Shoshin: What My Sister’s Journey Taught Me About Interpreting, Identity, and the Courage to Begin Again

A minimalist graphic with the quote “Not from scratch—but from experience.” displayed in bold black serif font on a soft beige background.

Because starting over isn’t a step back—it’s a return to self.

There’s a Japanese word that captures this so well. Shoshin (初心), beginner’s mind.

It’s about meeting life with openness. With curiosity. With the willingness to not have it all figured out. No judgment. Just possibility. And this week, my sister Shoshana brought that word to life. She shared a reflection that caught me right in the chest, not just because “Shoshin” looks so much like her name (which is kind of magical), but because her story felt like a mirror. A gentle, honest invitation to stop performing and start becoming again.

“I feel like I’m starting over. Not from scratch—but from experience.”

Let that land.

When Experience Meets the Unknown

Whether you’re an interpreter navigating your first year, a Deaf leader stepping into new roles, or someone reshaping your personal life behind the scenes…You know this feeling.

We often talk about growth like it’s linear. But growth is anything but a straight line.

It’s spirals. It’s unlearning. It’s shedding what no longer fits, even if it used to. And sometimes, growth signals: “It’s time to begin again.”

Why It Matters in Interpreting

In our field, we’re expected to be experts. But the best interpreters I know are the ones who stay open. Who show up present, not polished. Curious, not closed.

Beginner’s mind isn’t forgetting what we know, it’s remembering there’s more to learn. It’s how we make space for nuance. For Deaf ways of knowing. For cultural humility. For grace.

And, maybe most importantly, it’s how we make space for ourselves.

For the Brave Rebuilders

Shoshana’s post reminded me: You don’t have to know exactly where you’re going. You just need to trust that your becoming is still valid.

If you’ve outgrown something, even subtley. If you’re in-between versions of yourself. If you’re starting over, after burnout, after heartbreak, after pretending it was all okay, you’re not behind. You’re brave.

This is your reminder: You don’t need to be perfect to be real. You don’t need a polished five-year plan.You just need the courage to keep becoming.

My sister is just beginning to share her journey publicly, and I couldn’t be more proud. She’s writing with honesty, depth, and a whole lot of heart. If you're in a season of shifting, start here:

→ Read her full Substack post: "Starting Over at 29"→ Follow Shoshana on LinkedIn

Because sometimes, the most radical thing we can do…is choose to begin again.

Not from scratch. But from experience.