The Power of a Reset
Have you ever felt like your thoughts, beliefs, or actions were headed in an unhelpful direction? As though you were caught in a loop, where everything you did or thought seemed to take you further away from where you wanted to be? I’ve been there. Years ago, during a cruise for a friend’s 50th birthday celebration, I found myself in the midst of a seismic personal reset. My life had taken a sharp turn as I left a toxic marriage and organization at the same time, and I was trying to rebuild my life, my beliefs, and even my sense of self.
I was learning to rewire my thoughts, listen to my gut, and embrace my emotions in a way I never had before. It was a time of great emotional turmoil, but also of great discovery. I had spent years living in a system of certainty, one that told me how to think, feel, and act, and now, stepping outside of that system, everything felt unfamiliar. The world outside seemed unsettling; fear had wrapped me up in a dark cloud.
But on that cruise, amidst the beautiful sights and sounds, I noticed something. It wasn’t a grand breakthrough, but it was a shift. As I walked around, I would pause—sometimes it felt like I was walking forward, other times I would “stutter step,” hesitating for a moment before moving on again, and other times the boat shifted beneath me making me scramble for stability. In those moments of pause, I realized something important: this was a reset. A reset for my mind, body, and spirit.
A reset isn’t about instant clarity or grand epiphanies. Instead, it’s about slowing down and acknowledging that something in our thoughts, actions, or beliefs is no longer serving us. It’s a way of recalibrating our direction, giving ourselves space to pause and assess. This moment of stillness allows us to connect with ourselves and reset our intentions, actions, and mindset.
In my case, this reset was about reconnecting with my gut and my emotions—letting go of the rigidity and control that had defined so much of my past, and embracing the uncertainty of my new life. Each time I paused, I gave myself permission to question the narrative I was carrying with me and to realign with my true self.
When we recognize that our thoughts and actions are headed in a direction that doesn’t feel right, it’s important to hit the reset button. To do that effectively, here are three questions I’ve found helpful when it’s time to pause and reconsider:
What am I truly feeling right now?
This question helps you get in touch with your emotions instead of running away from them. When we’re overwhelmed or uncertain, it’s easy to bypass our feelings in favor of action or distraction. Taking a moment to check in with yourself—what are you truly feeling?—allows you to recognize the emotional state you’re in and whether that’s guiding your thoughts and decisions in a helpful direction.What is the story I’m telling myself?
Our minds are powerful storytellers. When we’re not mindful, we can get swept up in narratives that keep us stuck. These stories might be shaped by fear, doubt, or past trauma, and they can take us off course. By asking this question, you pause to assess whether the story you’re telling yourself is true or just a reflection of old patterns. Is it helping you move forward, or keeping you tethered to a version of yourself that no longer fits?What do I need right now to feel grounded and clear?
This question encourages you to reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit. Resetting isn’t just a mental process—it’s a holistic one. What do you need to feel rooted in this moment? Maybe it’s a few deep breaths, a quiet walk, or simply a moment of stillness. Sometimes, resetting means slowing down enough to create the space for clarity to emerge.
A reset isn’t just about stopping and starting again. It’s an intentional pause that creates room for new perspectives and insights. Here's what happens when we give ourselves permission to reset:
It clears mental clutter: The noise in our minds can overwhelm us, causing us to make decisions from a place of anxiety or stress. A reset helps clear that clutter, allowing us to think more clearly and calmly.
It re-aligns our actions with our intentions: Often, we find ourselves reacting to life instead of responding with intention. A reset allows us to check in and realign with what truly matters, whether it’s self-care, authenticity, or a long-term goal.
It fosters self-compassion: The act of pausing and resetting shows us that it’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s an invitation to be kind to ourselves and acknowledge that growth takes time.
It restores emotional balance: Resetting helps us acknowledge and process emotions rather than suppressing them. This creates emotional space for healing and clarity, enabling us to make decisions from a place of groundedness.
It builds resilience: The more we practice resetting, the more we develop resilience. We become better at navigating challenges and staying present, no matter what life throws our way.
The moment I realized I needed to reset on that cruise was small but powerful. Life had become a whirlwind of uncertainty and change, and in that pause, I was able to recalibrate. Resetting is about giving yourself permission to slow down, assess where you are, and realign with your true direction.
When you find yourself feeling lost or overwhelmed, take a moment to hit the reset button. Ask yourself the right questions, listen to your body, and create space for clarity and connection. Life doesn’t always need to be fast-paced or perfectly aligned. Sometimes, the most meaningful steps forward come after a pause. It’s not about getting it right every time—it’s about being present and compassionate with yourself as you navigate your journey.
