I have been thinking a lot about beginnings lately. This is probably because there have been many beginnings in the lives of those close to me. Today my brother told me that he is getting married over Labor Day weekend. I am so happy for him! Marriage is a true beginning of a blended life together. In his case, they are blending two different families as each of them has 2 children. I am excited for everyone as they begin their new lives together as a family.
As you also know, my grandson was born a week ago. This is a true beginning! He has so much to learn, so much to see, so much to do! How exciting and wonderful! This is also a beginning for my granddaughter as she learns what it is like to be a sister and for my son and his wife as they learn the joy and trials of juggling the needs of two children.
There have also been many high school graduates among our friends. I am always struck by the optimism and eagerness of these young adults as they make plans to leave the security of their parents' homes to explore life on their own. The opportunities and choices that lay before them are endless. Many have some trepidation about their future, but there is joy in knowing that they have accomplished this important milestone to adulthood.
Several of our friends have recently started new jobs. These beginnings are exciting and often cause for loss of sleep. When I was a teacher, each school year felt like the beginning of a new job. I would toss and turn the night before the students showed up, because I was excited and nervous about meeting the new group of children who would be entrusted to my care for the upcoming year. I know that they were also nervous about meeting their new teacher.
Beginnings are an important part of change. It happens more often than we acknowledge, and it is how we grow. We don't think about it very much, but beginning is the end result of change. If you have studied Bridges' change theory, you know that there is ending, transition, and beginning. Ending elicits sadness in us, transition can be uncomfortable, and beginning is often scary. However, our lives would be very boring if we did not change, and once we are through the initial stages of beginning, life is good. I have always told my children that even though I can make good choices in my life, I cannot control what happens. I can only control how I react and handle any changes or situations that come my way with grace and optimism. Our attitude is everything! I believe that is what life is all about: those changes and our reactions add up to our lives.
For those of us who are facing beginnings, take the time to recognize the endings so that you can truly embrace the new beginning. By doing this, I think that you will find great joy in this new part of your life.
Have you found your joy today?
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