Wise words: Don’t be sad that it is over. Be glad that it happened!
I cleaned out my garage this weekend and came across quite an array of camping gear that dated back to when my sons were still little boys. I thought about all the great times we had on the beach, in the woods, and in the water. I wondered if I would have chilled out with them more if I had known how busy they would become as young men. As I looked at the camping gear, I remembered how close we were and the great hugs and conversations that we shared. I shed a few tears. Then I thought about the many blessings that they now bring to me and to the world as young men. I felt the pride of knowing I had sent them off into the world with open hearts and wise minds, with self confidence and a life viewpoint that would take them to great joys and accomplishment.
Every day is a new day. Life brings change. Change IS the one constant thing in life, isn’t it?
Even a beautiful sunset fades and gives way to the sparkling stars in the night sky.
So it is with all things in life: relationships, a vacation, a great holiday, even segments of our lives.
What I have come to realize is the importance of embracing change. When something is over, the key is to look forward with great and positive expectancy. We may not know what is coming next, but we must know that it will be something good.
I have seen so many people who attempt to move forward in their lives, but they do so with one foot still in “what was” and looking over their shoulder toward the past. Their energy is spent on wishing it wasn’t over. They may be stuck in regret or in blaming. They may be angry.
My advice: Accept that it is over. Grieve a bit if need be, and do it knowing that the grief will pass quickly. Now ask yourself, “What’s next?” Go create something wonderful to be your “what’s next!” Embrace change. Keep your heart open and expect wonderful things to come your way. When you do, it will surely come easily and swiftly.
