Fresh Starts: Welcoming Change With Intention
There’s something about the back-to-school season that feels like a second New Year. Even if you’re not packing lunches or printing supply lists, the rhythm of fall (sharpened pencils, shifting light, and cooler mornings), invites us to reflect, reset, and begin again.
For many, this time of year brings a natural moment to pause and ask:
Where am I headed? What do I want the next season of life to feel like?
While some fresh starts come in the form of a new planner or a tidied junk drawer, others arrive wrapped in much bigger transitions:
A new job.
A move across the country.
A marriage.
A divorce.
An empty nest.
The decision to finally do the thing you’ve been dreaming about for years.
These moments are powerful. But if we’re not careful, they can pass by without us ever anchoring into the clarity they offer.
Why Intentions Matter
When our family relocated to Salt Lake City in 2020, I didn’t see it as a permanent move. I fought it, honestly. I knew it was the right decision on paper, but in my heart, I resisted. And because I never truly welcomed it as a new chapter, I didn’t set any intentions for myself, or our family. I didn’t ask what I wanted this fresh start to feel like, or what opportunities it might offer.
The result? I felt lost.
I floundered in ways I didn’t expect: emotionally, relationally, professionally. It took time (and a lot of grace) to get grounded again.
On the flip side, when we decided to purchase our first rental property, we approached it differently. We got clear on what we wanted; not just the numbers on a spreadsheet, but the experience of ownership, the kind of renters we hoped to attract, and the long-term vision we had for our family’s financial future.
That clarity has carried us through some tough moments (like a burst pipe and a sagging deck). We still believe in the choice because we anchored it in something deeper than just “a good deal.”
Turning Dreams Into Reality
Whether your fresh start is tied to real estate, relationships, career, or lifestyle, the process of moving forward with intention begins with reflection. Here are three grounding questions to guide your next step:
1. What will life feel like six months from now if this change goes well?
Close your eyes and imagine it. Where are you? Who’s with you? What’s different? What’s the same?
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment.
2. What priorities are driving this change?
Is it about creating more time for family? Building wealth? Finding peace? Starting over? Identifying the “why” helps cut through the noise when doubts or distractions arise.
3. What might hold you back? How will you handle it?
Fear, fatigue, guilt, or uncertainty; these are normal companions on the road to change. Acknowledge them, plan for them, and remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
A Place to Begin
Big changes don’t have to be overwhelming. They just need to be intentional. Whether you’re getting ready to move, invest in real estate, or redefine what “home” means for this next chapter, know that I’m here to help you create a plan that feels true to you.
And if you’re not quite ready to leap, but you’re thinking about it, stay tuned. I’ll be releasing a Fresh Start Guide soon with simple prompts, space to write, and ideas to help you clarify what’s next.
Because at Nurture Lane, I believe in the power of a partner, a plan, and a place to grow.
