It is never too late to start over and build the life that you want! Starting over can come at times of crisis or change such as having a long-term relationship end, the death of a loved one, the loss of a friendship, physical health concerns, or even changing jobs. In fact, some cultures have only one word to describe both crisis and opportunity. It is normal at times of change to feel like you do not recognize yourself or to feel like you have lost yourself somewhere along the way. The fact is that sometimes we underestimate our own capacity for change, and sometimes the greatest discovery is that we can grow through difficult experiences and make healthy change in our lives even at the most difficult of times. Change can motivate you to find you again, to process the changes you have gone through, to process how these experiences have impacted your life, and can improve the relationship that you have with yourself…which is the most important relationship that you may have! While it sucks to have to start over again, it is ok to start over again, and to become a better version of yourself. Starting Over from Scratch Accept the things that you cannot change and focus on the things you can. While acceptance is difficult, it can help you to make peace with your present circumstances, to work with realty, and to not work against it. Set up your living space or your environment for success. Clear your space of garbage, clutter, and chaos. Sometimes living a more simple life with less stuff helps to ground you in the present moment. Reflect on what you have been through. Nobody starts out life planning to start over. Reflecting on where you have been and what you have gone through can help to increase awareness and to help you grow through what you have gone through. Reflection can be a cornerstone of learning about you, accepting you for who you are including the things that you do not like about yourself, and helping create a vision for healthy change. Reflect on your beliefs, values, and goals. Reflecting on your own beliefs and values is important for developing a foundation and relationship with yourself. Get to know yourself. This can help you to consider future goals or having a vision for the life that you want. Consider: How do you want to live your life? Does this line up with your values and beliefs? How can you get there? Are there any barriers to your success? Make a decision! Decide what you want to do next. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your future, pick one possible path to follow. Be kind to yourself if this pathway does not work out. Remember that there are many ways to live life. You got this! It is ok to feel apprehensive or scared about making significant changes in life, making a mistake, or even being wrong. Rely on your courage and bravery to help you navigate places that you have not been before. Ask for Help. It is healthy to ask for help when you need it! Don’t try to make big changes alone. Ask for the help and support from those that have your back and your best interests in mind. Remember that starting over is not the same thing as failure. That change can be seen as a new beginning. Endings are not necessarily bad and that your past does not determine your present or future circumstances. There is a difference between having to start over and choosing to start over. Hang in there, you have this! References
Lian, M. (2021, June 04). How to start over in life when you feel stuck. Thrive Global. Retrieved from https://thriveglobal.com/stories/how-to-start-over-in-life-when-you-feel-stuck/ |
|
OverviewNWO’s source for all things relationships, mental health, wellness, lifestyle, and pandemic support. Kelly Magazine is a mental health outreach initiative created by Kelly Mental Health and supported by Kelly Mental Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the community in the area of mental health.
|
Magazine |
Follow Us |
In support of @kellymentalhealthfndn |
© COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. WEB DESIGN BY KMH