“Every beginning has an end.”
A phrase we often repeat with pessimism, and sometimes with fear of loss and departure, and at other times with certainty and deep faith that everything is destined to fade and come to an end. We may even see it as hope for a reality more beautiful than what we experience today.
Many things in life require endings, whether by our own will and choice or against it. If we look at relationships, for example, how many relationships ended without us having any control over their fate, while circumstances and destiny dictated that outcome? Childhood acquaintances with whom our relationships continued, only for paths to suddenly part without warning when they moved to another neighborhood or a new place to settle. How many times have we been forced to say goodbye to those we loved for the last time, kissing their foreheads as their souls departed to another world? How many colleagues from work or study have completely disappeared from our lives, without us realizing that the last possible day we would ever see them was the day we stood together wearing our graduation caps?
On the other hand, how many times have we chosen, of our own free will, to cut off harmful relationships that drained our emotions, memories, and efforts? A wife who, after long suffering and great patience, chose to end a relationship that lasted decades. Another person whose friend’s constant harassment disturbed his sleep, so he chose to return that relationship to a superficial level. A husband and wife who ended their journey together because, as they saw it, there was no longer harmony between them. A young man who chose to end his journey in a certain job because it no longer fulfilled his passion, nor provided the knowledge he was eagerly seeking, or because of a manager’s arrogance and oppression.
Endings in our lives are countless, whether small or great. Regardless of whether those endings seem positive or negative, whether they are by our choice or imposed upon us, whether they seem right or terribly wrong, we all realize that even this world we rush through in pursuit of what we want will one day come to an end. It is no secret, nor something surprising, to expect an end to everything around us, starting with relationships and followed by everything else. I do not present these truths as a call for pessimism, but knowing them makes their weight lighter and easier to accept.
The most important question is “how things should end,” especially when it comes to endings that fall within our will and choices; everything else lies beyond our human capacity. Why is the act of ending things in our world so often associated with ugliness and bitterness?
Things should end with kindness, no matter how difficult staying may be, no matter how exhausting and draining the journey has been. Even if you feel you were the wronged party in a relationship where appreciation was lacking, or where the circumstances were never satisfying but rather painful, and each passing day made you feel guilty for continuing—if you choose to leave or end it all, “leave with love.” Remember your calm moments and your beautiful days. All relationships fluctuate between good and bad. Overlook the pain and sorrow that covered them, remember the joyful and happy details, and make the last memory a bright hope in the faces of those involved. Leave places and people with a good memory. Forgive, pardon, and let go of burdens that darken your days. Make the road behind you green and water it with joy, for perhaps one day you may return along it and life may reunite you with those you once left. Let the path of return be bright and worthy of you. Wave with love and move forward to whatever you find suitable for yourself—whether starting new relationships, exploring new places, or something else. Carry gratitude as much as you can for those who once loved you and held a place in your heart, even if things have not gone well recently. Do not be an enemy to anyone. Love everyone. Please, “wave with love”—for yourself first, then for them, and then leave.