I'm reminded of the privilege to start something anew as I complete another trip around the sun.

(Yes, AKA my birthday)

The 'fresh start effect' suggests that people are more motivated to achieve their goals when they perceive the beginning of a new period. It's attributed to the psychological association of new beginnings with a clean slate, providing an opportunity to start anew.

In my case, it was extreme. I immigrated to the U.S. exactly seven years ago, where I built a new life I could only dream about. Although not as extreme nowadays, I try to create new, small moments of reinvention. This very writing is one of them.

We all need more of those. It's what makes life interesting. Risky in a good way.