A fresh beginning rooted in clarity and courage
A few days ago, we passed through the Summer Solstice—a turning of the year, a moment where the light lingers a little longer, and we’re invited to reflect.
For some, that reflection leads naturally into continuing—a gentle return to the path we were already walking.
But for others, that reflection reveals something deeper:
What once worked… no longer does.
What once fit… now feels tight.
What once inspired… now asks to be released.
And so begins the quiet stirring to start new.
But here’s the beautiful truth:
You don’t need a solstice to make that decision.
Any day—any moment—can be the right time to say,
“It’s time for something different.”
What Does It Mean to Start New?
To start new is not to discard your life.
It’s not necessarily quitting the job, leaving the relationship, or moving to a new place (though it might be).
Often, it’s more subtle—but just as significant.
Start New (verb)
To move toward something not yet lived or explored; a fresh beginning rooted not in failure, but in clarity, courage, and truth.
Starting new might look like:
- Enrolling in a course to grow a skill or shift direction
- Starting therapy or spiritual direction to process what’s been held too long
- Making a different daily choice (what you eat, how you speak, what you prioritize)
- Taking a creative risk—writing the first page, opening the shop, sharing the idea
- Trying a new look—cutting your hair, redefining your style, wearing color again
- Releasing a role you’ve outgrown or a rhythm that no longer serves
It’s not about perfection. It’s about honesty.
It’s not about knowing exactly where it ends. It’s about being brave enough to begin.
A Scripture for the Journey
“See, I am doing a new thing;
Now it springs up—do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
And streams in the wasteland.”
— Isaiah 43:19 (paraphrased)
This passage beautifully captures the spirit of Starting New.
God does not ask us to remain where we’ve been simply because it’s familiar.
He is always inviting us into what is next—not by erasing our past, but by transforming it into a path forward.
How Do We Know It’s Time?
Sometimes, it’s clear.
Sometimes, it’s quiet.
But often, we sense it before we can name it.
You might be ready to start new when:
- Something that once felt right now feels stagnant or misaligned
- You feel restless—not in an anxious way, but in a growing way
- Life nudges you through discomfort, showing you where you’ve outgrown your current season
- Your spirit keeps tugging at a dream, a longing, or a different way of being
What if this isn’t a dead end… but a doorway?
How Do We Choose the New Direction?
You don’t have to map out the entire path.
You just need enough light for the next step.
Choosing the new thing often begins with a whisper—not a billboard.
- Through prayer or quiet reflection: Ask, listen, and trust the stillness
- By paying attention to what gives life vs. what drains it
- Through trial and error: Sometimes we don’t know until we try
- By listening inward more than outward: The world has opinions—your soul has wisdom
There’s no formula. But there is guidance, if you’re willing to pay attention.
How Do We Begin?
You begin gently.
You begin wisely.
You begin from truth—not pressure.
Start with:
- Wisdom: What do I already know about myself, my rhythms, my limits, and my needs?
- Hope: Even if this is unfamiliar, it might be good. It might be exactly right.
- Encouragement: Talk to someone who sees you. Find support. Be around voices that build, not break.
You don’t have to know the ending to take the first step.
You just have to believe that the step is worth taking.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Starting new doesn’t mean starting over.
It doesn’t mean abandoning everything or becoming someone else.
It means choosing—bravely and honestly—to follow what feels true now.
Not what was true five years ago.
Not what others expect.
But what your soul quietly knows: It’s time.
So if you’re feeling that inner tug,
if there’s a whisper of something new calling your name—
you don’t have to be certain.
You just have to be willing.
Willing to explore.
Willing to trust.
Willing to take the first imperfect, beautiful step.
A Reflection for the Journey
What new beginning is quietly asking for your attention?
What might change if you followed it—even just a little?
You don’t have to know the whole path.
You only need to say yes to this moment.
May you have the wisdom to listen,
the courage to choose,
and the hope to begin.
—Laura