Starting Over is Never Truly from Scratch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAR BOERR

REPOST FROM THE NISH PERSPECTIVE

Have you ever stood at the edge of a new beginning, feeling like the ground beneath you had crumbled away?

Starting over can feel like staring at a blank page, unsure of how to begin. But what if I told you that page isn’t blank at all—it’s filled with invisible lines of experience, lessons, and growth waiting to guide your next steps?

For a long time, I dreaded starting over. I thought it meant erasing everything I’d worked so hard for. But now, I see it differently. Starting over isn’t about going back to square one; it’s about using what you’ve learned to rebuild something stronger, better, and more aligned with who you are now.

The Lessons We Carry With Us

Here’s what I’ve learned about starting over:

  • It’s a sign of strength, not failure. Choosing to pivot or rebuild takes courage.

  • It’s never really the beginning. You’re bringing every hard-won lesson, every moment of clarity, and every ounce of resilience with you.

  • It’s an opportunity to grow. Starting anew means you’ve recognized the need for change—a powerful act of self-awareness.

During the pandemic, I went all in on learning and hustling. I dove into Canva, discovered the magic of book creation, and even self-published on Amazon. (Yes, I’m a self-published author, and I’m finally working on not keeping my books a secret anymore!) But the relentless hustle left me burned out. I was so busy doing that I forgot how to simply be.

Breaking Down to Rebuild

The past two years have been a period of "deconstruction."

  • I closed my Facebook group where I taught Canva to over 1,300 women in business.

  • I let go of social media contracts and retreated from my online presence entirely.

  • I went within myself, searching for what felt authentic to me.

It was hard. There were days when I felt like I’d lost my way. But even in the stillness, I knew I was gaining clarity. I realized I didn’t need to hustle to prove my worth. I needed to trust myself and embrace the flow.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAR BOERR

Rebuilding With Ease and Purpose

Recently, I’ve felt a shift. A former client reached out, and for the first time in a long while, I said yes to the work—because it felt right. I’ve also started reconnecting with my Facebook author page. The idea of sharing my self-published books with the world again and step back into a space where I feel aligned is truly exciting.

But this time, I’m doing it differently:

  • I’m setting boundaries to avoid burnout.

  • I’m moving with intention, not pressure.

  • I’m allowing myself to ease into opportunities, trusting that the right things will flow my way.

Reflective Questions for You

  • Is there something in your life you’re resisting because you’re afraid of starting over?

  • What lessons have you gained from your past experiences that could help you rebuild?

  • Are there "old dreams" you’re holding onto that no longer align with who you are today?

Starting over isn’t failure—it’s growth in action. I want to challenge you to look at the areas in your life where you’re afraid to begin again. Write them down, reflect on the lessons you’ve learned, and take the first step toward rebuilding.

And if you’ve been looking for inspiration or tools to help you along your journey, check out my book on Amazon titled Girl, Give Yourself A Break.

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Kishara Marie & the Grace to Start Again