Hello and welcome back to the Keystone Weekly Wellness Blog.
New beginnings are a beautiful part of our lives, and we have meaningful endings to thank for that!
In this blog, we’ll go over the importance and challenges of goodbyes, strategies to cope and discuss the excitement of new journeys!
The Importance
Goodbyes are a natural part of life, from the small ones like waving goodbye to friends after class, to the big ones like saying farewell to a favourite teacher or leaving behind a familiar place. Even though they might make us feel sad or unsure, saying goodbye is actually pretty important because it helps us to grow and explore new things. When we say goodbye, it’s like closing a door on one part of our life. That might sound sad, but it’s also a chance to look back and reflect on what we’ve learned and experienced. Like finishing a good chapter in a book, we can’t move on to the next exciting parts until we turn the page. The best part of saying goodbye is that we get to say hello to something new. Maybe it’s a chance to meet new friends, try new activities, or get familiar with a different place — it brings a whole bunch of new opportunities along with it. So, even though goodbyes can be tough, they’re so crucial for our personal development. They help us grow, learn, and discover new things we might never have found otherwise.
The Challenges
One big challenge is leaving behind friends. These are the people we’ve laughed with, shared secrets with, and made core memories with. When it’s time to say goodbye, it can feel like a piece of your heart is going with them. It’s hard to imagine not seeing them every day or being able to hang out like you used to. Another challenge is saying goodbye to teachers who have made a difference in our lives. These are the ones who believed in us, encouraged us, and helped us grow. When we have to leave, it feels like losing a mentor or a guide. We might worry about not finding someone else who understands us or cares about our success like they did. But perhaps the biggest challenge of all is the emotional impact of goodbyes. It’s natural to feel sad, anxious, or even angry when it comes to endings. We might worry about losing touch with friends, missing out on important moments, or not fitting in somewhere new. The fear of the unknown can make it hard to see beyond the goodbye and imagine what lies ahead. We know that saying goodbye is tough because it means leaving behind people we care about, places we love, and routines we’re comfortable with. It’s entirely normal to feel a mix of emotions, but it’s also important to remember that goodbyes provide us with so many new opportunities and blessings, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
How to Cope with Letting Go
When it comes to coping with goodbyes, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel all the emotions that come with them. Whether it’s sadness, fear, or even excitement, acknowledging and accepting these feelings can help us process them in a healthy way. Instead of trying to push them away, allowing ourselves to feel them can be a first step toward healing. Staying connected with friends is another helpful strategy. Even if we’re hundreds of kilometres apart, technology makes it easier than ever to keep in touch. Whether it’s through social media, email, or video calls, reaching out to friends can help to maintain those important connections and provide us some comfort during times of transition. Embracing change might feel scary, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Instead of focusing on what we’re leaving behind, try to shift your perspective and see the goodbye as a chance to explore new experiences and discover different parts of yourself. Change can be scary, but it can also lead to exciting opportunities and adventures. Building a support network is crucial during times of transition. We discussed this in my previous blog. Surrounding yourself with friends and family who can offer love, encouragement, and understanding is vital for helping us stay on the right track. Having people to lean on can make saying goodbye feel less overwhelming and remind us that we’re not alone in our new journeys.
Lastly, as it has been emphasized so many times before: don’t forget to take care of yourself. Practising self-care and engaging in activities that bring joy can help alleviate stress and boost your mood during times of change. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones, prioritizing your well-being can make just about anything, including saying goodbye, a little bit easier.
Embracing New Beginnings
Let’s think about what happens after we say our goodbyes: the exciting new beginnings that are waiting for us. Instead of dwelling on what we’ve left behind, let’s focus on the fresh opportunities that lie ahead. Approaching new experiences with an open mind and a positive attitude can make all the difference. It’s like stepping into a whole new world, full of possibilities and surprises.
I can recall how scared I was when I graduated high school, and all of the uncertainties on whether or not I would find my passion in post-secondary, meet new friends, get good grades and experience new things. At times, the not knowing was unbearable, but I trusted myself to let go. And you know what? It turned out to be one of the transitions I’ve gone through in my life. I felt confident and passionate in my program choice, met some amazing people, worked at incredible student placements, and, most importantly, learned so much about myself along the way. It just goes to show that every goodbye is an opportunity to say hello to something wonderful.
So, to all the students out there who are facing the end of an era and the beginning of something new, remember that every ending marks the start of a new chapter. Embrace the unknown with enthusiasm and curiosity, and who knows what exciting adventures await you? You have everything you need to succeed!
“The chief beauty about time is that you cannot waste it in advance. The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you, as perfect, as unspoiled, as if you had never wasted or misapplied a single moment in all your life. You can turn over a new leaf every hour if you choose.” – Arnold Bennet
