The he(ART) of Starting Over

Life is a series of transitions, and sometimes, starting over is not only inevitable but it can be incredibly exciting. Whether it's changing careers, moving to a new city, or embarking on a personal transformation, starting over provides a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and redefine who we are, and who we want to be. In this post, we’re delving into the benefits of starting over, drawing from experiences, learning from failure, focusing on the journey, and embracing the idea that endings are merely new beginnings. *queue The Circle of Life from the Lion King* ☀️

Starting Over from Experience

While starting over can be daunting or even defeating, it is also a powerful catalyst for personal and/or professional growth. Each experience we go through, whether positive or negative, shapes us. “We are the combined effort of everyone and everything we’ve ever known.” - Chuck Palahniuk.

When we start over, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that can guide us towards better decision making. When we learn from our trials and errors, each time we begin again, we begin from experience. This applies pretty much everywhere… in a fitness journey, in a work project, in a healing journey, with cooking, dating, school, in starting a business; each time we step back up to the plate, we bring with us the experience of stepping up before.

Imagine with me for a second that you decided to change careers after a decade in the same field. The skills, insights, and professional network you've developed over the years are not lost. Instead, they become valuable assets in your new journey. You get to approach new challenges with a seasoned perspective, and your prior experiences ultimately enrich your new endeavors. Even if you’re leaving a real estate marketing job for the creative field, yup, that was me.

What’s key here, is to view life and many of your pursuits such as career, or learning, not just as growth opportunities, but as opportunities to add to your whole life’s resume. Enrich yourself for the sake of it. Take detours. Try new things. You never know where something is going to take you!

Learning from Failure

Failure is often viewed negatively, but it is one of the most profound learning tools available. I’ll even be the first to tell you that “FAILING” or “GETTING IT WRONG” is one of my biggest triggers. Even still to this day, when I write a blog post like this one, or send an email, or create content… I’m heart pounds with the fear of “am I doing it right?” thumping with every keystroke. And maybe, I get it wrong. Maybe, the post or the content doesn’t land with my audience. Maybe I fail. Maybe it goes over really well! Either way, I LEARN something from taking the action.

When starting over, reflecting on past failures is crucial. Experiences teach resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability. Trying again and again provides clarity on what doesn’t work, steering us towards what might.

Consider this quote from Thomas Edison, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." His relentless pursuit of success, despite numerous failures, eventually led to the invention of the light bulb. Big deal! This mindset exemplifies the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Failing at something doesn’t mean that YOU are a failure. In fact, it’s a reminder that you are the HERO of your own life story. Heroes fail all the time. The bad guys get one over on them. What makes them a hero is that they get back up and go again for the win.

Focusing on the Journey

If you’re like me, maybe you find yourself in a rush to achieve our goals, or maybe you’re feeling impatient with the journey. But let me clue you in on a little secret: The JOURNEY is what is meant to be achieved. That’s right. Our goals, our big dreams, our desires… these are just the compass pointing North… the journey - all of the steps it takes to get there, as well as the lessons we learn along the way - these are what are meant to be achieved.

We often overlook the importance of the journey itself because the end goal is usually shinier, while the journey is usually, well, gritty. Starting over, or being at a new beginning, can offer us a fresh perspective, allowing us to appreciate each step along the way. The journey becomes a process of self-discovery, where we learn more about our strengths and weaknesses, passions and dislikes, and who we want to become along the way.

When we focus on the journey, we become more mindful and present. We celebrate small victories, learn from challenges, and develop a deeper sense of daily gratitude (which is the vibe you want to be in for this ride!). This shift in perspective can transform how we approach the journey itself, making each moment more meaningful and fulfilling, whether you’re healing, or on another kind of journey altogether.

Endings Are Just New Beginnings

One of the most comforting aspects of starting over is the realization that endings are not final. Every closed door simply opens the next. Every ending marks the beginning of something new. This cyclical nature of life ensures that we are constantly evolving and growing.

For example, the end of a relationship might feel devastating, but it also paves the way for new connections and self-discovery. Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, but it also opens doors to new experiences, friendships, and opportunities. When we look at endings as new beginnings, we can embrace change with optimism and excitement.

The JOURNEY is What is Meant to Be Achieved

Starting over is an integral part of life’s journey. It allows us to leverage our experiences, learn from our failures, focus on the present, and see endings as opportunities for new beginnings. Embracing the he(ART) of starting over empowers us to navigate life’s transitions with confidence and grace, leading to a richer, more fulfilling existence.

So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, remember that starting over is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.

Press on,
L