Closing a Chapter
If you have been following along, you know that I recently made a big move. While this is the start of an exciting new adventure, it is also the end of a chapter. Endings can be very difficult and bring a lot of different emotions - sadness, fear, nostalgia, and gratitude, to name a few.
Change is crucial for our continued growth and with change usually comes some sort of goodbye and leaving one thing for something new. I have experienced quite a few different chapters in my life and have come to view the sadness at the endings and goodbyes as proof that that particular phase meant something to me.
So, whether it is saying goodbye to a place, job, relationship, or just a certain period of life, below are some things that have helped me as I close one chapter and start an exciting new one.
Express Gratitude. Remember all the things that made this part of your life meaningful and special. As I left California, I became especially grateful for the beautiful nature, the amazing sunrises and sunsets, all my favorite spots, and of course the wonderful people and community. Whether it is writing those things down or just thinking about them, be sure to give thanks for all the good things that came with this chapter.
Stay Present. Enjoy these last moments in your current phase. Soak up everything that you enjoyed about this time of your life and try not to get too overwhelmed with what is to come. While moving across the country can be a big undertaking and a little stressful, I also made time to do the things that I wanted to do before I left - seeing the people who were important to me, visiting all my favorite places, and simply soaking up those last few weeks.
Say Goodbye. I don’t know many people who enjoy saying goodbye. It can be emotionally exhausting, but I think it is an important part of the process. If you can, go physically say goodbye to the people (and even the places) that meant something to you during this particular chapter. I am also a big fan of writing letters at endings to express gratitude and say goodbye. As tempting as it can be to just avoid the goodbyes, they can help bring a sense of closure and completeness.
Feel Your Feelings. It is okay to feel sadness or whatever it is that you are feeling as you close out this chapter. It does not mean that you are making the “wrong” decision, it simply means that this phase meant something to you. Let yourself feel all the emotions that are coming with this ending.
Embrace the Future. You are making this change for a certain reason and while it can be difficult to say goodbye and move into the unknown, remember why you are making the change and what you are moving towards. There is an exciting new chapter to write and new adventures to be had.
