Embracing New Beginnings

All of the prompts in January are about new beginnings and self-discovery, and today’s post is based on the prompt: “Write about a time you embraced a new beginning.”

One of the constants in life is the concept of new beginnings. Every stage, every new season of life starts with a new beginning. Moving to a new city, graduating from high school or college, meeting your spouse and planning a wedding; there can be quite a few new beginnings before one even reaches adulthood! I could be wrong, but I think the most well-adjusted humans are those who are able to embrace new beginnings and aren’t afraid to go where the journey is leading.

As I look over my life, I think the BIG new beginnings—graduation, career changes, marriage (and divorce), big moves across country – these all have been somewhat easier to adjust to, as they are impossible to ignore. It’s “adapt or get left behind” kind of change. But, the quieter, smaller shifts can be more challenging. Maybe it’s because these quieter shifts can feel unsettling, even disorienting, as I struggle to recognize their significance or find a clear way forward. But I think the quieter changes can shape me the most, inviting me to lean into stillness, trust the process, and rediscover myself in unexpected ways.

My husband and I are facing some fairly large “new beginnings” in 2025. Our youngest child will be turning 18, graduating from high school, and if all goes well, she will be moving 10 hours away to start college in August. I know we are at the stage of life where times moves SO fast, and we’re going to blink once or twice, and she’ll be moved out and starting HER first adult “new beginning”. And it will leave us with the empty nest, just the two of us, and the next stage of our adult lives together.

There’s a lot of bittersweet emotions with this new beginning, and we’re all celebrating AND grieving a bit as we think about the coming months. I feel mostly excitement for all of us, with only a little angst and concern. I know it’s time for her to fly, and boy, does she feel she ready. I’m also looking at her and wondering how this sweet girl, who was just a few days ago playing with her Barbies – how could she possibly be ready, and I’m also wondering what we’ve forgotten to teach her or instill in her before we leave her in another state without us. (It’s really too late for such thoughts, but I promise if I think of a lesson or two, she’ll hear about them).

While this significant transition feels a little overwhelming, it’s also a chance for us, for our family, to celebrate how far we’ve come and embrace the possibilities ahead. As she spreads her wings, we’ll hopefully be finding our own new rhythm, trusting that this is just the start of something beautiful for all of us.