This reflection really hits deep. It started with a question: Are we truly entitled to endless chances in life? Can we really just keep hitting “reset” and hope things magically turn out better? The thought kept circling in my mind, and here’s where it led me.

Yes, the Bible reminds us that God is forgiving (Psalm 86:5) and that we’re called to forgive—not just seven times but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22). It’s a beautiful principle of grace. But let’s face it, forgiving 77 different people is one thing; forgiving one person 77 times? That’s a whole new level of grace and endurance.

This isn’t just about forgiveness, though. It’s about how we live to avoid the constant need for “second chances,” restarts, and resets. Starting over isn’t inherently wrong—it can be necessary and even healing—but when we treat it as an infinite fallback, we risk becoming careless, irresponsible, and stuck in a cycle of repetition. Restart. Halt. Repeat. Doesn’t that get exhausting? And if we keep landing in the same spot, isn’t it time to question why?

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the need to restart; it’s the need to rewire. A new approach isn’t always enough if the root issue isn’t addressed. Think about it like a car. When it stalls, restarting may work once or twice, but if the problem persists, you’ll have to pop the hood. The issue might be a dead battery, loose connections, or something deeper—like a broken alternator. It’s the same with life. Restarting won’t fix things if the “engine” of our values is malfunctioning.

Our values are the engine of our lives. They guide our decisions, relationships, and even our happiness. If this engine is broken—if our sense of self, principles, or faith is compromised—then no amount of restarts will fix the deeper issue. This is where reevaluation comes in. To rebuild, we first need to reflect. What do we truly value? What brings us peace? Why do we struggle with love, forgiveness, or self-worth? Why are we trapped in self-doubt or endlessly chasing validation?

Here’s the truth: Change isn’t bad, but inconsistency in our pursuit of it exhausts us. When we lack a solid value system, we become anxious, distracted, and dissatisfied. We shift processes without addressing patterns, leaving us feeling stuck or defeated. The cycle is draining because it lacks meaning.

If we don’t reevaluate our values, we risk losing the most valuable things in life—not just family and friends, but our sense of self-worth. Without clarity, we crave validation and approval from others, becoming more detached from our inner selves. The more we chase external changes without internal examination, the further we drift from genuine fulfillment. We want more on the outside but lose more within.

An unexamined life, as Socrates said, isn’t worth living. And the more we pursue change without understanding ourselves, the more our soul deteriorates. We crave transformation but fail to realize that the key lies within: in rewiring, not restarting.

So, dig deep into your value system. What’s holding you back? What needs fixing? Once you address what’s inside, you’ll find fewer reasons to restart. A life aligned with your values is a life that doesn’t just move forward—it thrives.

And because this got long (but oh-so-satisfying to unpack), I’ll leave you with Socrates’ wisdom in its purest form: “Know thyself.” Everything else flows from there.

Here’s to reflection, healing, and a weekend full of growth. 🌱

TGiF!

Xoxo,

Annamaldita 🌹