What New Beginnings Have Taught Me | Episode 5
What New Beginnings Have Taught Me: Lessons for the New Year
It’s the first month of the year, and you’re staring at a blank planner. The possibilities feel endless, but so do the doubts. Should you finally pursue that career shift you’ve been dreaming about? Can you rebuild after a breakup or take a bold step toward self-improvement? These moments of hesitation are familiar to all of us, and they’re where true growth begins.
Looking back on my journey—through career transitions, love, and personal growth—I’ve discovered that starting over isn’t something to fear. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and become more aligned with who you truly are.
Career: Embracing Change with Confidence
At various points in my life, I’ve started fresh in my career. I pursued business administration in college, became a programmer, a nurse, a nursing teacher, an entrepreneur, and now a coach. Each chapter came with uncertainties, but every step taught me a valuable lesson:
- Give yourself permission to live authentically: Changing paths isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a way to pursue what truly aligns with your values. It’s okay to make mistakes, pivot, and learn along the way.
- Action is the key to clarity and confidence: For example, when I decided to start my own business, I didn’t have all the answers. But by taking small, consistent steps, I gained clarity and built confidence. Without action, we remain stuck, missing the lessons needed to grow.
If you’re contemplating a career change or pursuing a long-held dream this year, remember: mistakes aren’t the enemy—inaction is.
Love and Relationships: Finding Strength in Self-Worth
Love, too, has taught me the value of starting over. I’ve experienced failed relationships and even the pain of a broken engagement. For years, I believed my happiness depended on someone else’s approval, but I’ve since learned:
- Your worth doesn’t depend on other people’s opinions of you: For instance, when I experienced heartbreaks, I questioned my value. Over time, I realized that their opinion did not define me. As long as I don’t reject myself, I could weather any rejection.
- Relationships require effort and growth: My marriage wasn’t perfect in the first 10 years. Miscommunications, unmet expectations, and a lack of boundaries caused challenges. But by working on these areas, my husband and I are now celebrating 11 years of partnership built on mutual respect, enjoyment, and presence.
This New Year, focus on valuing yourself. When you honor who you are, the right relationships will follow.
Mental Health: Accepting My Humanity
For years, I thought vulnerability was weakness. I avoided negative feelings and tried to appear strong, but this mindset only deepened my struggles. Through time and reflection, I learned:
- Feelings are meant to be felt: Ignoring emotions only prolongs their grip on you. When I began accepting my moods, negative thoughts, and mistakes, I discovered that I could move through them more quickly.
- Self-acceptance leads to healing: For instance, when I made mistakes, I used to spiral into self-criticism and fear. Now, I remind myself that mistakes are human and part of growth.
As you navigate 2025, give yourself the grace to feel everything—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s all part of embracing your humanity.
Starting Over: The Courage to Begin Again
Starting over is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it. Whether it’s a new career, relationship, or chapter of personal growth, the key is to:
- Do it scared: Fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready—it means you care. When I launched my coaching practice, I was terrified of failure. But by taking small, consistent steps, I gained confidence and saw the impact of my work.
- Trust in your resilience: No matter how daunting a fresh start feels, you’re capable of handling it. Every new beginning is a chance to redefine success and create the life you want.
A New Year, A New Chapter
As 2025 unfolds, take these lessons with you: give yourself permission to be imperfect, value your worth, accept your humanity, and don’t be afraid to start over. Each new beginning brings opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and joy.
Here’s to embracing fresh starts and living fully. Happy New Year! ✨
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:22 - New Year, New Beginnings
02:03 - On Career: Starting Over Many Times
06:34 - What I Learned: Everything Can Be Learned
09:08 - Give Yourself Permission
11:54 - Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
14:59 - Don’t Be Afraid to Be True to Yourself
16:13 - Embracing Uncertainty
17:19 - Action Brings Clarity and Confidence
20:23 - Free Webinar: Paano Ba Matupad ang New Year’s Resolution? (Jan 7, 2025)
21:32 - On Love Life: Starting Over a Few Times
24:27 - What I Learned: Knowing My Worth
26:22 - As Long as I Don’t Reject Myself, I’ll Be Okay
29:00 - On Mental Health
29:46 - My Biggest Mistake: Believing It’s Bad to Show Weakness
31:15 - What I Learned: It’s Okay to Show Signs of Weakness
32:19 - What to Do with Negative Feelings
33:40 - Embracing Humanity: Accepting All of Yourself
34:35 - The Most Important Lesson: Thoughts Are Not Reality
37:18 - Negative Thoughts, Feelings, and Moods Are Part of Human Nature
39:21 - Starting Over Is Always Possible
40:13 - You Can Handle Anything: Do It Scared
40:40 - Next Episode: All About Surrender
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Disclaimer: The content shared in Realizations With Clarissa is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or therapy. If you are experiencing serious mental health concerns, please consult a licensed doctor, therapist, or mental health professional. Your well-being is important, and seeking appropriate support is a vital step toward healing.
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