Pressing Reset: Why I’m Starting Over in Kyoto

Hit the reset button too many times, and you realise it’s not the move—it’s you.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to start over. This move to Kyoto isn’t just about geography—it’s about choosing a life that feels truer to me. It’s a hard reset, a shedding of unhelpful habits, thoughts, and routines that have quietly taken hold over the last four years. It’s an intentional shift—not just toward new goals, but toward the kind of person I want to be. A return to working for myself, no longer giving up my time to help build someone else’s dream. Leaving behind the claustrophobia of the boat, both physically and mentally. It’s become clear that the boat hasn’t just confined my body but my mind as well. This move is me choosing to stop ignoring that nagging feeling that I’m not living up to my potential.

I want to refocus on my strengths—creating, learning, sharing, teaching, writing, and exploring. Kyoto gives me the perfect landscape to align my work with these strengths. I don’t just want to point people to coffee shops, gardens or temples; I want to tell the deeper stories of the city. The artisans, the craftsmen, the business owners, the makers—these are the people I want to meet, learn from, and introduce to others. Of course I want this Substack to be useful for Kyoto visitors, but just as compelling for those drawn to creativity and craftsmanship, even if they never set foot in Japan.

Through experience, I’ve learned that a big move can feel like the answer, only to realise months later that old patterns remain. A change of place can be a catalyst, but real transformation comes from intention, not geography alone. This time, I’m more prepared. I’ve reflected on what held me back before, and with hindsight, I can make the changes I need. I know now that I thrive with structure, and I won’t rely on the move itself to create that for me. I’m doing the work—learning, planning, moving with purpose.

Lately, two quotes have been guiding me:

If you're 37, instead of regretting that you can't wake up at 18 again, pretend to yourself that you're 90 and you've woken up age 37 again, and that you get to magically, wonderfully have the next 50 years again.

And this one:

Better to admit you walked through the wrong door than spend your life in the wrong room.

This move isn’t about running away; it’s about stepping toward something better. And I’m making sure this time that I do it right.

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What’s a reset moment you’ve had? Please drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

SJF 🍃