Reset, Refocus, Restart: A Journey to Boundaries, Balance, and Self-Discovery

A year ago, my life felt like a spinning top, constantly teetering on the edge of control. I was saying yes to everyone—work, family, friends, and even casual acquaintances—because I thought that’s what being a good person, employee, and mom meant.

I was juggling endless meal preps, running to the grocery store multiple times a week, coordinating after-school activities, and still trying to meet deadlines at work. It felt like I was always one step behind, chasing a to-do list that never seemed to end. Deep inside, I felt depleted. My days blurred together in an exhausting cycle, leaving me stressed, resentful, and disconnected from myself.

Back in May 2024, I participated in a 3-day journaling challenge facilitated by one of my dear school friend Shruti Mirashi founder of Bhaan. 

Bhaan (भान) is a Marathi word meaning “awareness”, reflecting the essence of her guidance. The experience wasn’t about quick fixes but about self-discovery—understanding my own “whats” and “whys.” It felt like opening a window to let in fresh air, a moment to breathe and reflect amidst the busyness. During those three days, something unexpected happened—I rekindled my long-lost love for writing. Pouring my thoughts onto paper reminded me of the joy and clarity that writing had always brought me. It was like reconnecting with an old friend who understood me better than anyone else. That experience stayed with me, planting the idea that perhaps I didn’t need to keep spinning endlessly. I began to think about resetting my life, refocusing on what mattered, and restarting with clarity and intention.

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Reset with Firm Boundaries

The turning point came the same week, right after the 3-day writing workshop. On a Friday night when my 5-year-old daughter asked me to read her a bedtime story. I was too busy finishing a project I’d agreed to take on at the last minute, so I brushed her off with a quick, “Maybe tomorrow.” Her disappointed face broke me.

That night, I reflected on why I always felt overwhelmed. The answer was clear: I had no boundaries. I decided to reset my priorities by establishing firm boundaries.

I started small:

• I stopped taking on extra work unless it aligned with my goals.
• I created “protected time” for my family—uninterrupted hours to just be present.
• I began saying no to commitments that didn’t serve me or my family.

The first few “NOs” were uncomfortable, but over time, they became empowering. Resetting with boundaries gave me the breathing room I desperately needed.

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Refocus with Healthy Boundaries

With newfound clarity, I realized that resetting wasn’t enough—I needed to refocus on what truly mattered. I had spent so much time juggling tasks that I had lost sight of my priorities. Healthy boundaries became my compass.

I set up clear work-life boundaries:

• I designated work hours and stopped checking emails after 6 PM.
• I communicated these boundaries to colleagues and family, ensuring they understood and respected them.

I also began implementing boundaries for my mental health:

• Daily 15-minute mindfulness breaks became non-negotiable.
• I stopped letting guilt dictate my decisions and focused on what genuinely brought me joy.

By refocusing, I rediscovered the beauty of simple moments—playing board games with my daughter, savoring coffee on the porch, and diving back into hobbies I had long abandoned. Healthy boundaries didn’t just protect my time; they reminded me of what I wanted to do with it.

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Restart with Empowered Boundaries

Once I reset and refocused, restarting felt natural. Empowered boundaries helped me rebuild my life in a way that was sustainable and fulfilling.

• I started delegating tasks I didn’t need to handle myself. My husband took over meal prep a few nights a week, and I asked for help with household chores.
• I created a flexible schedule that worked for me, not just everyone else.
• I learned to embrace change, knowing I had the tools to adapt without losing myself.

Restarting wasn’t about making drastic changes; it was about living intentionally. Empowered boundaries helped me protect the life I was building while allowing me to grow in ways I hadn’t thought possible.

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The Power of Boundaries

Today, my life isn’t perfect, but it’s balanced. I no longer feel like I’m running on empty or living to meet others’ expectations. Resetting with firm boundaries, refocusing with healthy ones, and restarting with empowered ones transformed my outlook.

Boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re bridges to a better, more fulfilling life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to take a moment to reset, refocus, and restart. You might be surprised

Bhaan community has played a pivotal role in rekindling my long-lost love for writing. Your collective energy, encouragement, and shared wisdom have reignited a spark within me. I’m deeply grateful for this journey of rediscovery and creation together.