Let’s Talk: New Beginnings

Latina McIntyre

January 16, 2021

Life is full of unusual changes and journeys that affect people in different ways. I like to think of life’s voyages as seasons that change with various weather patterns, bringing new beginnings or a brand new start. Just as spring brings new plants, flowers, and beautiful scenery. Then fall brings colorful leaves, bare trees, and a little breeze in the air. Let’s take a closer look at some ways to turn a new leaf.

Many people wait until a New Year to make a new beginning or set a new resolution, but new beginnings can start at any time and can be as simple as a new hairstyle or as complex as changing your career path. One journey that we all share in common is the beginning of a New Year and progress toward ending this pandemic.

New beginnings can be scary, but they can also be rewarding. Many life changes are new beginnings, including the birth of a child or grandchild, weddings, graduations, new careers, and other tangible events.

Some people may view a new home or location, or a new personal relationship, as a new beginning. No matter what you consider to be a new beginning, one common factor people look for is a positive outcome. Is the change a positive asset in your life? Does the new beginning bring you joy and happiness? Will it help you progress and grow?

We all prefer new beginnings that are strategically beneficial and distinctly defined. Here are some tips that will ensure that your new beginnings are positive and enlightening.

Review the advantages and disadvantages.
Develop a clear and precise action plan to implement the new beginning.
Prepare for any external setbacks or unexpected distractions.
Prepare your mind and body for the change or new beginning.
Consider joining a support group or asking for assistance from professional colleagues.
Be aware that you own the rights to your new beginnings.

Most importantly, be aware that you are embarking on a new journey, a new beginning — be confident, healthy, motivated. It’s your journey and no one else’s. There is no wrong way to launch a new journey — you hold the key to your success. Remember — you can always start over or tailor your fresh start to what meets your needs and is suitable for your lifestyle.

In addition, the sooner you embark on a new beginning, the closer you are to your reward. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Just do it!

Latina McIntyre

Latina McIntyre, a United States Air Force veteran and proud graduate of Bellevue University, is inspired by making a positive impact in our youth’s community and lives. She is a former special education teacher and a civil service administrator. She loves hiking, camping, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Latina McIntyre

In the know

Letter From The Editor | These Boots Are Made For Walkin’

“These boots are made for walkin’” Lee Hazlewood, as recorded by Nancy Sinatra I try not to offend anyone. Doesn’t make me feel good, and I’m certain it doesn’t make the other person feel good, so I see no value in it. But Ladonna is, for some reason, offended by my little black boots. The feeling is not mutual — they have never offered any opinion of Ladonna whatsoever. But she has had it in for my boots for well over a year. Ladonna: You need some new boots. me: Why? These are fine. Ladonna: Because you should have several pairs of nice boots. me: I only have one pair

Be Conscientious

“Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen … yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.” ~ Bradley Whitford April is the “Action” Issue. It is a little bittersweet for many, as we normally celebrate sports and sporting events in the spring. The weather is warmer, the flowers are in bloom — beauty is unfolding itself everywhere we turn. The outdoors beckons

Make Your Own Luck

Learn to B-Positive Have you ever wondered whether some folks are just flat-out lucky? Perhaps there are some who are wired differently? Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t — you’re right.” The following is a great example of this quote. One of my Sunday school buds told our class a story I will never forget. As a 17-year-old, Nicky entered Boot Camp. He said that he was petrified and had a sinking feeling of failure. He dropped to his knees and prayed, “Lord, I need help. Please send me a sign to help me survive Basic Training.” With bowed head, Nicky’s eyes

More Power To Your Elbows

It’s more British than American. And it likely originated as a toast. The phrase “more power to your elbows” meant you lifted your comrades up to continued good fortune, with many more celebrations to come (so their elbows would therefore be bent in many more celebratory toasts). But now, “more power to your elbows” is most often just said in recognition of a thing well done, with hope for even more successes. A sort of quirky wish for “good luck.” I am quite smitten with the phrase. But when it comes to traditions of good luck, I suspect most of us are more familiar with the “bending of our elbows”