The beauty (and sometimes pain) of new beginnings

‘To make an end is to make a beginning’ – T.S. Elliot

It’s the beginning of the year and there is still a lot of uncertainty looming for many of us. Jobs, university, family, relationships; many people go through lots of change during this time of the year; and the newness can be really unsettling. We are creatures of habit and sometimes forget that we can start over as many times as we like.

New beginnings usually follow difficult endings, and as painful as it may be, we must try to embrace the uncertainty. They come at us with no warning, no instruction manual and no permission. I read a quote the other day that said ‘the key to success is playing the hand you’re dealt like it was the hand you wanted’- I couldn’t have put it better.

We are often at the mercy of so many things over which we have no control. Change can bring about a lot of anxiety—especially change that we didn’t initiate or ask for. And honestly, even when you’re the one who quit the job or chose to leave the relationship, or decided to go on the trip, when the pieces of your life are shifting around, it’s normal to feel at least a little out of control. – Allison Fallon

Always remember that it’s not uncommon to feel surprised, overwhelmed, and even upset when things end, and new chapters begin. Even when we are fully aware that we are about to face something new, the change can be daunting. This sudden lack of control is probably enough to make you resist the change. But you need to start living this new/ different life that is waiting for you, because it may be the best thing to ever happen to you. You won’t know unless and until you try.

I have said this before and I will say it again; I would rather live a life where I fail trying instead of being crippled by the fear of failure. You will honestly never get to experience the fullness of life if you don’t take risks and try something new every now and then. Just because something has ended, doesn’t mean you aren’t fully equipped to start something new. You have everything you need to get started.

What’s the point of being able to predict the outcome of everything we do in life? The uncertainty, opportunities for new adventures, new human connections, surprises and endless possibilities are what make this life worth living. So, this is the year you embrace the change and stop worrying about what’s on the other side. This is the year you don't lose your mind when things don't go according to your plans. This is the year you leave room for magic.

Thabile