in life. Some by choice, and others involuntarily. And if you think about it, I’m sure you may have as well. Truthfully, looking at how far I would have to go to get to where I wanted to be is what used to make starting over so daunting. But at some point in life, you’ve got to embrace starting over as many times as is required to get to where you’re meant to be versus staying where you shouldn’t. True, starting over can be frustrating, disappointing, hurtful and angering. I’m not immune to those feelings, either. But I encourage you to feel them. Acknowledge those emotions. And then embrace the opportunity within the journey! Who knows? You could end up loving your new story better!
Think of a time you have had to start over. Did you create a better story? What worked for you?Â
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