Birthday Thoughts: Starting Over

Start over, my darling. Be brave enough to find the life you want and courageous enough to chase it. Then start over and love yourself the way you were always meant to. —Madelyn Beck

Without fail every year, I pretty much always forget about my actual birthday right until the week of.

I’m sure it’s a multitude of reasons. And if I were to guess, it’s because 1) I’m busy to a point where I forget, 2) it never feels like October until the last week and 3) I don’t see my birthday as a big deal.

Since mine is in a few days, I wanted to jot down my thoughts to reflect on later.

Three years ago, I wrote about what’s next for She Sweats Diamonds. As I was progressing nicely, little did I know my plans would be majorly thwarted. And considering 2021 is trying to outdo 2020, I’ve had the need and desire to take some time to get some things off my chest. And for me, this is the perfect place to do it.

Whatever I said about 2020, I take it all back.

The time off I had in 2020? I needed it to happen this year.

The chaos is exhausting. And when I say chaos, I mean everything.

Not only do I feel all over the place at my day job, I feel all over the place in my personal life too.

Starting Over - Huong Vo wearing Audrey Leighton dress
Dress by Audrey Leighton Vintage

Today, I want to discuss the topic of starting over.

As much as we hate starting over, sometimes, when life forces you to, it can be a good thing. Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with starting over.

To me, I hate starting over because I’m one who hates losing my progress. On the other hand, starting over is not really starting from square one. It’s taking on the same goal, but this time faster because you have more experience under your belt.

Here are my thoughts on starting over as of late:

HEALTH & WELLNESS

My longest streak at the gym was two years. And boy, was I so proud of my consistency and progress!

Then 2020 hit. Angry doesn’t begin to describe it. This was the one area I did not want to be interrupted for more than a few months max. Sadly, a few months turned into a few years.

Looking back on the last two years of doing basically nothing, I regret not moving more. Sure I took walks here and there, but I definitely should’ve at least worked on my mobility/flexibility.

I know motion creates emotion, like Tony Robbins says. However, when your mindset isn’t strong, it’s difficult to physically get moving…even when you know it’s good for you to do so.

I’ve been dying to go back to the gym for a long time now. However, I’ve been going through some personal health issues for a little over a year.

Basically, when my health issue flares up, I cannot move normally. And frustrating doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling about it.

On the other hand, the parts of my body I can move, I need to see a chiropractor first. Considering it’s been awhile since my last appointment, I don’t want to work out without being adjusted properly first. Better to prevent injuries before than to jump in with excitement and be filled with regret later, right?

I absolutely hate starting over on this part of my life, but when I get my health issue taken care of, I cannot wait to be back at the gym, running, playing tennis, all of it! I’m so excited!


PERSONAL STYLE

It’s been a long time since I shared an outfit with you guys and for good reason. Being the size that I currently am, it’s been hard. It’s not that I’m not trying. I’ve just been having a difficult time finding clothes that fit my body the way I want it to.

I’m still a lover of neutrals and classics, more than ever in fact. However, I don’t find it motivating to share what I feel is a mediocre outfit with you just because it fits me.

Cleaning out my closet slowly has helped me in honing in on my personal style too.

I hate starting over with a new wardrobe especially when I love most of what I have in my closet. I just want my money where I can see it. ::wink:: However, I know that it’s better to sell/donate pieces I know I’ll no longer wear for someone who needs them instead of letting them gather dust.


BEAUTY

If you’ve been around here awhile, you’ll know that my ultimate beauty goal is to get my skin so smooth and glowing that I don’t need to wear makeup. That’s not to say I no longer enjoy makeup. I just know I’ll feel ten times more confident with beautiful skin…with or without makeup.

This is one topic I don’t mind starting over on, drinking more water, getting more sleep, figuring out a skincare routine, etc. If it gets me natural-glowing skin, I’m in!


BUSINESS

For some reason, this is one area in life where I don’t mind starting over. I welcome mistakes and the process of re-building.

Earlier this year, I did just that. After closing my business and taking a very long break, I launched another one. Starting over definitely paid off!

While profits are coming in slowly, I’ve already made my investment back! Making my initial investment back was my first goal so I’m super excited!

Since I knew for the longest time that I’ll be working for the rest of my life, I knew opening another stream of income was necessary. And I’m so glad I did!


LIFESTYLE

In terms of starting over in the lifestyle department, this one has been difficult for me as I haven’t felt myself until very recently. I know social media has played a major role in my feeling unmotivated.

I’m still struggling a bit with shaking off the sadness I feel over what I’ve been seeing. That’s honestly why I haven’t posted on my Instagram for nearly a month.

However, my mentor, Justin, taught me to work on staying in the ‘separation gap’ (more on this later). Aside from God Himself, Justin’s message has been saving me. It’s exactly what I needed to hear to stay the course and be okay with starting over. And I will keep listening to it over and over until I’m back to my creative, self-motivated, inspiring self!

Other things in my life that will also get better with time? My relationship with God, my daily routine, my health, life, relationships, and overall success.

Wow, what a birthday to reflect back on later! And hopefully, from a wayyy better place!

What do you guys think about starting over? Let me know in the comments!

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1 Comment
  • Rachel
    October 21, 2021

    Thank you so much for sharing! For me, I always felt ashamed for starting over, especially on the health side. I thought people would look at me and go, “Oh man, what is Rachel trying now? Why does she keep stopping and starting?” Until you told me that you admire people like me who keep trying no matter if you have to start over, that really changed my mind about that process. So, I send that back to you. I admire you for sharing about starting over, for not giving up all together. Happy birthday, Huong! You got this and cheers to starting over!!! 🥂