Starting over is not always easy. You have to face the unknown, stay strong and adapt to new situations.
Starting Over
People start over in life for different reasons. Some do it to grow personally, heal from wounds, or find a purpose in life. Others want to dig deeper into questions of life, meaning, and spirituality. They may look for a reason to live beyond material success. Starting over can also mean not buying more than needed and living more simply.
Starting over can be hard, but it can also be a chance to improve your life. If you want to make a change (like switching to sustainable fashion), here are some steps to get you started.
Take some time for self-reflection and clarity
Be honest with yourself and ask yourself these questions:
- Where are you starting from?
- Why do you want to start over?
- What aspects of your life need change?
Write down what you want to achieve. What are your goals? Is it a new career, healthier habits, better relationships or maybe it’s to develop more sustainable and ethical practices?
You will have a better chance of success if you use the SMART method to develop these goals. Check out my SMART goals worksheets here to help develop your goals.
Embrace Change When Starting Over
As you work towards your goals, don’t be afraid of change. Change is important for growth and strength. By accepting change with an open mind, you can have a more fulfilling and enriching life. It’s about finding balance, letting go when needed, and welcoming the new things that change brings.
Accept Change
Life is a constant stream of experiences, and nothing stays the same. Embracing life’s ups and downs can free you from the fear of change. Releasing past attachments is about understanding that our experiences, connections, and even we ourselves are in a state of constant change.
Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams or forgetting the past. It means not letting them hold you back. Mindfulness can help you live in the present and appreciate life as it happens.
Open-Mindedness
Being open-minded means welcoming new things without judgment. It means being curious and ready to try something new, like a new hobby, skill, or way of thinking. Open-mindedness sparks creativity and helps you overcome old ways of doing things. It also makes you more adaptable, which is important for dealing with life’s surprises.
Practical Steps in Starting Over
These steps are linked and each plays a vital role in the process of starting over. They help create a structured approach to change, making it more manageable and less daunting.
Create a Vision Board
Vision boards are a great way to set goals and imagine what you want to achieve. By creating a visual representation of your dreams, you give yourself something to look at. This can be inspiring and motivating. A Pinterest board is a fun and eco-friendly way to make a digital vision board.
If you are looking for inspiration for starting an ethical wardrobe, you can visit my profile on Pinterest to start. The link is on the bottom of the page. I also have boards for other sustainable practices and life changes.
Declutter
Starting over often requires letting go of the old to make room for the new. Decluttering can be liberating and can help you focus on what’s truly important. It’s a symbolic and practical step towards a fresh start.
However, for those of you starting your ethical wardrobe, this doesn’t mean go and clean out your closet of all unethically made clothing. It’s actually counterproductive. It does mean that you go out for less shopping trips, use what you have.
Learn New Skills
Learning new skills can lead to new opportunities that fit with your new goals. It’s a way to get ready for the changes you’re making.
Skills like learning how to replace a button or zipper can help you if one of your goals is to extend the life of your wardrobe. Check out Fixing Fashion for videos on skills you can use to make your clothes last longer.
Network
Building connections with like-minded individuals isn’t just beneficial; it’s transformative! It provides unwavering support, boundless inspiration, and endless opportunities. Networking is absolutely essential for personal and professional growth. It propels you forward. It helps you navigate your new path with the invaluable guidance and support of others who truly get you.
Feel free to comment on the individual posts here and on my Instagram. I would love to be able to support you on your journey. I hope you would also encourage others in the comments.
Financial Planning
Starting over, no matter on what scale, often has financial implications. By assessing your finances and planning accordingly, you’re ensuring that your transition is sustainable and that you’re prepared for the journey ahead.
Sustainably and ethically made products are more expensive, there is no way around it. However, I love providing other alternatives that are much easier on your pocket. Check out my post from last week, Slow Fashion: A Consumer’s Guide.
Health and Wellness
Your physical and mental well-being is the foundation of any successful change. Prioritizing self-care ensures that you have the energy and health to pursue your new goals.
Self-care is so important, and yet it is the first thing I personally toss to the side when I get busy. So, I will be spending some time over the next few days to try to get back to this. Practice what I preach.
Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, starting over can be overwhelming. Professional guidance can provide the tools and support needed to navigate the transition effectively.
Never be embarrassed to ask for help! I know it is difficult for some of us to do. Asking for help does not mean you are inadequate or that you did something wrong. I try to see it as a sign of strength to be open about needing help.
Take Action
When starting over, whether it’s in life, career, or transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle, “Take Action” is a crucial phase. Taking action with small steps, facing your fears, and persisting through challenges are all essential to successfully starting over. They provide a framework for action and resilience that can lead to a fulfilling and enriching new beginning.
Small Steps
Divide your goals into smaller tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the changes at once. By breaking your goals into smaller, more attainable tasks, you make the journey of starting anew less intimidating. Each minor achievement is a steppingstone to your new life, and acknowledging these triumphs will help maintain your motivation. Remember to celebrate the small victories.
Face Your Fear
Fear of the unknown is natural. Acknowledge it, but don’t let it paralyze you. Recognize that fear is a natural response, but also understand that it’s something you can work through. This mindset is key when you’re starting over because it allows you to move past hesitations and embrace new opportunities.
Persist
Starting over isn’t instant. Keep moving forward, even when it’s tough. The journey of reinvention is rarely a straight path; it often includes setbacks and challenges.
Persistence is about maintaining your course despite these obstacles. It’s the commitment to keep going, even when progress seems slow or the outcome uncertain. In the context of starting over, persistence ensures that you continue to work towards your new goals, building a new reality one step at a time.
Build a Support System for Starting Over
Building a support system is essential when starting over. It provides not only practical guidance but also emotional reinforcement. Whether it’s your family, mentors, or online peers, their encouragement and shared wisdom can make your journey smoother and more fulfilling.
Family and Friends
Openly communicate with your loved ones about your new path. Let them know your goals, challenges, and progress. Family and friends can provide emotional support, celebrate your victories, and offer a listening ear during tough times. Their encouragement can boost your confidence and resilience.
I do want to point out that when talking with others about a lifestyle change you are making, don’t try to convert them. This is a sure way to destroy this branch of your support system. If you want them to support you on a decision, you need to support them on theirs. Even if it is the complete opposite of yours.
Mentors
Seek out mentors who have successfully navigated similar transitions. They can offer valuable insights, practical advice, and encouragement. Engage in conversations with mentors. Ask about their journey, the obstacles they faced, and the strategies they used to overcome them.
Online Communities
Join online forums, groups, or social media communities related to your interests or goals. Participate in discussions, share your experiences, and learn from others. These communities provide a sense of belonging and a wealth of collective knowledge.
Even if your current goal has nothing to do with being plus size or starting an ethical wardrobe. Comment your current goal below, someone may be able to help you.
Stay Resilient
When starting over, resilience is your inner strength that helps you navigate through the process. Staying resilient while starting over is about maintaining a positive outlook, learning from experiences, and being gentle with yourself as you embark on this new chapter. It’s about having the courage to continue despite difficulties and the wisdom to see failure as a steppingstone to success.
Expect Setbacks When Starting Over
Anticipate setbacks as a normal part of the journey. When they occur, view them as opportunities to learn and grow rather than overwhelming barriers. Develop the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Flexibility in your approach allows you to overcome hurdles and find new ways to achieve your goals.
Self-Compassion
This process can be tough, and there might be times when you feel like you’ve failed or taken a step back. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a good friend. Every stumble is a chance to learn. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can avoid similar pitfalls in the future. This reflection turns mistakes into valuable lessons.
Remember, starting over is a chance for growth and reinvention. Take deliberate steps, stay positive, and believe in your ability to create a new chapter in your life! You got this!!
Community
Ready to take your style journey to the next level? Join our communities and unlock a world of fashion and sustainability inspiration.
Sustainable Style for Every Body Facebook Group – Connect with like-minded people who embrace sustainable and ethical plus-size fashion. Share tips, discover eco-conscious brands and celebrate body positivity.
Capsule Wardrobe Community Facebook Group – Master the capsule wardrobe to simplify your closet and elevate your style. Get advice, exchange ideas, and create a wardrobe you love!
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