We all encounter circumstances that cause us to stumble. Sometimes, we regain our balance and stay on our feet. With others, despite our best efforts to stay in control, we lose our footing and we crash helplessly to the ground, landing on our faces. A fall can leave lifelong scars and lingering fears.
Nevertheless, though embarrassed and injured, we must pick ourselves up from where we have fallen. We have to shake off the dust, wash off the mud and scrub off the grime. We have to tend our wounds (physical, financial, emotional, etc.) and start all over again. Although difficult, starting over is sometimes necessary and often it is the only way for us to regain some measure of sanity, direction and meaning in our lives. Whatever the circumstances, we must find the courage to start over. It might be the best thing we could do for ourselves.
If you have been putting off starting over, here are some suggestions to help you get started:
(1) Tune into your faith
Maybe you allowed your core beliefs to dry up and harden as you slowly drifted away over the years. Pull them to the surface. What do you really believe? How has your faith buoyed you in the past? Refresh it. Start from the beginning again, if you must because it is the foundation that will keep you grounded and centred. Slather it all over your heart. Inhale it. Drink it in. Make sure that it affects your every thought, word and action.
(2) Tweak your focus
Look at this chance to start over as being full of possibilities and opportunities. Do you want to pursue the same goals you had before? You may need to devise a new strategy for moving forward. Maybe a new direction makes more sense to you. If so, explore the idea on paper. It will be easier to map out an action plan to take you there. Acknowledge the likely worst-case scenarios, but only to consider diversion or solution tactics. Move on quickly to the positive and systematic steps you could take to succeed.
(3) Train your brain
Do you intend to make a second try at your initial goal? You may need to restructure your original plan. Maybe a change in your career path is playing on your mind. You may need to upgrade your professional qualifications. Train your brain to help you to be more creative, effective and productive. You're never too old to start over, as so many people continue to prove. So, don't shy away from re-inventing or re-equipping yourself for a whole new adventure by training your brain to absorb innovative ideas that will push you to adopt the kind of habits that make starting over a joyful adventure at every turn.
(4) Turn up your self-confidence
Belief in your ability to accomplish your goals is tantamount to successfully navigating through and away from life's tidal waves. Don't surrender to the negative self-talk playing in your head. Devise ways to top-up your confidence a little, every day. You know how; start your day with a quiet devotional time of prayer, reading and meditation. Plan your day, review your goals, leave home with a "can-do" attitude and celebrate with each tick you put on your to-do list.
At present, you may be in a dark place, going through a rough patch, stumbling through a long, dark tunnel or lying face down in the mud. However you describe it, you must not stay there. Regardless what has happened, you can garner strength and motivation from your faith, your focus, your mindset and your confidence to start over.
