A Fresh Perspective: June 20th
When your fresh start includes your childhood bedroom
💌 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,
We talk a lot about fresh starts around here—and sometimes, that fresh start comes with a suitcase in one hand and your old childhood bedroom in the other. Moving back home with your parents (or caregivers) might not have been in the plan, but it’s not a step backward. It’s a pause. A soft place to land while you figure out your next chapter.
Still, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Returning home can bring up a lot—old dynamics, new boundaries, logistical headaches, and emotional overwhelm. We see you. You’re doing what you need to do to take care of yourself, and that is something to be proud of.
This week, we’ve rounded up practical tools, resources, and pep talks to support you through this transition—whether it’s for a few weeks or a few years. Moving home isn’t a failure. It’s a smart, brave, and often necessary part of rebuilding. Let this stop on your journey be filled with rest, reflection, and gentle strength.
You’re not starting over. You’re starting forward.
We’re cheering you on every step of the way. 💛
With love,
Olivia & Jenny
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Dear Jenny—
I'm moving back in with my parents for a bit after a breakup, and while I'm so grateful to have a place to land, I'm feeling kind of…off. Like I'm 17 again, but also 35 and exhausted. Any tips for making this feel like my space again instead of like I'm stuck in the past?
Hi love,
First of all, thank you for writing in. I just want to start by saying: I know that feeling you’re describing—the weird in-between of being grown and capable and still somehow transported back to your high school self the moment you walk into that old bedroom. It’s real. And it’s disorienting.
But here’s the truth: moving back home isn’t a failure, it’s a fresh start with a detour. It’s wise. It’s brave. It’s you taking care of yourself during a chapter that requires support—and what’s more adult than knowing when to ask for that?
If you’re struggling with how to make your space feel like you again, I wrote a little guide with ten ways to curate your environment so it feels calm, grounded, and reflective of the person you are now (not the person who collected those participation trophies still sitting on the shelf).
Things like setting kind but clear boundaries around your space, refreshing your bedding, using lighting intentionally, and building a corner that feels like a true comfort nook—those little things can shift your whole experience. This isn’t about creating Pinterest perfection. It’s about creating a corner of peace in a moment that feels unsteady.
You can read the full list on the blog, and I hope it gives you a moment to exhale and remember: you’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to begin again. And you’re doing better than you think.
Sending you so much love as you settle in.
xx
Jenny
What the heck do I eat?
When you’ve just moved back home and your mood is somewhere between “don’t look at me” and “I guess I still have to feed myself,” the last thing you want is a complicated dinner—or a long conversation. These meals are low-effort, low-interaction, and high on comfort. No chopping, no small talk, just simple ways to take care of yourself when you're grumpy, tired, and still very much an adult.
The "Don't Talk to Me" Bowl: Grab a microwave-safe bowl and toss in:
A handful of frozen rice or pre-cooked quinoa
A can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
Some shredded cheese, avocado, and a spoon of salsa
Microwave until hot. Stir it up, top with hot sauce if you’re spicy, and eat it in bed like the adult you are.
Toasted Something Sandwich: Toast two slices of bread, English muffin, or even a frozen waffle. Layer with whatever combo you can scavenge:
Peanut butter and banana
Hummus and cucumber
Turkey and cheese with a smear of mustard
Bonus: wrap it in a paper towel, take it to your room, and avoid all human interaction.
The Snack Plate That Counts as Dinner: Lay out a little cutting board or plate like you’re feeding a mildly sad raccoon:
Crackers or chips
Some kind of protein (hard-boiled egg, deli meat, a spoon of peanut butter)
Raw veggies or fruit (baby carrots, apple slices, whatever’s around)
A treat (piece of chocolate, handful of cereal, gummy vitamins if you're fancy)
It’s giving “I am barely holding it together” chic, and it still gets the job done.
Affirmations to help you through!
This is not a setback—this is a strategic pause to rebuild with strength and intention. 💪
I am allowed to ask for support and still be independent, wise, and worthy. ✨
Every fresh start begins somewhere—and this is exactly where I’m meant to be right now. 🌿
Scripts to support you…
Moving back home as an adult can bring up a lot—gratitude, grief, comfort, tension, and every emotion in between. While it’s a gift to have a place to land, it’s also okay (and necessary!) to set boundaries that protect your peace and autonomy. You’re not being difficult—you’re just honoring who you are now. Here are five gentle, respectful ways to communicate boundaries with your parents during this transitional time:
1. The “I Still Love You, I Just Need Quiet” Boundary
"I love catching up with you, but I need quiet time after work to recharge. Can we chat after dinner instead?"
→ Use this when: you're being met at the door with questions or chatter and you're overstimulated.
2. The “Please Don’t Comment on My Life Choices” Boundary
"I know you mean well, but I’m not looking for advice right now—just support. Can we agree to skip the commentary unless I ask?"
→ Use this when: you're getting unsolicited opinions on your job, dating life, or next steps.
3. The “Privacy is Still Important to Me” Boundary
"I really appreciate you respecting my space—if the door’s closed, I just need some alone time, but I’ll check in with you later."
→ Use this when: your parent tends to walk in or assume you’re always available.
4. The “Please Don’t Wake Me Up” Boundary
"I’m on a different schedule right now, so I’d really appreciate not being woken up early unless it’s urgent."
→ Use this when: a well-meaning parent still thinks you need to be up at 8am on weekends.
5. The “I’m an Adult in This House Too” Boundary
"I want to be respectful while I’m here, and I also want to be treated like the adult I am. Can we talk about how we can both feel good about this dynamic?"
→ Use this when: you feel like you’re being treated like a teenager and want to renegotiate the vibe.
Did you sign up for our virtual retreat yet? 🫠🌀📂
Reset & Refocus is your personal reset button—a 2-hour guided experience to clear the clutter (inside and out), make a plan that actually works, and start fresh with calm, clarity, and confidence.
Join us on Zoom June 26 · 12:30–2:30 PM EST · $24.97
Shopping is a form of therapy, right?
We think these sweatshirts would be the perfect clothing accessory to accompany your journey back home.
‘No’ sweatshirt, Black Sheep sweatshirt, Former Good Girl sweatshirt, Emotionally Vulnerable raglan
No matter where you’re living or what chapter you’re in, you are still whole, still worthy, and still moving forward. A fresh start doesn’t have to look impressive to be powerful—it just has to feel like support.