Repair Or Redo? The Benefits Of Starting Over From Scratch

It’s been almost a year since I last sat down to record an episode for my podcast, and I can’t help but reflect on the journey I’ve been on the past year. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step back and evaluate the path we’re on. In this blog post, I want to share my thoughts on starting from scratch and the transformative power it holds.

Continuing Our Nomadic Adventure

As a digital nomad and a self-proclaimed dreamer, my life has always been filled with excitement and wanderlust. After Bulgaria, my boyfriend and I traveled to North Macedonia for 3 months, and then found ourselves back in my happy place: Vietnam. There’s just something so magical about that country… However, the constant need to renew my visas every month made it impossible to fully settle into the rhythm of life.

The Decision to Start Over

Starting fresh can be a daunting prospect. It requires a deep examination of our lives and the courage to let go of what no longer serves us. After six months in Vietnam, my boyfriend and I found ourselves at a crossroads. Should I continue with the monthly visa renewals or do we need to hit the reset button?

The Healing Power of Starting from Scratch

Starting over allows us to release the burdens and expectations that come with clinging to familiar circumstances. It gives us the opportunity to shed our old skin, embrace personal growth, and release attachments. By letting go, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, experiences, and perspectives. Starting from scratch can be a healing process that nourishes the soul and sparks renewed enthusiasm for life.

Navigating the Challenges

Starting over does not come without its fair share of challenges. Leaving behind what we are accustomed to can be discomforting. Uncertainty and a fear of failure may linger in our minds. However, it’s essential to remember that the journey is just as valuable as the destination. Embracing these challenges allows us to develop resilience, patience, and trust in the process. It’s through these struggles that we truly grow and evolve.

The Journey Back Home

After a period of exploration and growth, my boyfriend and I returned to our respective hometowns. This reunion with our families provided a sense of grounding and reconnection. However, the familiar surroundings also came with their own set of challenges as we confronted the changes within ourselves. Adapting to old routines and mindsets required patience and self-compassion. I’ve officially started over (moved abroad) 4 times, so it’s something I’m used to, but it’s a different experience every time. Honestly, this time it was very easy to visit home and then get ready for moving abroad, yet again.

I’ve become quite the master of releasing things I don’t need, packing my life in a couple suitcases, and saying goodbye… Now I’m back in Bulgaria with a fresh set of eyes, and I couldn’t be happier.

The Power of Consistency and Renewal

Starting over isn’t about moving to another country. It could be as simple as deactivating your current social media account and starting a new one. I can attest, I’m much happier on my new Instagram account because the people I’m connected with are more aligned with the current version of me, and my algorithm is much more refined. It could also mean starting over with your wardrobe, or even your Animal Crossing island. My friend even said she hadn’t gone through her kitchenware in years, and after listening to my podcast, she decided it was time for a refresh. You’d be surprised at how freeing it can feel to start over and eat off of a new plate. Seriously!

Is There Anything Weighing You Down?

I encourage you to pause and take an audit of your life. Is there anything that just feels like clutter? Is there anything that could benefit from being let go of? We need to think of ourselves as a lizard or a snake (maybe that’s an icky example, but stay with me here), and we need to shed what we no longer need so we can renew ourselves. I promise, it will be 100% worth it!