In every end, there is also a beginning.
What’s one of the best times for figuring out who you are and what you truly want?
Right after a chapter of your life comes to an end.
And every chapter in life has to come to an end sometime. It’s important to acknowledge and accept this – to walk away and carry onward sensibly when something has reached its conclusion.
Closing the door, turning the page, moving on, etc. It doesn’t matter what you call it – what matters is that you leave the past where it belongs so you can make the best of the life that’s still available to be lived. This ending you’ve experienced is not THE END, it’s just your life beginning again in a new way. It’s a point in your story where one chapter transitions into the next.
Here are 10 quotes from our book and blog archive to help you start this new chapter with strength, conviction, and a mindful presence…
- When life does not go as planned, breathe and remember that life’s richness often comes from its unpredictability.
- Sometimes you just have to accept the fact that things will never go back to how they used to be, and that this ending is really a new beginning.
- One of the most peaceful mindsets ever begins the moment you finally find the courage to let go of what you can’t change. It is what it is. Accept it, learn from it and move on. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done; what matters is what you choose to do from here. (Read Loving What Is.)
- The secret to getting ahead is to focus your energy not on fixing and fighting yesterday, but on building and growing something new right now.
- Even if you have a good reason to be angry and resentful about what happened, don’t. Channel your energy into thoughts and actions that actually benefit your life today. (Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the “Adversity” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
- Your world can be an entirely different place than the world you lived in just a few moments ago, once your attitude toward it changes.
- The situation does not determine your response. YOU determine your response. Take a moment now to pause and remember who you truly are. Take time to reflect on the things that have real and lasting meaning in your life.
- Life doesn’t owe you anything else, because you already have everything you need. But you do owe yourself the courtesy of making the best of it.
- Don’t procrastinate. Don’t waste your time wishing for a “better” starting point. Instead, make use of the real and present starting point you have, and get going. (Angel and I build proven, “procrastination-busting” rituals with our students in the “Goals and Growth” module of Getting Back to Happy.)
- Be humble. Be teachable. The world is bigger than your view of the world. There’s always room for a new idea, a new step… a new beginning.
Afterthoughts
The secret to a good life, I have found, is to pay more attention to the beginnings than the endings. So many people say they want a new life, but then they take the new one they get every minute for granted. Don’t do this to yourself. Don’t hold on to what’s no longer there. Don’t wait until your life is almost over to realize how priceless the present moment is. The good life is here – it begins right now, when you stop wanting a different one.
And remember, there are three little words that can release you from your past struggles and guide you forward. These words are: “From now on…”
Your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let us know which quote above resonates with you the most. Do you have any other quotes, tips or stories to share about turning an ending into a new beginning? We would love to hear from YOU.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Photo by: Rose Erkul
Beverly says
You mentioned some of these quotes were from your book. I’m surprised you didn’t mention this one, which happens to be one of my all-time favorites:
“Every ending is the beginning of something else. Every exit is an entry somewhere else.”
I highlighted that quote in your book the first time I read it, and it continues to give me hope. Thank you.
Wild Heart says
You Live You Learn…<3
Marc Chernoff says
I’m so glad that particular quote resonated with you, Beverly. It’s a great addition to this post.
Sean Morin says
Your emails/posts never disappoint, M&A! In this one, points #1 and #10 rocked my mind just now. Seriously… thanks so much!
Cal says
Wow! Simple advice & yet my mind is blown. I’m new to this site… as in I found it a couple hours ago… and I can’t stop reading.
Deborah says
I think #1.
Honestly after what I’ve been thru, I should read this everyday.
Thank you. Your words touch my heart and change my outlook
Carole Fry says
Thank you so much – this is what I was beginning to realise just before I opened your email this morning! Serendipity or reinforcement or both! 🙂
Matitech says
M&A, Thank you! I can always count on your emails for refueling. Bless you!
CaribbeanFusion says
Thank you for your words.
Am still hurting so everything you’re writing isn’t quite absorbed in me, yet. But, I do know in due time…I’ll feel stronger and better about myself. “From now on…” phrase resonated something in me. Thank you.
Robyn says
You’ll get there. Sending you virtual love and support.
Smilee says
Hey 🙂
Your emails and posts are simply amazing.
I think quote no. 7 of all the above them all gives you encouragement to move on and that a better life awaits you.
Cheers,
Smilee
Hildah says
When a door closes another opens.. Thank u Marc n Angel..Your articles are my source of hope.
Venolia says
8,9,10 just a constant reminder that life is for the living and learning to let go and focus on the present…I am learning and getting your messages every time just reminds how okay it is to be myself and live,focus on the beginning forget my ending that’s where life starts…thank you somuch I am choosing to live.
Marilyn Parigian says
It is what it is has become my mantra these past difficult years. Your writings are on point and very inspiring. Thank you so much.
Sherry says
I so enjoy reading your posts daily. I have struggled for the past three years after losing my youngest sister to suicide. It really changed me.
I have also been living with a abusive spouse for years. Life is short.
I am 57 years old. And I am working on starting a new Life for me.
I am having to let go of the Past and realize I cannot change what has happened. And I cannot help someone that does not want help.
I am responsible for me and my happiness.
Yvonne says
Thank you for sharing. I too have just left an abusive relationship after two years. I’m 60 yrs. I never thought I would have been in that kind of relationship. But looking back I understand what left me open to it.
Molly says
God bless you on your journey.
Sue Roberts says
Dear Sherry , my heart goes out to you . Grief can be unbearable , consuming your hole life , I can’t imagine how it would feel to loose my sister .You don’t have to accept abuse from any one especially the one who is supposed to be there for you for love and support. I finally got the courage to leave my husband after 50 years of an uncomfortable and abusive marriage ,With the help of marcandangle I became strong and found the self assteem that had been taken from me . I have been free for 1 year ,left my home and all my possessions and have reastblished myself in a holiday camping ground. I have peace and contentment ,new friends a wonderful life with no regrets , don’t leave it to late you deserve to live a happy life. Lots of love and all the best to you . Sue ???
Marc Chernoff says
Sending prayers of strength your way, Sherry. Please take each day one at a time.
Mary Weddle says
I am thankful for whomever found whom on the internet, as every post you make resonates in some way to me. Today, #3 and #5 resonate with me. And, as I read #9 the word “procrastinate” became the word, in my mind, numb. And, “stuck”, in the sense of like sitting on the edge of agoraphobia. Sometimes I am in such awe and disbelief that someone who is “supposed” to be, or claims to be, can totally disregard me even when I’m calling out to them. I now try to draw a mental line of disconnect considering that maybe their lives are busy and have issues as well. I need to remember that only I can live by my ways and to not try or expect anyone else to have to be likewise.
“Living by hidden virtue allows you to get the most out of life. It means seeing that it is your choice and responsibility to decide how you are going to spend it.” Tao
Gracy says
Thank you for this message. I was inspired and touched by every word you’ve shared here. Just in time with my present situation… now closing an old chapter of my life and opening the new chapter with God leading my way towards a beautiful life HE prepared for me a long time ago…
Elva says
I’ve lost family members and friends in the past. I do try honestly to look back and learn what I can from these situations. Then I ask God’s help to let go and move on. I spotted a sentence on another website this morning: “You can’t fix someone who chooses to be broken.” How true. There is light at the end of the tunnel — best wishes to all who are struggling. Peace and hope from Elva
Judy Nittoli says
I lost my mom last week. Great trauma. I am single, was her primary Carekeeper, and we shared the rent. Now I don’t have a place to live if I don’t find work! Or find a roommate. I’ll read your words of comfort but this is quite a crisis! No one loves me like my mom! And never will!
Elva says
Hi Judy — my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mom. I will hold you in prayer, asking that God will guide you through this most difficult time in your life. One pastor told me, many years ago, to pray for the strength to get through the next 10 minutes, the next 30 minutes, etc. If you can, try to read the Bible, in particular Isaiah chapters 40 and 41. Peace and hope from Elva
Marc Chernoff says
Sending prayers of strength to you, Judy. Stay strong… small steps.
David Rapp says
It all comes down to handling the transition. Where does the end actually end and when/where/how/why does the new beginning really start? Am I prepared? What will I lose? What if I fail?
I have been thinking about this a lot and it pretty much ruined my day yesterday. I got very worked up over where I am based on who I was and where I want to be. The two were so far apart, and I have no way to connect them. It is the transition that locked me up.
But today is a new day. I think I will start building my transition bridge, quietly, by first laying the foundation.
And so it begins…
Marc Chernoff says
As always, I love your sentiment, David. Thank you.
Larisa says
Your post came just perfect for me!Thank you for all the great thoughts that you are sharing with everyone and know that people like you make a diffrence.
Liz says
Hi Marc,
I loved your article and I would like to add what I have learned in the last few years…
My husband died suddenly in the car while I was driving, and then a friends husband committed suicide, another friend’s son died in a accident at 29 years old and just a few weeks back my friend fell and broke her hip – all these incidents brought me ‘shock’.
From what I experienced I would say that the shock and the trauma has many layers and each was released one step at a time, slowly over time.
These losses took some processing, and I have turned to many on my path to help me. I have cried oceans, written journals and tried therapies for the release and letting go of the pain, prayed, completed 7 liver detoxes, and read and listened, and moved continents, I lost money and work and experienced a crashing of my soul. An internal collapse where I could not find my faith any more.Dark days indeed.
The breakthrough came when I saw my rigidity and fear was made by me and therefore could be unmade by me. I needed to lighten up!
I used to always be happy, optimistic and positive and these traumatic events made me more real and in the moment, a mask would not hack it anymore. No more pretending, no more hoping, from now on…’If it’s to be it’s up to me’ I became a Courage Coach. I do it for me, and I do it to serve the young to help them make the right career choices in life. I take responsibility and generate every day, every moment.I am now open and honest like never before with compassion. I never speak badly about others, I just give love and don’t expect any back and I am committed to my joy and happiness and freedom and abundance. I am kinder to myself than ever before, I take breaks, I go to nature, I pray, I eat chocolate and now my latest is to be fun to be with. I want to make my being here fun for others, so if you have any opening here I would very much appreciate it.
Thanks for a great article.
Marc Chernoff says
Great perspective, Liz. Thanks for sharing.
Veronica says
Thanks Marc and Angel. 🙂 I resonate well with your afterthoughts. I am in high school, not so passionate about the subjects I’m pursuing through, and somewhere believe those subjects are out of my analytical bounds. Almost every other night I find myself saying things like starting anew the next day and working harder than ever, and simply forgetting the next day.
Thanks for these words.
“And remember, there are three little words that can release you from your past struggles and guide you forward. These words are: “From now on…” “
Kam says
This message was so timely. I literally just got fired from my job this morning- a job that I hated. I read this right before I went into the termination meeting and I feel great! Everything happens for a reason 🙂
Judy Gillespie says
I guess my grief situation is still too raw to think about these things. I am trying, but it is just so overwhelming. Some days when I drive in the garage, I just sit there for a while wondering if I will ever be whole again.
Charisse Tyson says
Thank you Marc and Angel. #2 and #3 were just what I needed to hear right now. You two do a great job of making a difference in peoples lives. God bless you
April says
Thanks for this. You have impeccable timing. My therapist is moving away in just a few weeks and I have been struggling greatly with seeing it as a “new beginning” instead of focusing on the ending part of it. Some days are better than others. It’s been difficult because I am a difficult person–definitely pessimistic rather than optimistic–but I am starting to make an effort to see this transition differently.
Sylvia hunter says
Very thoughtful insights.
I am very appreciative of the information that’s given.
Will take time later this evening to go over each bullet point.
Thank you?
MH says
I think #3 is very inspirational. We all make mistakes in life and unfortunately one cannot turn back the clock. You said it perfectly…it’s what or how you choose to live from now on that matters. That is so true.
Felicia says
At present I feel like I am in my darkest points of my life. Everything around me is falling apart. Despite the chaos in my life, I continue to push forward and hold my head high. I smile even though I hurt inside. I still manage to be uplifting to others even though my spirits may be low and feel like a bullet stuck in a gun. Some days I think life won’t get better and that the light I did see is getting dim. But I still hang on. I still hold on to faith. I still muster up what little courage I have and keep moving forward. It’s not easy. Every day is a struggle but with a little bit of faith and courage, just as much as a mustard sees I know all things are possible, although not easy. Thank you for such beautiful quotes and uplifting words. I look forward to your emails every day.
Betsy says
“It is what it is”
So true. Five little words. Such meaning.
Thank you again.
@ David Rapp – good post sir – “and so it begins”
Juddles says
From now on………..I’ve got to be stronger and say no and finally move forward. Im unhappy being unhappy all the time and that is dictated by an individual and the no commitment and pulling away for 3 yrs.
I am stronger now, I have to be stronger to want a better life………
Maria says
Your inspiring words make a lot of impact. I have been having problems of Letting Go. But its no way right to hold on and continue to ruin myself.
Tabitha mbuthia says
“There’s always room for a new idea a new step a new beginning.” … this really means a lot to me let now am going through hell…… thanks a lot
Sarah Mae says
It made my day. Thank you so much.
The following quotes keep resounding in my head.
“Sometimes you just have to accept the fact that things will never go back to how they used to be, and that this ending is really a new beginning.”
“One of the most peaceful mindsets ever begins the moment you finally find the courage to let go of what you can’t change. It is what it is. Accept it, learn from it and move on. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done; what matters is what you choose to do from here.”
I learned something new today. Once again. Thank you
David Watts says
Excellent. But point 6 is quite an immense but simple life changing thought. Without sounding dramatic – it stopped me in my tracks and I had to read quite a few times. Thank you.
Dallas S. says
Thank you. I’m new to this site and love it! ?
Hannah says
Thank you for this post – it’s sometimes a struggle in a sea of “what you shouldn’t do” style advice, to move forwards, towards creating a life and future that is based on hope and conscious growth rather than regret and hopelessness.
Lindsey says
I definitely connect with quote 9. At one point in my life, I knew I wasn’t excited about where my life was going, and instead of taking action, I moped around and wasted time. Nothing changed or got better by sitting around and hoping it would. Recently I decided that I was going to try to live the life I wanted, and I have been focusing my time and effort into my projects. Now I am excited for my future versus how I was a few years back when I was sitting around and hoping I would at least be content with my future.
Debra says
“From now on…“ are three little words that I will bear in mind. Once again, Marc and Angel, your wisdom springs forth. On behalf of all your followers, I say ‘thank you’ wholeheartedly for your continuous inspiration!
eileen mary mosey says
thank you so much for all the inspiration you have given me in these past 2 years. I have been struggling with change and I never manage to get there. however your last blog hit the spot and I realize I cant change things if its impossible but I can move on in a positive way and that’s what I plan to do. go on living the life I so deserve and want. and so be it if I have to leave some things behind. it will be okay. so it begins…….. thank you
Jen says
I like the quotes, I really do. They are what I aspire to achieve. But I need time! It’s easy to say, ‘accept and let go’ and ‘live in the present moment’, but how can I do that when my heart has been ripped to shreds and the pain has become almost physical? I feel inadequate and pathetic for being unable to live in the present moment. I don’t want to let go. I ‘m already humble. I’ve pushed my own boundaries and changed who I am and I can’t even recognize myself anymore, yet it still has not been enough. I feel so lost
Hannes says
Also like the one not mentioned the most: “Every ending is the beginning of something else. Every exit is an entry somewhere else.”