Beginnings can be scary, but they also present excitement as wonder lurks around each corner we explore. We get caught up in the moment, discovering new aspects of ourselves as we learn more about a person, endeavor, or concept. Then we grow comfortable as the beginning becomes our new normal, usually accompanied by a longer-lasting reward of accomplishment and enjoyment. Inevitably, though, there’s a conclusion that involves mourning of sorts. Whether it’s direct mourning, such as the loss of a loved one, missing old friends, or moving on from a sport we engaged in, there’s a natural instinct to miss the things we once had.
However, by focusing on the connections between the old and the new, we empower ourselves on the never-ending journey of life. There’s an old proverb that states, “man plans, and the Universe laughs.” The point isn’t so much a belief in a higher power, but a recognition that even the best-laid plans rarely execute exactly as envisioned. Our plans serve a purpose as a guide, though, bridging us to the next phase to come.