The Ability to Begin Again: Every Time Life Asked Me To
People often talk about beginning again as if it only happens after something dramatic — a loss, a breakdown, a turning point we didn’t choose.
But sometimes, beginning again is something we decide to do.
Some of my most meaningful new beginnings didn’t come from rock bottom. They came from choice, planning, creativity, and believing in what was possible — even when it wasn’t simple.
Beginning again is a skill. A muscle. A way of moving through the world with curiosity, courage, and flexibility.
My disability shaped some of my beginnings. Life shaped others. And many of them, I shaped myself.
These are some of the beginnings that built me the most.
When My Mom Died: The Most Unexpected Beginning of My Life
Losing my mom was the beginning I never planned for — yet it changed my life in ways I didn’t know were possible.
In her absence, I realized just how much she had done for me, and how deeply you can appreciate something only after it’s gone. This devastating beginning reshaped my understanding of love, strength, and independence.
It taught me:
how to hold memories in one hand and gratitude in the other
how to keep going without the person who taught me everything
how to build a life she would be proud of
This beginning didn’t break me — it rooted me. It reminded me who I come from.
Moving Out on My Own to the Big City: A Planned Beginning Filled with Courage
Moving out was a decision I made deliberately.
I planned for it.
I prepared for it.
And I chose to begin again in a city that was completely new to me.
Even the most thought-out plans can’t prepare you for everything. There are always things you don’t anticipate, things beyond your control, and things you simply have to learn to live with.
Like:
unlocking a door that doesn’t have a lever handle
dealing with a water main break below your balcony — the same balcony you relied on to let your dog out all winter
welcoming male PSWs into your daily routine
This beginning was terrifying — and it was also incredibly empowering.
It was me saying: I’m ready for growth. I’m ready for independence. I’m ready to begin my life.
My First Apartment: Beginning Again in an Imperfect Space
Was my first apartment accessible? No, but it was a start and the thing about starts is that they don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
That apartment taught me:
how to adapt spaces creatively
how to advocate for what I needed
how to see possibility in places that didn’t fully fit
It was the beginning of understanding my worth in the spaces I occupy.
Starting School in My 40s: A Bold, Completely Intentional Beginning
Going back to school wasn’t a reset — it was the logical next step.
After my mom died, it felt like I was beginning my life in a new way. I was getting my ducks in a row, and schooling was something I had wanted since high school.
Starting school in my 40s was:
brave
intentional
proof that age is not a deadline
I planned for it. I prepared for it. And I knew exactly why I was doing it — because I deserved growth, learning, and opportunity.
That beginning gave me confidence and pride all over again.
Starting The Ability Company: Beginning Again with Purpose and Vision
The Ability Company wasn’t an accident. It was built with purpose, clarity, and heart.
I started it because:
I wanted to make a difference
I knew I had the ability to do it
I had stories worth sharing
I saw a gap in inclusion and accessibility
I knew caregivers and disabled people deserved better
I believed in creating something bigger than barriers
This beginning required resilience, creativity, and deep conviction. Every part of it was intentional.
And it has been one of the most meaningful beginnings of my life.
Beginning Again Isn’t About Starting Over — It’s About Growing Forward
Every beginning taught me something different:
grief taught me that love endures
moving out taught me confidence
my first apartment taught me adaptability
school taught me that I do have skills and abilities
The Ability Company taught me purpose
Beginning again, for me, isn’t about loss. It’s about strength. Ingenuity. Resilience.
And the belief that I can keep choosing myself — at any age, at any stage, with any challenge in front of me.
If You’re Beginning Again Too…
Whether your beginning is planned or unexpected…
Whether it comes from courage or necessity…
Whether it feels big or small…
You are capable.
You are creative.
You are strong.
And you are allowed to begin again — as many times as life, or your heart, asks you to.
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Disclaimer - The Ability Company
The opinions shared in our blogs reflect personal experiences and viewpoints. They’re not meant to represent every journey or replace professional advice.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. The Ability Company makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness and is not liable for decisions made based on this content. Use at your own discretion.
