BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS
life’s seasons
Graduation season is upon us and whether you graduated 20+ years ago or are about to embark on the end of that chapter, the ending itself serves as an important reminder that we should always look to celebrate the different phases in life.
Milestones are a beautiful way to not only mark the passage of time but the accomplishments experienced along the way. Celebrating those moments with the people who have offered support (e.g. emotional, monetary, etc.) in some way, makes the experience that much more special.
Whether you’re ending school, a job, moving, etc., you are doing what is so natural for us humans - entering another phase of life.
CLOSURE
No one knows what lies ahead and while that can be scary to a certain degree, it is wonderful embracing what could be. That said, it isn’t surprising that most of us dislike drastic change or disruption to what we find comfortable and familiar.
Imagine you’ve been surrounded by the same classmates, co-workers, family for years… and one day that same pattern and routine you’ve lived, over and over again… is over. Overnight, your life has changed. Change you may not have even given much thought to before is now here and the initial “shock” of that could be a bit overwhelming.
Don’t be surprised if you experience unexpected grief. Your life is different now - it is expected to feel some type of way about it.
Food for thought: At some point, you might come to discover that some, if not all - friendships or relationships made during a certain period in your life - were mainly a product of proximity.
While some connections survive and even grow stronger despite moves across the country, new jobs/schools, etc., you may find people you grew up with, went to college with or worked with - may not end up being the same people that make it into your “forever” life.
Drifting apart doesn’t mean they weren’t important to begin with or suddenly become less important. It just means, you can cherish the good times while looking forward to new connections.
As the adage states (loosely lol); people come into your life for a reason, season or a lifetime…
“ISN’T IT NICE TO THINK THAT TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY WITH NO MISTAKES IN IT YET?”
leap of faith
So now for the “new” beginning… What do you want your life to look like? What are you most excited about? While your actual circumstances may differ (new routine re job, school, etc.), to a degree, you are able to set up what your experience is moving forward.
Starting over is an invitation to reimagine what could be. Be clear on what is important to you. Reinvent yourself, redesign your life. There are no limits.
Ready or not (and you’re ready whether you think you are or not, btw) - you've embarked on a new level in your life’s journey. You will always have the ability to change available to you.
There is beauty in the unknown. Reframe any fear/doubts you have and brace for that adventure!
“MAYBE THE YES COMES BEFORE THE READINESS. MAYBE YOU SAY YES AND THEN YOU BECOME EQUIPPED TO HANDLE WHATEVER IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.”
Closing the door to a chapter in your life and starting a new one may be a little unsettling.
As with all growth, it can be uncomfortable. Beginnings and endings are a natural cycle of life we all experience and the growth itself is a valuable process.
Look forward to whatever newness, comes your way and trust that you’ll be ready for it.
