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If life were only this perfect path.

We’d travel the path that would take us from one mountain top to the next.

But that’s not how real life works.

We all know there are valleys and detours and wrong way turns that, well, keeps the journey interesting.

Sometimes, you even have to start over.

Some allow themselves to be embarrassed or humiliated because they need a do-over. They keep up a facade all the while, they’re hurting, struggling, and on the verge of the waters overtaking them. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Reba Charleston on this very subject. You can listen to the podcast here.

starting over

If you’re worried about what people may think because you have to start over…don’t.

It’s true what they say, the people that matter will understand and support you.

If you have to start over, you’re not starting over from scratch.

You have all the wisdom and lessons from your past experience to help guide you in your next attempt yet we often resist because of what others think.

We don’t want to be deemed failures.

Starting over clears the air.

If you’ve ever ridden a plane or Greyhound bus, you may have experienced stale air—air for some reason or another isn’t circulating. It smells and it’s stuffy and it’s real easy to feel claustrophobic.

When your life is stagnant and you’re fighting the idea of starting over, it’s like traveling in stale air.

Making the decision to start over clears the air and rejuvenates you.

You’re able to see clearly and look at your situation differently.

You may even discover it’s not as bad as you once thought.

You’ll see all the possibilities available to you with a fresh start.

Make no doubt about it, it can be scary starting over. There are always unknowns but again, if you’re packing lessons learned, you’ll be just fine.

What not to bring with you.

What you don’t want accompanying you on your new start is bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness.

Then it’s not really a fresh start.

You’ll have to forgive yourself and any other offending party. This is more times easier said than done but it is very doable.

Forgive yourself. Forgive others.

Hold no resentment or bitterness because things did not work out as planned and you find yourself having to start over.

This also defeats the purpose of a fresh start.

Make peace with your process.

Your attitude will dictate the success of this restart.

So if you’re struggling with the idea of starting over…if you’re concerned of others opinion of you because you find yourself having to go back to square one…take a deep breath and let go of those crazy and unrealistic expectations.

Give yourself, your dreams, your promises the chance they deserve by beginning again.

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