Happy Sunday and Happy Pride 🏳️🌈
I have been thinking A LOT about starting new chapters. Since I’m at that point right now it’s only natural. There have also been several family members and friends who are doing the same. Graduations, career changes, engagements. All events that have us stopping and thinking about where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how it’s going to change our lives. What challenges will we face? What do we have to look forward to? What do I need to be doing to prepare?
I can only answer and share from my own perspective, and hopefully it can help you if you find yourself it a position to be starting a new chapter in your life. First, I love that we call them chapters. As the Reading Rainbow theme song taught us, “Take a look, it’s in a book.” The metaphor of our lives being a book, and these moments and changes and transitions being the chapters, feel reassuring in the same way that books are structured. We have chapters meant to introduce new characters or scenes, chapters that move the story along, others that completely change the trajectory of the story. Some short, and some long. But together, they tell the whole story. All this to say, when it’s time for you to start a new chapter, I think it’s helpful to figure out what exactly is this chapter meant to be, and do in your book?
One thing that I’ve been struggling with are all the feelings that come with starting something new, and leaving something behind. The #1 question I’ve been asked over the past month is, “How has retired life been?” And honestly, the answer is different every time I’m asked depending on how I’m feeling that day. Anxious, nervous, excited, happy, relieved, at peace. You name it, I’ve felt it. The one thing that I do mention every single time though is that I can’t believe the difference getting 8 hours of sleep every night really makes. And while I’m feeling all the feels, I keep telling myself that having all these feelings is normal and it’s expected. Every day I’m getting better at dealing with each of the emotional waves I’ve felt, and am learning to ride them the best way I can.
A piece of advice I would give to someone starting something new is to pay attention to the changes you see in yourself. Some with be very unexpected. One that has taken me by surprise is how much I’m enjoying socializing and spending time with family and friends, and even talking to strangers. I’m an introvert so I recharge by spending time alone, but I’m also starting to see that I’m not experiencing the same dread I used to feel about leaving the house and wishing for cancelled plans. I still enjoy and value my alone time, but I’m glad I’m seeing this change in myself because I do think that it’s something that will help me as I move forward in designing this next period of my life. Look for the changes in yourself and see how you can use them at this time.
The other thing I would encourage you to do, is just be kind and patient with yourself. This is one that I have had to tell myself over and over again. I keep asking myself, “Shouldn’t you be doing this? Shouldn’t you be doing that?” No. What I should be doing is giving myself a little room to breathe. Some days I feel like one of those people who says it takes them a while to relax when they go on vacation. I’ve never been one of those people, and I have to remember to allow myself the time to figure it out and get it right. If you’re starting new, don’t be hard on yourself. You’ve never done this before.
So if you’re someone who has turned the page in your life and there’s a blank page staring you in the face ready to be written, take a pause and give yourself credit for getting to this moment. Whether you’re starting a new career, trying solo travel, maybe actually writing that book you’ve been talking about, or are about to become a whole wife (oh hey Sara!), remember you’ve come a long way, and all that you’ve learned will carry you through this next stage. Take a breath. Reflect. Relax. And when you’re ready, pick up that pen and start writing that next chapter. You got this!
Positively yours,
Pebbles 💜
Positively Good
🧵 Before closing the chapter on her career, a teacher spends months making personalized quilts for each of her students before she retires.
🛼 Drew posted that he was having a 90s summer with his family: physical media, no streaming, etc. He asked for suggestions, and the comments did not disappoint!
🏥 Identical twin brothers were co-valedictorians, went to college and med school together, and now return to their hometown as hospital co-medical directors!
🐾 Watch the sweetest reaction as this dog meets the new babies of his best friend (a cat).
Positively Social
I asked people on my Positively Pebbles Instagram, to leave a comment, wisdom, tip, advice, or warning for people starting new chapters in their lives. Of course, you all came through with some great answers!
Positively Connected
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