When
I first saw this photo, I thought, "This is so me."
Perhaps
before I discuss finishing things, I'd like to have a conversation about
beginnings.
Beginnings
are my favorite part of the project. I LOVE to start things. That
sensation of starting something new, being able to mold it any which way and
actually having a say in the foundation of its creation. Writing those first
concrete words down. Or learning those first steps in a dance. I think with
confidence, "I'm going to do this!" (and then in parenthesis I
think I hope I finish.)
Going
to a new school. The start of a new semester. The feeling of "I'm not so
sure what I'm getting myself into." The beginning of a new relationship
with a project, or even with a somebody (who could be) special. Beginnings are
the best because the idealized version will always be the best version.
Beginnings
are also my favorite part in life because there's all that hope, anticipation
to see how things will turn out and where it will lead you.
But
just as sure there is a beginning, there is always an end. Endings are good too
but they don't have the same thrilling sensation as beginnings have. Endings
mean transitions and closings. Maybe that's why I have trouble finishing
projects--I have trouble with closure and leaving--so why finish at all? I guess
the biggest thing I have to accept is that in order to move on, I must finish
one chapter, tie up all the loose ends (if possible) and embrace myself for a
new beginning. And that's something I can look forward to.

I can certainly relate to how you're feeling. I always find it difficult to close one chapter of my life yet it's much easier to begin something new. Perhaps it is with closure but perhaps it can also be a fear of change. Something new also means "unchartered territory". What if the issue is really about a willingness to try something new and to move on?
ReplyDeleteVery good questions. It's definitely elements of fear of uncharted territory and willingness to move on. Holding onto the past is safe because it already happened. Trying something new, well, you can never predict how it will ever turn out. And perhaps that unpredictability is why I never finish anything.
ReplyDeleteI mean, I do finish things--but I enjoy the starting projects so much more. The freshness of doing something new is intoxicating.