A Fresh Perspective: July 4th
When your fresh start includes both independence and interdependence
💌 Welcome to A Fresh Perspective—a twice-monthly newsletter from the team at Fresh Starts Registry. Whether you're navigating a big life transition or simply trying to hold it all together, we're here to help. Every issue brings you easy-to-use conversation scripts, gentle encouragement, and thoughtful tools and recommendations to support you emotionally and practically. 💛
If this support resonated with you, tap the ❤️ to let us know you’re out there. Know someone who’s walking this path too? Forward this to them—this space is for all of us.
Hi friend,
Around here, we talk a lot about what it means to start over—and sometimes, that journey toward independence can feel surprisingly… lonely.
Maybe you’ve made bold choices lately. Maybe you walked away from something that wasn’t working, or finally reclaimed your time, space, and peace. You’ve taken the reins. You’re standing on your own. And still—something’s missing.
Because independence doesn’t have to mean isolation.
This week, we’re talking about the next step after reclaiming your autonomy: building meaningful community. The kind that supports your growth, respects your boundaries, and lets you be fully yourself. Interdependence isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s choosing connection on your own terms, after learning just how strong you really are.
So whether you're navigating solo parenthood, reentering the world after heartbreak, or simply finding your footing in a new season of life—we’ve got you. Inside, you’ll find stories, support, and gentle encouragement to remind you: you weren’t meant to do this alone.
You’re not just rebuilding—you’re reconnecting.
And we’re right here with you. 💛
With love,
Olivia & Jenny
Dear Jenny—
Since my breakup, I’ve been really focused on getting my life back together—doing things on my own, figuring out who I am without someone else. And honestly? I’ve gotten really good at being independent. Maybe too good. Lately I’ve been feeling kind of...disconnected. I want community and closeness again, but I’m nervous I’ll lose myself if I let people in too much. How do you stay open to connection without giving up the independence you fought so hard for?
Hi love,
I hear you. It’s so real—the whiplash of craving connection after working so hard to stand on your own two feet. First of all, I want to gently remind you that being good at being alone doesn’t mean you’re bad at being with people. It just means you’ve learned how to keep yourself safe. That’s something to be proud of, not ashamed of.
But also—connection doesn’t have to mean losing yourself. The version of you that built this new life? That person gets to choose who’s allowed in. You get to take your time. You get to show up in ways that feel safe and slow and steady. Real community—the good kind—doesn’t demand that you trade your autonomy for access. It honors your boundaries and sees your independence as a strength, not a wall.
So try starting small. Let someone help you with one thing. Say yes to one invite. Share one truth with someone you trust. You’re not going backward—you’re just expanding. You get to be both: strong and soft, independent and connected. There’s room for all of it.
You’ve got this. I’m cheering for you. 💛
xx
Jenny
What the heck do I eat?
When you’re fiercely independent but secretly craving a little comfort. You’ve got your own apartment, your own forks, your own schedule. You’re doing it! You’re independent! And also… a little tired. A little lonely. A little unsure how to cook for one without spiraling into a heap of crackers and existential dread.
These meals are for when you want to take care of yourself without pretending you have it all together. They’re quick, satisfying, and solo-friendly—because feeding yourself is a form of self-respect, even when no one else is around to witness it.
The “I’m Doing This on My Own, Thanks” Pasta
Boil some pasta (macaroni, spaghetti, bowties—whatever's in the cabinet).
In the last two minutes, toss in a handful of frozen peas or spinach.
Drain it. Stir in:
A big spoon of pesto or butter
A shake of Parmesan or nutritional yeast
Optional: a fried egg or can of tuna for protein
Eat out of the pot. No one’s judging. You're building resilience with every bite.
The “Connected but Still Cozy” Couscous
Text a friend just to say hi while the kettle boils. In a bowl, mix:
½ cup couscous
A handful of raisins or dried cranberries
A pinch of salt
Pour over ¾ cup boiling water. Cover and wait five minutes. Fluff with a fork, drizzle with olive oil, and top with:
Feta or goat cheese
Chopped nuts or seeds
Leftover roasted veggies (or straight from the fridge cold is fine!)
You just made something nourishing and checked in with a human. Look at you.
The “Soft Launch Into Interdependence” Shared Snack Board
Invite a trusted friend over. Tell them it’s BYOC (bring your own cheese). Together, lay out a board with:
Crackers, bread, or pita
Hummus, dips, or spreads
Veggies, fruit, nuts
Sliced cheese, olives, jam, or whatever feels fancy-adjacent
Eat it on the floor. Light a candle. Say nothing deep unless it happens naturally. Independence doesn’t mean isolation—and dinner doesn’t have to mean a full-on recipe.
Affirmations to help you through!
I can be independent and still need people. There is no contradiction in that.
Letting others in doesn't mean I'm losing myself—it means I'm trusting myself to choose wisely.
Being seen in my wholeness—strength, softness, and everything in between—is not a risk. It’s a right.
Scripts to support you…
You’ve worked hard to reclaim your independence—but that doesn’t mean you want to do everything alone. Navigating this middle space—between fierce autonomy and soft connection—can feel awkward, especially when you’re not used to asking for help or letting people in.
These five scripts are here to help you practice interdependence gently and clearly. You’re not needy. You’re human. And building community without losing yourself is a skill—one you’re allowed to keep learning.
1. The “I’m Still Figuring This Out” Opener
"I’ve been doing things on my own for a while, and I’m still learning how to ask for help—so thank you for being patient with me."
→ Use this when: you're trying to open up to someone you trust but feel vulnerable doing it.
2. The “I Need Support, Not Solutions” Request
"I’m not looking for advice right now—just someone to sit with me in it. Are you up for that?"
→ Use this when: you’re craving emotional connection but want to protect your autonomy.
3. The “Let’s Make This Feel Mutual” Invitation
"I want to be close, but I also need to feel like we’re both showing up with care. Can we check in about what we both need right now?"
→ Use this when: you’re navigating a new friendship or reconnection and want balanced support.
4. The “I’m Here, Just Quiet” Text
"I don’t have the energy to talk, but I’d love to be around someone. Want to come over and just exist nearby?"
→ Use this when: you need company without the pressure of conversation or caretaking.
5. The “Boundaries Help Me Stay Open” Reminder
"I care about you, and I also need space to process things my own way. Having boundaries helps me stay connected without shutting down."
→ Use this when: you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by closeness and want to protect your peace without retreating entirely.
Shopping is a form of therapy, right?
We think these sweatshirts would be the perfect clothing accessory to accompany you on a walk with a new friend.
‘No’ sweatshirt, Black Sheep sweatshirt, Former Good Girl sweatshirt, Emotionally Vulnerable raglan
No matter how strong you’ve become on your own, you’re still allowed to want softness, connection, and care. Independence isn’t about doing it all alone—it’s about choosing what (and who) supports the life you’re building.