The Courage to Begin Again - by Kirsten Harty & Lisa Michelle Umina (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Courage to Begin Again is more than an anthology-it's a testament to the resilience of women who left everything behind to start anew in Mexico. Through ten deeply personal narratives, these writers share the raw realities of reinvention, navigating language barriers, cultural shifts, and unforeseen challenges with courage and determination.

From confronting loneliness and homesickness to rediscovering identity and purpose, each story offers a unique glimpse into the transformative power of embracing the unknown. This book is not just about moving to a new country-it's about the strength it takes to rebuild a life, proving that resilience knows no borders.

Review Quotes

The Courage to Begin Again: Stories of Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention is a collection of inspiring and powerful stories told by ten women... Lisa M. Umina, Kirsten Harty, Patricia Pulido, Camila Ifanger, Marina Dailly, Joli Divon Saraf, Sadia Salam, Elizabeth Lloyd, Maria Fernanda Rodriguez, and Maria Paula Prieto... who are courageous in many ways.

These women come from all walks of life but have one thing in common. They relocated to Mexico City. Not only are their stories inspirational, they're also very exciting and encouraging. Most people don't have the courage or confidence to make a start somewhere else. Fear of the unknown can be a strong deterrent. But when you read these stories, you begin to feel a sort of courage build inside yourself that makes you think that you, too, can make such a positive, strong change in your life.

As engaging and engrossing as these stories are, the writers don't sugarcoat the realities of such a bold move. There are challenges involved, and such an undertaking isn't for the faint of heart. The language barrier would be difficult, not to mention acclimating to the cultural, political, and social differences you would encounter.

It sounds like an adventure, and it would be, but at some point, the practical and the real settle in, and you realize you have to make adjustments. Feeling alone and yearning for home is just part of the process. There would also be the problem of finding your footing; who you are, and what you want in your new world. Then comes the magical metamorphosis of becoming part of something that just makes you feel right again. This huge reward can only happen with resilience and patience.

Though each story is different, they are all woven together in a fabric of rediscovery and strength-the ability to bounce back. To not just survive... but thrive. While part of Marina Dailly's narrative touches on the love affair with Mexico's delicious food, vibrant lifestyle, beauty, and practical issues like accessing internet providers and doctors, part of Kirsten Harty's narrative talks about the difficulties of leaving family and friends behind and missing them.

As a whole, these accounts give us a full, well-rounded picture of what such an undertaking would be like. One of my favorite takeaways, and there are many, is that change can be good, and that the road to change can be bumpy, but the ride is worth it, and that starting over doesn't make one a failure. Rather, it's a way of finding yourself again and doing something for yourself.

If you've ever longed to try something daring and new, or just explore yourself and your purpose in an adventurous way, The Courage to Begin Again, by publisher and contributor Lisa M. Umina (plus nine other writers), should be at the top of your reading list.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (06/2025)