Sunday, September 26, 2010

The End of One Chapter & The Beginning of Another

                        
Life is a journey.

Oh-so cliché but also very true.  The road of life can twist and turn, with no two directions ever being the same and can also lead us to places we never expected to go. What I've learned so far is to expect the unexpected and be open to changes, because the lessons come from our journey, not the destination. This brings me to the topic of this first blog, the ending and the beginning of a chapter in our lives or that transitional state. It's something that we all go through at some point.  

Ever end something (graduation of middle school, college, or the completion of a time-consuming project, whatever the case may be) and then thought to yourself, “Yes! I’m done!" You do some sort of mental victory dance and then this question springs up, "Now what?”  The achievement of that certain goal can lead us to a state of uncertainty and sometimes confusion.  The big and daunting question of "What lies next?" lingers over your head and making matters worse are the people who ask you the very same question. This can make that transitional period in your life a bit more uneasy than it already is. 
OY! 
Well, I can totally relate! As far as I can remember I have always been in school and for the first time in my life, I have been stripped of this label (role), student. (Think about it. What labels make up you?). This change in my life has led me to think about how I depict myself.  I am a daughter, a sister, a cousin, a friend, and until recently a student.At one point or another we have all been stripped of a label and/or added a new one. For me, after graduation, reality set in that I will no longer have that "student" label but in its place I will be adding another label "employee." Yet, knowing what the next step is, is not sufficient nor will it make that uneasy feeling of uncertainty completely disappear. Why? Well, just because you have an idea or a plan doesn't mean that its going to come pass by itself. It requires action. Ah yes, welcome to the real world and hooray for seeking employment! 

By now I'm sure you're saying uh okay, yes, that's cool but what's your point?! 

My point is, learn to embrace those ending chapters in your life and welcome the beginning of others. Take time during those transitional periods to reflect and figure out what you want to do next (make a plan). Don't feel frustrated or pressured by your transitional state because it's only temporary. Find out what you want and then put it to action!
 :0)