The Truth About Starting Over (And Why It’s Not Failure)
There I was, in the middle of a South Korean winter, a cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by the quiet beauty of a new world, and suddenly, it hit me: People will treat me the way I allow them to treat me.
That thought wasn’t loud. It was still. And yet, it echoed into every part of my life.
That thought opened a painful truth for me: it’s not just about how others treat me but also how I’ve been treating myself.
In the name of being productive, I had been pushing through exhaustion, ignoring my emotional needs, and constantly expecting more from myself, without rest, without pause.
And somewhere along the way, I stopped allowing myself to be present.
That moment was just one of many that stirred something profound in me.
While I expected my trip to Korea to be a fun break, I didn’t anticipate how much it would become a sacred space of reset.
In my heart, my mindset, and my business.
What I Didn’t Expect to Learn on My “Break”
Before I left for Korea, I told myself I’d keep going: I’d write the blogs, post on social media, and maybe even film a few things while I was there.
I had a plan.
But sitting down to write the first blog, I felt it - the anxiety, the tightness in my chest, the weight - even sadness creeping into my heart.
That familiar voice whispered, “You’re falling behind.”
But another voice, quieter yet firmer, whispered back, “Or maybe… you’re exactly where you need to be.”
So, I did something I hadn’t allowed myself to do in a long time.
I stopped.
I paused.
I permitted myself to breathe, be present, and engage fully in each moment with no guilt and no performance.
And what unfolded was nothing short of life-changing.
I noticed how often we make excuses:
It’s too cold. It’s too much effort. It’s not the right time.
And how those excuses quietly rob us of some of life’s most unforgettable experiences.
I realised how deeply relational I am. How much I care, not about algorithms or click-throughs, but about hearts, healing, and connection.
And this is what I want more of: deep, honest, transformative connection.
With my family.
With my friends.
And especially with you - the people I create for.
The Truth About Starting Over
Here’s the truth I didn’t know I needed to learn until I stopped:
Starting over isn’t a failure.
It’s wisdom.
It’s courage.
And sometimes, it’s the most strategic next step.
What This Means For You (If You’re Feeling Behind Too)
If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind.
If you’ve questioned whether your dreams are realistic.
If you’ve been posting, pushing, performing, and still wondering, “Is this even working?”
I want you to know that you’re not alone.
Before I paused, I was struggling with:
- Doubting my message
- Feeling disconnected from my content
- Wondering if I’d ever see the vision I’ve been holding in my heart come to life
And honestly? I began to wonder if I was fooling myself.
But now, standing on the other side of that pause, I see things differently.
I am not a failure if I need to stop.
I am not weak if the path changes.
I am not behind.
Pausing isn’t falling behind. Pausing is a catapult that propels me forward with more clarity, energy, and purpose.
No more wasting time.
No more burning energy without results.
I’m not starting over.
I’m starting smarter.
So What Can You Do When You Feel Like That?
Let me offer you what I’ve learned. If you feel stuck or disconnected, try this:
Pause
Stop the hustle. Step away from what’s not working. Give yourself space to breathe.
Reflect
Ask yourself the hard questions:
- Where am I in my life?
- What do I want?
- What impact do I want to make?
- Is what I’m currently doing working?
- What has to change?
Be honest. Be brave.
Check Your Mindset
You are not weak for needing a reset.
You are courageous.
Facing the truth and choosing a new way forward takes courage.
You’re adapting. You’re aligning.
That’s strength.
A Gentle Daily Practice That Helps Me Reconnect
When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself to focus only on what’s in front of me.
Just one thing.
One moment.
Done with absolute presence and heart.
And then the next thing.
And the next.
Each completed step is a small victory.
And those small victories build the life we’re dreaming of.
Final Thought
So, if you’re here, feeling like you’ve lost your way, even doubting if you should keep going, let this be your permission slip to pause, reflect, and reset.
You are not starting from scratch.
You are starting from wisdom.
From experience.
From strength.
Cheering for you - always. Talk again soon
Belinda Basson.
P.S. If this resonated with you, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter for more stories, tips, and inspiration. Don’t let the world define you.
Let’s ReDefine together.