Endings Spring New Beginnings
Happy Sunday! I am happy to be sharing another Undoing Toxic Blog entry with you. If you are enjoying the blog or would like to share a reaction, I invite you to leave a comment below. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Today’s blog topics came out of an Instagram Q&A I posted on my stories, and I received a request from a friend to highlight more solo travel, spring, and new beginnings.
Well, it is April, and while we are waiting for the season of spring to fight back, how are we getting in position for what’s next? Let me be really honest, yes, I am a therapist, and most people come to therapy when they are dealing with or anticipating great change(s) in their lives. Me, personally, I deeply dislike change. When things are going good, why switch it up? Why change? We need change. There is no sunshine without rain. No rainbows without rain. Good days can’t follow after bad days if we don’t have change. We need change. When things in our lives end it can be joyous, bittersweet, painful, and/or full of grief.
Throughout our lives we have gone from puddles, to ponds, to oceans. I think back to school. As you move up, the pool gets bigger. Every time you move up a grade and graduate, you’re stepping into a new beginning and responsibility; you are also leaving things behind. The same goes for jobs. Endings are hard. Beginnings are hard, too.
I empathize with my clients/therapy-seekers because I really hear you on the “change sucks.”
Why couldn’t the relationship just last?
Why did your loved one have to become ill?
Why did you have to jump ship and move jobs?
Why did you have to take a “good-enough” job?
Why did your partner cheat on you?
Why did your friend(s)/family betray you?
And why is all of this falling on your shoulders?
A lot of questions and not enough answers.
When things happen to us, we have two choices: evolve or repeat. Things happen in our lives that force us to change. Experiences mold us into who we are, and it is a series of beginnings and endings. "Endings and beginnings" encapsulate the cyclical nature of life, where transitions between phases often mark the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. This concept can be applied across various aspects of our lives:
Personal Growth: Endings signify the conclusion of certain experiences, relationships, or phases in life, while beginnings represent new opportunities, challenges, or endeavors. Embracing endings can lead to reflection, learning, and personal growth, while beginnings offer the chance to start on a fresh path and pursue new goals.
Relationships: Endings and beginnings are inherent in the dynamics of relationships. Whether it's the end of a friendship, a romantic partnership, or a familial bond, these transitions can be accompanied by feelings of loss, grief, or relief. However, they also pave the way for new connections, deeper understanding, and the possibility of forming meaningful relationships.
Career and Education: In professional and educational settings, endings may come in the form of job changes, career transitions, or the completion of academic programs. These transitions can be challenging but also present opportunities for advancement, skill development, and pursuing new passions or interests.
Cultural and Societal Changes: Endings and beginnings are evident in societal shifts, such as the end of eras, the conclusion of social movements, or the beginning of new cultural trends. These transitions often reflect broader changes in values, norms, and ideologies, shaping the collective consciousness of society.
Nature and Seasons: Endings and beginnings are mirrored in the cycles of nature, where the end of one season leads into the start of another. The changing of the weather and seasons serves as a reminder to us that nothing stays the same; things are subject to change.
Overall, endings and beginnings are complex, layered experiences. While endings may bring uncertainty and loss, they also pave the way for new opportunities, growth, and transformation. Embracing this cycle with openness, resilience, and gratitude can lead to a deeper appreciation for your life's journey and the lessons you learn along the way.
Consider these questions:
What is your relationship to change?
What are you willing to give up for change, or an improved sense of self?
Disclaimer:
The intention for using social media for social workers and other mental health professionals is for marketing, education, advocacy, thought leadership, and providing content in a technologically changing field. We want to do this while making potential therapy-seekers aware of the risks and benefits of engagement on social media and Internet where mental health professionals are present. A therapeutic relationship is a professional relationship and in today's technological climate, a social media presence or following your therapist on social media is not to be confused with a relationship outside of therapy. Ethical, professional, and therapeutic boundaries must be followed and honored.
A counseling social media page or blog is not psychotherapy, a replacement for a therapeutic relationship, or substitute for mental health and medical care. A social media presence as a counseling professional is not seeking an endorsement, request, or rating from past or current clients. No social media posts or blog should be considered professional advice. The information contained in posts is general information for educational purposes only.
Be mindful of sharing personal details or details or others if you choose to comment.
Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical and/or psychiatric mental health crisis and requires assistance, please call 911 emergency services.
988- National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Safe Horizon 24-hour Hotlines (se habla español):
Domestic violence victims: 800-621-HOPE (4673)
Victims of crime and their families: 866-689-HELP (4357)