I mentioned in an earlier post that this month is filled with graduations, weddings and births, all of which made me think of new beginnings.  I know, it seems like I am mailing it in, but I like this time of year, despite the pollen and the pace.  So, with that, we should begin.

New beginnings are exciting.  They mark both the end of one phase and the start of a new one. While it is always a little sad to end, there is an energy in stepping into something new.  The path is not yet set, the choices are not yet made, and the difficulties have not yet dampened the enthusiasm of pursuing the new goal.  At the beginning anything is possible and the only limitations are the ones you arbitrarily place.  

New beginnings are also somewhat scary. Much like riding a roller coaster, the excitement is enhanced by this fear.  Even though you have an idea of what will happen, it isn’t until you start experiencing it that you go through the highs and the lows.  At the beginning, though, the fear that anything c,an happen complements the excitement that, we’ll, anything can happen. 

What I have come to realize is that new beginnings aren’t limited to graduations, births, weddings, job changes, etc.  While these notable events are natural starting points, you can have a new beginning any time you want.  You may not get presents or recognition for it, but those are just the side benefits.  The real gift is the new start and it can be whenever you want. 

There is nothing stopping you use from making the choice that today is the start of a new phase in your life.  The mistakes, failures, difficulties and missteps of the past don’t have to dictate the today and tomorrow of your life, and that is a comforting thought.  Whether a life-altering change or just starting a new habit, you get to decide that it is a new beginning.

So, as you go through your month of weddings, graduations, births, and similar new beginnings, remember, you can choose to start anew at any time…and that is a good thing to have at your disposal.