​Another New Chapter

Photo by Benjamin Voros

By Francine Puckly

September has always been a month of beginnings for me, and this fall is no exception as I returned my son to college after a pandemic-induced, 536-day hiatus. The void left after both of my adult children had returned to their own lives was gigantic. I have cried. I have mourned the closing of that chapter of having my children home unexpectedly for many months. 

But as this morning ushered in cooler temps and slightly lower humidity, I find I can breathe again and look to the day and the future with hope. Just as my adult children are excited to pursue their next chapters, I realized that so am I. Martha Alderson says in her practical writer’s resource The Plot Whisperer, “Beginnings are times of grandiose dreams of escape, success, change, and possibilities. This is true not only for the protagonist of your story, but also for you.”

I wish all of you out there who are experiencing doors closing the time to embrace the beginnings in front of you. Carve out time to sit—sprawl out on a blanket, stare at the clouds or the night sky, and open your heart to new inspiration. Unplug from other people’s input. Listen to your heart. Listen to your grandiose dreams.

Then nudge yourself to create a simple plan to tackle the new items bubbling up or perhaps the ones you have been putting off that need your attention. Reward yourself when you complete those tasks—with a long walk, a single rose for your desk, or that cute new teabag dish you’ve had your eye on. 

Then do it again next week. 

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