A Journey of Growth From Death:Honoring the New Year from Endings to New Beginnings
As 2023 takes a bow and the curtains come to a close, I cannot help but think about a new year and new beginnings. However, when I pause to be present, I realize I am overlooking something- the endings. Have you ever noticed the focus is typically on the new beginnings but the endings are often bypassed? There wouldn’t be a new beginning if there was not an ending, right? But new beginnings are blossoms of hope that often stem from a painful transformation and this is why they are held onto. I would argue that as beautiful as this new blossom is, it is still only one piece of the plant, and the whole plant is essential for creating this new growth. Let’s dig a little deeper.
Have you ever watched roses grow from spring through winter and then back to spring again? The process is fascinating! From my observations, in spring, roses look like they are living in two worlds; one of death and one of rebirth and growth. The dead growth lingers, almost protecting the new growth sprouting from the base of the plant. The old dead parts do not create new growth. At this point, nature can take its course and the old will eventually fall away naturally; although this process would take longer. The other option is for the roses to be pruned; of course, the pruning must take place at the right time to prepare the plant for optimal growth. Both processes are valuable.
As the seasons progress and summer is present, the roses are in full bloom. When one rose fades and is removed from the plant, new growth sprouts very quickly. Fall comes along, and it is a time for rest; the growth slows down. Meanwhile, the roots are within the dirt, the darkness, preparing for what is next . Finally, winter hits, and the roses are almost unrecognizable until spring when new life sprouts again.
I have watched this cycle of “life, death, and life” over and over again in my garden and have come to realize how magical this process is. We as human beings follow similar cycles. Endings create space and set the tone for new beginnings; they are important because they tell the story of the new beginning. Why something new was necessary, what led to the change, and what needed to be removed for this new beginning to take the stage.
Sometimes we need to slow down and allow ourselves to acknowledge and honor the transformational stage we are in. Depending on layers and the complexity of the experience, it may be best to allow the natural process to run its course, as there are likely feelings of grief that need to be unraveled. We also may encounter a need to do some self-pruning so that we can grow more quickly, for example, with a career change, it might be a better situation to cut ties with the old and forge a new path. Chances are, you have a deep knowing of which process is going to be best for you. I urge anyone going through a transformational experience to honor the whole process, which I lovingly call “growth from death”; the space leading up to the ending, the actual ending, and the new beginning because they are all important and necessary for growth.
As we enter the new year, in a reflective state, let’s acknowledge the beauty and growth that unfolded in the last year. Let’s honor the endings for creating space for the new. Each journey of “growth from death” contributes to our unique paths. May the new year and seasons provide fertile soil for continuous Self growth. Cheers to you !
If you are on a transformational journey and my work resonates with you, I would love to hold space for you in this process. Please feel free to schedule a complimentary coaching session so we can discuss your goals and how I might support you in achieving them.
