The Promise of Endings

Perhaps the hardest part of dealing with change is the knowledge that something has to end. There is no change without an ending. Even with the welcome changes – marriage, first child, new job – something still has to end.

And endings often bring fear and uncertainty with them. Thing is, though, they also bring a treasure trove of promise and possibility.

Every THE END holds within it the promise of a ONCE UPON A TIME and I don’t mean the fairy tale kind.

I mean every chapter or season that ends in your life has the potential to be followed by something extraordinary IF you’re willing to find it.

Here’s how you can unwrap the promise hiding in your THE END.

Embrace the uncertainty

“It is how we embrace uncertainty in our lives that leads to the great transformations of our souls.” Brandon Trean

Uncertainty is a given when it comes to change. The sooner you embrace that and accept it for what it is, the easier this space will be for you.

Part of what makes endings so hard is the inability to plan for what might happen next. Everything is in a state of flux and planning feels almost futile. The goal, then, is to do what you can with what you know for sure and let go of the rest.

Work with the information you have. Plan as much as you can AND hold the plan loosely. Stay flexible and be willing to adjust as you go along. Focusing on what you can control will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Notice the open window

“When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window.” Marie from The Sound of Music

When a door closes, it’s all too easy to let regret or sorrow keep you in front of the closed door. You sit there either wishing it had not closed or hoping it will open up again.

A closed door is not the end of the journey; it is an invitation to go a different direction. Turn away from the closed door and find the open window.

It just might be the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for but couldn’t see until now.

Don’t look back

“You can’t start a new chapter of your life, if you keep re-reading the last one.”

Success in the future is only possible to the extent you can avoid rehashing the events of the past even if they were good times. Longing for what was, keeps you trapped in the past.

Holding space for grief is critical if you are going to move forward. It’s hard to think of grief in this scenario. However, if you realize that endings invariably mean something has been lost, you will see grief as an appropriate emotion.

Grief is an uncomfortable emotion and for some people, avoiding it is easier than feeling it.

I encourage you to take time to grieve the ending of what was so you can step more fully into what is to come.  This means celebrating all the good, honoring the lessons learned, and taking all of it with you into the future.

Being intentional with your grief can keep you from looking back.

The only constant in life is change. Learning how to navigate seasons of change and their accompanying endings will serve you well in life. Embrace the endings and you’ll find the hidden new beginnings.

From my heart to yours,

If you find yourself facing an ending and you’re feeling like stuck, let’s talk. Click here to schedule a complimentary call where we can explore what it will take to get you moving again. It’s a no-obligation free call. Schedule yours today.