To Begin there must be an End….

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.” Seneca

Oh how we can fight the beginnings and ends within our lives. The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. Easier said than done, that first step. We have to let go of the old, to embrace the new. Allow something to die, in order to create space for new life to grow. Walk away from what is familiar and comfortable, into the unfamiliar and uncomfortable,  you know what I mean. This week I had friends move from a well loved place, filled with loads of memories into a new home that they are not familiar with yet.  Jackson, Grace and I arrived with the first dinner to the wonderful chaotic awkwardness of the first day in their new nest. Our friends were trying the house on for size, settling in, deciding where things would be placed and feel comfortable….like home. Yes, an ending of an era and a beginning of a new chapter sure to be filled with adventures, laughter, tears, stories and lots of love in their new “Hood and Home”.

Endings are not only moves but job changes, career shifts, school years and summers, single to married, married to single, no babies… to a house full of kids, to them leaving to go to college…Cha, Cha, Cha, Cha, CHANGES are always a brewing. I love the Robert Frost quote, ” There is a time for departure even when there’s no certain place to go.” UGH, the unknown, not for the faint at heart or for type A’s like me, we love a plan. Sometimes we have to walk away, break up and leave even though we love. Stepping back from something without knowing where the next step is. Stepping back to allow there to be a new beginning…. even though there is love but no certain place to go. This can be the most difficult, it’s like knowing when to put the fork down even though it tastes so good. Knowing when to say “Enough.” because in the long run it’s not good for you. I can hear the words to a very familiar song…..
“So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, goodnight I hate to go and leave this pretty sight…” Knowing when to leave the party. Oh, how I can hate those Big Girl Panties!

So, let the winds of change blow and may we remember…..”The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”William Arthur Ward

Let’s adjust our sails and look back in gratitude for what it was and what was given when we find ourselves at the endings…. and may we be full of HOPE and WONDER with each new beginning that ending brings!