Don’t Feel Guilty About Wanting a Fresh Start

Have you ever longed for a fresh start? Do you want to begin anew with a clean slate with every possibility in front of you? You aren’t alone. Most everyone desires a fresh start in some area of life. It’s perfectly normal to want to start over from scratch at one time or another. The problem is people tend to feel guilty about change, so they stay doing the same thing, even when

It’s unhealthy

It’s boring

It’s overwhelming

Of course, not every situation can be remedied by a fresh start. Some commitments are meant to be kept, but people often cling to things that no longer suit them rather than move on in a new direction.

The Calendar Triggers Yearnings for a Fresh Start 

Every new year, millions of people make resolutions to start fresh, drop old habits, and create new ones; this is called the fresh start effect. Something about the ending of one year and the beginning of a new one triggers the desire for change. It’s the same with milestones like birthdays or significant anniversaries. The passing of one year into the next creates a yearning for something bigger and better than the year before. Each Sunday, we prep for a new week and see Monday as a starting point where anything is possible.

People get highly motivated about change when a milestone triggers it. It helps them reflect on where they thought they would be and whether or not they reached their health, wealth, or other goals. If not, they may feel the desire for change but also may feel stuck and not sure what to do.

Don’t Feel Guilty About a Fresh Start

If you are holding back from a fresh start because you feel guilty, stop! Instead, get excited about all the possibilities that come with starting over. Whether you begin January 1 or the following Monday, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a jumping-off point and going for it. From choosing a new career, and starting a new eating style, to moving across the country, there’s power in choosing a fresh start.

A Fresh Start Can Change Your Life

You may be one fresh start away from changing your life. Even if it feels risky or uncertain, it’s worth trying to see how things play out. Follow your gut and take the leap and see what happens. Life often presents excellent opportunities for a fresh start, be on the lookout for scenarios for change like these:

Graduating College

Getting Married (or Divorced)

Empty Nest

Retirement or layoff

These life events, and others, present the opportunity to make changes, grow into yourself, and do something new.

Unless you are hurting others or disrupting the safety and well-being of your family, you deserve a fresh start in any number of areas. Don’t be afraid to make changes and allow yourself to become everything you were meant to be. 

I hope this is of some benefit to you. Until next time, stay safe, and keep the faith.