Embracing the Art of Starting Over
When anxiety hits, a peculiar scene plays out in my mind. A 3-second GIF of a girl wailing, “We can’t keep stopping and starting like this.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially during these trying times. The constant starts and stops feel like driving in rush-hour traffic, leaving me exhausted and uncertain.
Breaking Free from Hustle Culture
My therapist helped me realize that my brain is too full, consumed by the fear of failure. This fear has defined my experience, making it difficult to feel accomplished even when I complete tasks. Christobel Hastings echoes this sentiment, describing it as a toxic side effect of hustle culture that prevents us from embracing inexperience. To truly move forward, I must value inexperience and accept that starting over means beginning anew, not picking up where I left off.
Resetting in Reality
Paola de Varona wisely points out that escapism can be damaging to our mental health. Instead of dreaming of a better life, we must focus on living in the present. I’ve come to realize that resets aren’t just physical; they can also be internal. Rediscovering oneself after a breakup or major life change requires a willingness to start anew.
Listening to Your Body
Our bodies often force us to reset, whether through anxiety, panic attacks, or physical exhaustion. It’s essential to listen to these warnings and prioritize self-care. Rachel Charlene Lewis’s article on rest and reset was a poignant reminder that taking care of myself is crucial. A perfect day of rest doesn’t have to mean avoiding work; instead, it’s about finding balance and energizing my mind and body.
The Value of Starting Over
Starting over isn’t about erasing the past or ignoring injustices. It’s about acknowledging our inexperience and where we are now. By doing so, we can shift our perspective, reflect on what isn’t working, and prioritize self-compassion. Age becomes irrelevant as we focus on growth, making mistakes, and seeking validation when needed. Embracing starting over allows us to be our truest selves, unapologetically saying, “I’m baby.”
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