Many people say that everything happens for a reason, that events are meant to guide you along your journey through life. We reflect on some periods of our lives fondly and are often saddened when one comes to an end.
Recently I have come to the realization that one period of my life is ending. This particular period of my life was spent in relentless pursuit of excellence within one particular organization. I devoted so much of my time in this area over the past 15 or so years that it feels a bit strange to be moving on. When a hobby or activity is part of your life for so long it feels strange and oddly terrifying when you realize it can't be anymore.
I first joined this organization when I was a young teenager. It was immersive and exciting. It was challenging and rewarding. It was just what young me needed to grow into the person I am today. I took a lot out of the program over the years and gave back as much as I was able. Sadly, I have realized that I have given back all that I can, and that this chapter of my life is coming to a close.
There are a hundred metaphors and clichés to describe the end of one thing and the beginning of another. Change is inevitable, but the ending of an era is often bittersweet.
An era is a large, significant period of time. So when one passes and that era fades into history, it makes me feel a strange sense of mortality. A significant period of my life has passed, disappeared into the ages.
It would be easy to lament the passing years, or to grieve the loss of the activity you once enjoyed. It would be harder to find something new. But I would like to believe that taking the road less travelled makes for some great stories and a life well lived along the way.
Now that this time in my life is over I can reflect on what I have learned, what I have done, how I have grown, and where to go from here. Take the good, leave the bad.
There are many opportunities out there to help others and experience new parts of life. There are dozens if not hundreds of organizations looking for volunteers. It's time to consider what my next adventure will be. I am looking forward to the next era. It's time to try something new.
Looking back, everything that happened led me here. Every experience in the organization, every opportunity, every memory has shaped the person I have become. Everything that happened has happened for a reason.
When I think about the passage of time the song Gainesville Rock City by Less Than Jake springs to mind: “All my past mistakes and every mis-spent day, I wouldn't have it any other way.”
The lyrics are encouraging the listener to appreciate each day and every mistake. Every experience is a lesson and, like Less Than Jake, I wouldn't have it any other way.
