LightNews LightNews
reinventionroad.bsky.social
@reinventionroad.bsky.social
6 followers 15 following 30 posts
Posts Replies Media Videos
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Friendships built within a particular version of your life, sometimes don’t survive outside of it, because that version of you was part of the emotional contract.

You played a role. And now that you’re stepping out of it, the dynamic has shifted. Some people can shift with you. Some people can’t.
Starting over makes you wonder: Whose friend is whose? Starting over makes you wonder: Whose friend is whose? Starting over makes you wonder: Whose friend is whose? Starting over makes you wonder: Whose friend is whose?
August 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Whenever you've handled The Big Thing, the Thing that terrifies you, there's often silence. The Thing that haunted you has gone and you're not sure who you are without the noise...
A screenshot essay titled "And Then It Was Quiet" discussing the emotional aftermath of facing fears. The text reflects on expectations of relief and celebration, contrasting these with feelings of emptiness and exposure in the ensuing silence. It highlights the disorientation after confronting fears, emphasizing the importance of recalibration. The author encourages small actions to find comfort in the quiet, suggesting that this space is essential for new beginnings. The essay concludes with an optimistic note about the potential for new ideas and desires to emerge from this silence, framing it not as an end, but as a clearing for growth.
August 5, 2025 at 6:34 PM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
This one’s important, because nobody talks enough about the after - the strange, wobbly space between facing the monster and feeling like you've actually moved on. It's not a clean victory lap. It's often quieter, lonelier, and more emotionally disorienting than expected.
A screenshot essay titled 'After You’ve Faced the Thing' discussing the emotions and experiences following acts of bravery. The text reflects on the journey of confronting fears, describing the aftermath as often feeling empty, flat, or uncertain rather than triumphant. It emphasizes the importance of breathing and allowing oneself to process these feelings. The essay encourages the reader to acknowledge their courage by reflecting on their actions, writing them down, and sharing with someone who understands the significance. It concludes with a reminder that having faced a challenge empowers one to choose their next steps, however small they may be.
August 4, 2025 at 2:32 PM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Start fresh by dressing like you matter - because you do.
A screenshot essay titled 'Wardrobe Reclaim Checklist for Starting Over' featuring an empowering message about fresh starts and self-worth. The essay is organized into four main steps with descriptive bullet points. Step 1 advises preparation by wearing comfy clothes, gathering three bags for sorting, and defining personal style. Step 2 encourages trying on all clothing and reflecting on their fit, confidence, and wearability, with sorting guidance for keeping, letting go, or packing away items. Step 3 outlines building a capsule wardrobe with specified quantities of clothing and accessories. Step 4 emphasizes intentionality in wardrobe choices rather than shopping sprees. A final reminder underscores that this process is about self-acceptance and significance, not size.
August 2, 2025 at 8:00 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
You don’t need a makeover. You just need to remember that you get to choose now.
Screenshot of an essay titled 'Starting Over in the Mirror'. The essay discusses the personal journey of self-acceptance and joy in dressing. It emphasizes the importance of reflecting on who you dress for, especially after significant life changes such as menopause or burnout. The author encourages readers to assess their wardrobe, be honest about what fits and feels good, and to build a capsule wardrobe that represents their true selves. The piece advocates for kindness in self-reflection, playful experimentation with personal style, and the idea that personal worth is not tied to clothing size or trends. It concludes by reminding readers that they have the power to choose their style and identity.
August 1, 2025 at 9:47 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
It’s not the doing that’s the hardest part. It’s the not-doing that slowly eats you alive.
A screenshot essay titled 'Facing the Thing You Really Don’t Want to Face' discusses the emotional struggle of confronting fears when starting over. It starts by mentioning common things people avoid, like unopened letters or difficult conversations. The author emphasizes how these 'Big Things' keep individuals stuck in their current situations. The essay stresses that facing these fears is essential and reassures readers that monsters seem less intimidating once confronted. It encourages readers to acknowledge what they are avoiding and to take the first step in addressing it, highlighting that the paralysis of not acting is often more damaging than the fear itself.
July 31, 2025 at 8:00 PM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
You never know which tiny change will prove to be the first domino...
A screenshot essay titled 'Starting Over One Tiny Change at a Time' discusses the concept of making small changes as a means to start anew. The essay highlights that starting over doesn't require grand gestures, using examples like buying new pillowcases, trying different lipstick colors, or changing daily routines. It emphasizes how we often get stuck in repetitive patterns that can reinforce feelings of loss. The author encourages readers to interrupt these loops by making one small change, suggesting that even minor adjustments can remind us of our capacity for change and growth. The closing lines urge the reader to start small and take the first step towards change.
July 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
That chapter mattered and not it's closed...
A screenshot essay titled 'Starting over is hard when you are living in the past and refusing to let go of what has been lost.' The text reflects on the challenges of letting go of past losses, whether they be roles, loved ones, or a sense of purpose. It discusses the comfort of grief and the emotional struggles that arise when one is filled with silence and memories. The author emphasizes that starting over isn't a sign of weakness, but a necessary process, urging readers to honor the past without living in it. The essay concludes with a message of hope, encouraging self-discovery and the belief in a brighter future, stating that understanding the importance of what was lost is part of moving forward.
July 31, 2025 at 4:51 PM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
You're not ready to start over, but 'ready' is a myth...
Screenshot essay titled 'Starting Over for Women Who Aren’t Quite Ready (But Do It Anyway)' discussing the challenges of starting anew when unprepared. The text emphasizes that waiting to feel 'ready' is a myth and highlights the importance of taking small actions regardless of feelings of readiness. It conveys that messy, imperfect beginnings are valid and encourages readers to move forward by taking simple steps, asserting that momentum comes from action rather than confidence. The message is uplifting, reminding women that even in their uncertainty, they have the power to reinvent themselves.
July 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Starting over is a superpower we don't celebrate enough - it takes guts to rebuild....
A screenshot of an essay titled 'No One Tells Women Over 60 that Starting Over is also a Superpower and You will be OK.' The body of the essay emphasizes that starting over is not a sign of failure but a testament to resilience and survival. The author reassures the reader that despite the pain of rebuilding, they possess the courage and strength to move forward and redefine their joy. The piece reflects the journey of self-discovery and empowerment, urging women to recognize their choice to start anew as a superpower that can transform their lives.
July 25, 2025 at 9:05 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Being let down by the one you love is a loss we hear about frequently It is devastating for the one whose trust has been broken (ColdPlay concert kiss cams come to mind. Imagine how that must have felt for the partners at home babystitting). Emotional texting is rarely the answer...
Screenshot of an essay titled '5 Texts to Send Instead of the One You’ll Regret.' The essay discusses the emotional turmoil following a breakup due to betrayal, emphasizing the complex feelings of grief, anger, and confusion. It advises against sending lengthy messages filled with emotion, suggesting five alternative texts to protect one's peace and power: 1. A firm boundary stating no contact; 2. A simple declaration of self-choosing; 3. An affirming statement about healing in silence; 4. A bold reclaiming of personal narrative; 5. The decision to say nothing at all. The essay concludes with encouragement to embrace life after loss and prioritize self-care.
July 24, 2025 at 7:00 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Whatever loss you have experienced, it's so easy to withdraw and let life 'happen' to you. It may not feel like it right now, but I promise you do have a choice...
A screenshot of an essay titled 'Choice is What Comes After the Chaos.' The text emphasizes the importance of choice in the aftermath of loss, stating that while one cannot choose the loss itself or rewrite the past, they can determine their future actions. The author expresses that it is common to dwell on what was lost but highlights the necessity of looking forward to truly start living again. The piece encourages readers to embrace the present moment, use their resilience and resources to create a new life, and recognize that starting over involves redesigning a future that, while different from what was expected, can still hold beauty. The essay concludes with a powerful reminder that now one has the freedom to choose how to live.
July 23, 2025 at 10:21 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
People mean well when they try to help you after loss but they are not living your life, walking in your shoes, and so their 'truths' are not universal...
A screenshot of an essay titled 'How I Got Interested in Life After Loss.' The essay discusses the author's experiences with profound loss and the journey of reinvention that followed. The text emphasizes that loss does not signify the end of one's story but rather a pivotal opportunity to rewrite it. The author shares personal reflections on being told it was too late for new beginnings and how these external 'truths' are often misleading. The message encourages readers, particularly women, to recognize their resilience and the possibility of new beginnings even after hardship. The essay concludes with a message of hope, asserting that it is never too late to start over.
July 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Our lives change after loss, and we need to change to fully live that new life, but it's important to figure this out for ourselves - and that means taking notice and learning...
A screenshot essay titled 'The Best Way to Learn Things About Yourself, as You Start Over After Loss'. The body text discusses the initial steps one should take after a loss. It emphasizes three key skills: 1) Saying no without apology, establishing boundaries without guilt, 2) Tracking energy instead of time, encouraging self-awareness about what brings joy and energy, and 3) Celebrating small wins, recognizing that even minor achievements like getting dressed or writing can signify progress and survival. The author encourages a gentle and honest self-reflection to identify what works for the individual.
July 21, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Reposted
kenmikkelsen.bsky.social
On the smallness of old men obsessed with power.
July 7, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Reposted
shauncoffey.bsky.social
Then ta‑da!—see the pages as they boom,
A circus spun from whispers, wild and true.
A screenshot of the essay titled 'Lean Writing 2 - it plays and then it gives a Cole and Dickie boom!' The body of the text is composed of four stanzas, each rich with imagery and playful language. The first stanza describes a tiny sprout that dances across a line and claims its growth. The second stanza depicts a sprightly phrase that juggles inventive words, creating humor. The third stanza illustrates a chapter that dances and a kite-like paragraph in the night sky. The final stanza culminates in a whimsical celebration of pages that come alive, depicting the process of writing as a vibrant, joyful circus. The style is lyrical, and the tone is lighthearted.
July 20, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Reposted
andysporring.bsky.social
A screenshot essay titled 'Day 2 - How It Started' reflecting on the author's lifelong passion for creativity. The essay discusses the author's experiences with mental illness, particularly agoraphobia and panic anxiety syndrome, and how starting to write in April 2020, during the pandemic, became a therapeutic outlet. The author shares their initial struggles with writing, leading to a publication on Medium titled 'Never Give Up On Learning New Things'. The text highlights the transformative journey of writing, resulting in over 390 articles, 540 essays, and 150 newsletters, totaling more than 4.5 million words in three and a half years. The essay concludes with the acknowledgement of an ongoing book project.
July 20, 2025 at 4:43 AM
Reposted
shauncoffey.bsky.social
I send my little spark,
To wander where it may
A screenshot essay titled 'Lean Writing 3: One Idea has a Power all of its Own'. The essay features a quote by Albrecht Durer, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge for others to discover truth. Below the quote, the author expresses thoughts through a poem about sending forth ideas like seeds, which can grow and inspire others. The poem reflects on the joy of knowing that even small contributions can ignite larger truths in the world.
July 20, 2025 at 6:00 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
One step at a time - it's the best way to pick yourself up and start over but everyone's path is their own and sometimes the standard advice just doesn't help!
Screenshot essay titled 'Three (Actually Useful) Things That Helped Me Start Again' containing three key points on self-care without traditional rituals. The first point highlights making small promises to oneself, like getting dressed or drinking water, to rebuild self-trust. The second point discusses curating soothing sounds instead of silence to avoid exacerbating negative thoughts, recommending audiobooks or calming sounds. The third point suggests speaking to oneself with patience, similar to caring for a rescue dog, emphasizing kindness and self-compassion. The essay concludes with a reminder that these small efforts validate one’s worth.
July 20, 2025 at 7:00 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Rucksack on, snacks packed, here I go again!
Screenshot essay titled 'Welcome to Reinvention Road - Bring snacks!' discusses the author's experiences with starting over after significant losses. The author reflects on the challenges of reinvention, acknowledging the difficulty of rebuilding one's life after losing a partner, job, or sense of self. The text emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the belief that anyone can start over, regardless of circumstances. It concludes with an invitation for others who are also starting anew, indicating a shared journey of transformation and resilience.
July 19, 2025 at 7:40 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Handling your money 5 minutes at a time makes a big difference...
Screenshot essay titled 'Five Minutes of Financial Courage: Small Money Tasks That Make a Big Difference.' The body text discusses the importance of tackling small financial tasks to build confidence in managing money. It encourages readers to take small actions such as checking bank statements, setting up apps, or moving money to savings. The author emphasizes that these tasks can be completed in just five minutes and lists specific tasks like checking an account balance, setting up direct debits, and automatic savings transfers. The overall message promotes financial self-care and taking charge of one's finances with simple, manageable steps.
July 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
My late in life diagnosis hasn't just explained my past, it has opened doors to a different future...
A screenshot essay titled 'The Missing Puzzle Piece: Discovering ADHD After 60'. The text discusses the author's journey discovering their ADHD at age 62. Key points include recognizing past experiences, such as extreme attention focus, challenges in systematic studying, and feelings of being different. The author reflects on how learning about ADHD has alleviated the shame associated with their quirks, fostering self-compassion. The essay emphasizes that a late diagnosis can lead to new beginnings and growth, encouraging that it's never too late to change.
July 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
A late in life ADHD diagnosis brings with it the complete gamut of emotions, the opportunity to stop beating yourself up for events of the past and start fresh with a new understanding...
Screenshot essay titled 'Starting Fresh With a New Understanding: Life After Late ADHD Diagnosis' containing several paragraphs. The author reflects on the experience of receiving an ADHD diagnosis, likening it to finding a missing manual for life. The text discusses the relief and grief that accompany understanding one's struggles and the realization that previous challenges were due to a neurodivergent brain rather than personal failings. It emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and giving oneself time to process emotions while encouraging the reader to make peace with the past and plan for a different, more fulfilling future.
July 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
My premise is that starting over is to be applauded and encouraged...
A screenshot essay titled 'The Gentle Art of Starting Over: Permission to Begin Again'. The text discusses the feelings of shame and awkwardness often associated with starting over in various aspects of life, such as careers and education. It challenges societal timelines and the notion of having only one chance, emphasizing that starting over is an act of courage and wisdom. The essay encourages embracing individual journeys, whether through dramatic changes or subtle shifts. It asserts the importance of granting oneself permission to make mistakes and learn over time, ultimately conveying a message of self-acceptance and growth. The essay concludes with a personal signature expressing the sentiment of granting this permission.
July 8, 2025 at 9:15 AM
reinventionroad.bsky.social
Whether you're navigating the aftermath of a divorce, processing the end of a significant relationship, facing job loss, or dealing with any other profound change, the weight of loss can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
A textured background with the title 'The First Step Is Just Showing Up: Starting Your Journey After Loss' prominently displayed. The body text reads: 'Some days, getting out of bed feels like climbing Everest. Without oxygen. Without a sherpa to carry your burdens. Whatever you are navigating, the weight of loss can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. At times like this, showing up is enough. You don't need everything figured out. You don't need a plan. Victory is making your morning coffee, taking a shower, or simply breathing through another day. Loss reshapes our world. The routines that once anchored us suddenly feel pointless. Spaces that were once comfortable now echo with absence. Disorientation is the new normal. Today, start small. Try opening the curtains to let in light. Tomorrow, reply to one email or take a five-minute walk. These are quiet acts of courage, small declarations that you're still here, still moving forward. Remember, healing isn't linear. It's more lik
July 7, 2025 at 5:04 PM