Here's to new beginnings

You know when you suddenly realize that everything that's happening in your life is following a theme? I had that realization yesterday. It's funny that it took 10 months for me to realize this, but everything that's happened this year has had this theme of "new beginnings". Well, almost everything. Truthfully, the first half of the year was kind of rough. We experienced death and profound loss, and a string of unfortunate events that left us asking "Really, universe?!" Even so, many of those experiences opened the door for something else in our lives. A new apartment, a new puppy, an engagement, and now, a new job.

I've never done well with change. Ask anyone that knows me well -- the thought of changing plans last minute makes my stomach turn! But this year's events threw me into change headfirst and forced me to look it dead in the eyes; to face the change boldly and even embrace it. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy. But with this much chaos I would've ended up in the hospital with an ulcer if I hadn't forced myself to let go a little.

And yesterday, when I realized that everything that had happened in my life as of late had this theme, a strange calm came over me. It just... all made sense, all of a sudden. And it almost felt like an affirmation. Like, this is all supposed to be happening. You're in the right place. You're doing the right thing. Keep going.

So here's to new beginnings. Ends are often hard, but beginnings can be beautiful and exciting when you can learn to let go. And when it all feels a like a little too much, take a deep breath.

You're in the right place. You're doing the right thing. Keep going.

Love, Rachel