Your Brain's New Love

A Note from Start Over Kitty: It's the weekend—and you know what that means. Time to hit pause on the hustle, breathe out the stress, and ease into a different rhythm. Welcome to your Saturday edition of our newsletter, tailored for more relaxation and rejuvenation. So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, find that cozy spot, and join us as we take a gentler approach to the weekend.

-Start Over Kitty

FROM THE EDITOR

The Science Behind Why Our Brains Love New Beginnings

Let's geek out on some science for just a minute. Stay with me here, ok?

Have you ever wondered why we feel so invigorated by the idea of a fresh start? Well, it turns out, that our brains are wired to love new beginnings!

Scientific research suggests that our brains associate new beginnings with potential and opportunity. This likely stems from our evolution as a species - new environments and situations meant new resources to explore and utilize. So, essentially, your brain equates "new" with "exciting and potentially beneficial."

  • When you decide to start over, your brain releases dopamine, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter, which motivates you and keeps you focused on your new goals.

  • Fresh starts also trigger the creation of new neural pathways. These are like roads in your brain that guide your thoughts and behaviors. The more you travel down a particular road, the stronger it becomes.

Okay, now that you understand why your brain loves new beginnings, you can leverage this to guide your personal growth:

  • Set Specific, Attainable Goals: Studies show that your brain responds positively to the achievement of goals, no matter how small. So, break down your 'start over' plan into smaller, achievable goals. That way, you're constantly rewarding your brain with a dose of dopamine!

  • Embrace the 'New': Trying new things can be nerve-wracking, but remember, your brain loves new! So, be brave and dive into new experiences, hobbies, or skills.

START OVER KITTY SELECTIONS

Weekend Picks for Your Down-Time

🎬 Movie: The Pursuit of Happiness

Battling the brutal blows of homelessness while single-handedly caring for his young son, Chris Gardner (Will Smith) clings to a relentless dream—conquering the cutthroat world of stockbroking. It’s a vivid reminder that hitting rock bottom isn’t the end. It's just the beginning of a powerful comeback. Watch it. Feel it. Live it. Let Chris Gardner's journey inspire you to never give up, no matter how hard the fall.

I gave Michael A. Singer’s book another shot after a friend reminded me of it. Initially, I couldn't quite get into it, but now I'm diving back in. It discusses embracing life's challenges with an open heart—a perfect guide for anyone seeking inner peace and greater emotional balance.

📝 Activity: Journaling

Starting over isn't always about massive life changes. Sometimes it's about small, daily transformations. Journaling is a fantastic way to plan your life, track your habits, and ultimately, rewrite your story one day at a time.

SOME POWERFUL WORDS TO PONDER

Reflect on this for a minute. Doesn’t it make you feel like you can take on the world? It sure does for me!

"Failure is not the opposite of success, it's part of success."

Arianna Huffington

SHARE YOUR STORY

Now, it's your turn. I would love to hear your "starting over" stories!

How have new beginnings impacted your life? What are you planning on starting over? Share your story, and who knows, it might be featured in our next newsletter – because we all need a reminder sometimes that it's never too late to start over.

Keep starting over, keep going,
Start Over Kitty

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