I know that there are many people who associate spring with new life and new beginnings. However, fall can also be a time of new beginnings. I think of all of the trees starting to chance colors and then lose their leaves. They shed the old growth to make way for winter and then new growth in the spring. This is part of the life cycle and, thus, a new beginning.
An ending is indeed a new beginning, even though endings can sometimes be quite challenging and painful. It has taken me many years to fully understand that an ending is a beginning. For a long time I saw endings as closed doors with nowhere to go – I saw endings as reasons to mourn and be upset. Yet, lately I have learned that endings do bring options for new beginnings – and that these new beginnings can bring great joy, even if they are birthed from the pain of loss.
Today, 164 days ’til 40, I am happy for new beginnings, the ones that occur spontaneously, and the ones that are birthed from endings as well.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
walkwiththerabbi
September 10, 2012 at 01:04
Something to ponder – when our plates are full, the ONLY way for growth and progress to be made manifest, is to remove the lesser-things, so that room can be made for the greater-things. There is no other way – the plate is already as large as it will ever be. Hugs from here.
400daystil40
September 10, 2012 at 19:34
Yes, yes, yes! What a fantastic point!
walkwiththerabbi
September 11, 2012 at 00:17
Make it so my sister!
saymber
September 10, 2012 at 03:04
“It has taken me many years to fully understand that an ending is a beginning.” Me too 400. For the longest time I couldn’t do goodbyes so to help me out I just started to say “til I see you again.”
400daystil40
September 10, 2012 at 19:32
I can still be the same way – I HATE saying goodbye to people.
Melia Alexander
September 10, 2012 at 05:29
I have a dear friend who recently divorced. He acknowledges the loss yet still looks at the event as a gateway to the next forty years and the great things to come. He amazes me!
400daystil40
September 10, 2012 at 19:28
What a great attitude he has! I had a similar attitude after my divorce (years ago) and I can certainly say that my life today is MUCH better than before I was divorced (have been remarried for two years now, and with my current partner for five – life is good! 🙂
knitxpressions
September 10, 2012 at 10:50
As they say: When one door closes, another one opens!
400daystil40
September 10, 2012 at 19:27
So very true!!!
Spider42
September 10, 2012 at 15:19
Nice post and I agree with the sentiment. I’ve found situations where an ending is a moment of joy and/or relief for all concerned or a beginning is a painful and/or unpleasant one. Nothing is really a 100% all the time, everything is subjective and depends on the situation and the people in it.
But I think the vast majority of people have far too big a hurdle to cross before they can come around to seeing this.
Here’s the thing (in my mind):
Waaay too many of the problems plaguing humanity as a species – socially, culturally, emotionally, spiritually, blah, blah – can be traced back to one very simple thing: A RAGING, PALPABLE, FEAR OF DEATH.
People are so afraid of growing old and dying and what comes after and where do we go and on and on and on… it permeates every aspect of our lives and cultures, wherever you go people are living with the running idea of working toward your next life. We treat others differently based on what that means for our after-death-whatever, we adjust our behaviour to fit a better outcome, we do wondrous and horrifying things in the name of our belief regarding that thereafter – and all the while no one actually can prove without a doubt that their belief or idea is the right one.
Why live and let live can’t work? Why can’t we be more bothered about our actions and their repercussions NOW and contemplate what we are doing to our own kind NOW? I wish I knew.
But, this is now a topic I’ve been pondering for a looooong while now and trying to teach folks around me – so I’m going to leave it at this and say thanks again for a nice post.
Cheers! 😉
400daystil40
September 10, 2012 at 19:26
Thanks for another wonderfully insightful comment! Yes, you make so many wonderful points that I wish more people would understand. You are correct, many things revolve around fear of death – in fact, that is the basis for most radicacl religions (well, almost all religions, actually) – the desperate need to find/ create answers to that which we do not know or fully comprehend – it is supposed to give comfort. I do wish more people would take themselves a little less seriously and stop to breathe, laugh, and love.
Spider42
September 10, 2012 at 21:50
True, true… I like this one: “Don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out alive.” 🙂
400daystil40
September 11, 2012 at 19:13
hehehe – GREAT quote!!! 🙂
Another Thousand Words
September 10, 2012 at 18:45
The coming of Autumn is merely a demonstration of the circle of life…many are not aware of this fact. Each season can be compared to a stage of life; thankfully, I’m still in Autumn (I hope?)!
400daystil40
September 10, 2012 at 19:24
Yes, this is so very true! I really like this season!
viveka
September 13, 2012 at 02:08
Love the autumn too … I also love to wear autumn colors – so intense – body and soul on fire. New beginnings comes during the whole year … both for us and nature – not only in the spring. New beginnings can be tough and needs a lot of work … new beginnings can just come and embrace us. Love the crisp air … love the first frost . and the bright sunny days.
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:58
Yes, I like autumn colors too!
sakuraandme
September 17, 2012 at 05:46
Autumn and Spring are my favourite months. I love the ending and the beginning:)
In Australia we have just gone into Spring.So life begins again. Enjoy Autumn.
400daystil40
September 18, 2012 at 00:10
Me too! I love the changes in both seasons!