A Fresh Start Isn't Always A Place
Congratulations, you did it. You survived the long, cold winter.
The sun is shining; the birds are singing, and as we move away from the darker days of winter, it’s natural to think about change.
Which brings me to this month’s quote.
A fresh start isn't always a new place. It's a mindset
For me, spring always seems like the perfect time to think about new beginnings.
We want to let go of the things that don’t please us and find new opportunities.
It sounds like such a lovely idea, but how do you do it?
Identify What Your Fresh Start Looks Like
The best place to start is by creating a clear definition of what your new beginning looks like. If you’re not quite sure, try journaling.
Keeping a notebook is a super way to ask question and tease out answers that can help you create a well-defined picture of what you want to do, what the result looks like, and how you can achieve it.
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Is it tangible like a place or a possession? Or is it more of a feeling?
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Use your senses to describe how your new reality differs from your current situation.
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Does the emerging image resonate with you, or is it a reflection of someone else’s expectations?
If journaling isn’t your thing, consider using a platform like Pinterest to gather images that represent what you want your next chapter to be. The internet is vast and it shouldn’t take long for you to see clear, identifiable patterns.
Once you have a good idea of what you want to do, think about what steps you need to take to achieve it.
Your first thought might be to make a complete break from the familiar — to change your career or move to a new place. But what if that’s not feasible? Or perhaps you’ve already tried those things and discovered it didn’t fix anything.
How do you make the type of changes that help you let go of limiting beliefs or old habits that hold you back?
Sometimes all it takes is a shift in mindset.
If it helps, think of it as a journey rather than flicking a switch.
That journey begins by taking an honest look at your current situation.
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Is there something specific about your life that no longer satisfies you?
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How does your current life compare to your ideal?
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What lessons can you draw from your previous experiences?
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How can you use your existing resources — skills, experience, or connections — to transition from where you are to where you want to be?
Self-compassion is a key step. Try to be objective and don’t beat yourself up over perceived mistakes. Remember that a fresh start is a journey, not an instant transformation.
A fresh start can be as simple or as sweeping as you want.
It could mean changing your job or walking away from a relationship that no longer works for you. But it could also mean making time for self-care or rediscovering an old hobby.
I used to know a woman who became an accountant because her father told her it was a safe job. He was right. She never worried about getting laid off or outsourced, but she was miserable. Well into her fifties, she went back to school to pursue her dream job as a kindergarten teacher.
That was her journey. Your change doesn’t have to be a complete do-over.
Consider adopting new goals that embrace what you want to do, who you want to be, and how you want to feel.
Make yourself a priority and give yourself permission to take time and pursue activities just for you.
For example, if you want to build confidence, you could hire a life coach or pursue activities that foster personal growth. You could also try stepping outside your comfort zone.
Your new beginning might include joining a group to meet new people, volunteering your time, or taking a class to learn a new skill.
No matter what your fresh start looks like, don’t forget that change starts on the inside. You have the power to align your mindset with your ideal life. If you’re still not sure what that looks like, try baby steps.
Test the waters with one small thing that feels good or sets you up for new opportunities. Write or rewrite your story and create the life you desire.
