Today, I want to talk about the importance of endings. As human beings, we often get so caught up in the excitement and momentum of starting new projects, relationships, or ventures that we forget about the crucial step of closing things down. Ending things is just as important as starting them, if not more so.
When something ends it allows us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what we’ve learned. It’s a chance to celebrate our successes, acknowledge our failures, and take stock of how far we’ve come. Without this reflection, we risk repeating the same mistakes over and over again, without ever really growing or evolving.
Something coming to an end also frees up space and energy for new opportunities. When we hold onto things for too long, we can become stagnant and complacent, stuck in a rut of familiarity and comfort. By letting go, we open ourselves up to new experiences, new people, and new possibilities. It’s a way of making room for growth and progress.
It can be painful to say goodbye to something we’ve invested time, energy, and emotion into. But that discomfort is often a sign that we’re doing the right thing. It means we’re stepping out of our comfort zones and into the unknown, which is where all the best things happen.
If you are excited when you start something new. You should also enjoy and embrace the art of ending a thing. Whether it’s a job, a hobby, a relationship, or anything else, don’t be afraid to let go when the time is right. Trust that the next adventure is waiting for you just around the corner. And let’s finish on a quote I like:
“In the Kamigata area, they have a sort of tiered lunchbox they use for a single day when flower viewing. Upon returning, they throw the flowers away, trampling them underfoot. The end is important in all things.”
Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai
Sea's The Day 