I’m gearing up for a big move! Sometime in early August, I’ll be relocating from my native Illinois to the tropical, sunny shores of Ohio for law school. It’s going to be a big change—my first time living in a major city and my first time living outside of Illinois. I’m a mixture of nervous, excited, thankful, a
nd remorseful. Moving far from home (although an eight hour drive is hardly insurmountable) is something I’ve dreamed of ever since I was little. At the same time, I’m going to miss my family and friends dearly. I wish I could pick them all up and carry them with me—pack them in my car beside my books and socks and truck them all the way out east. But I’m afraid that’s not how life works. My family and friends have their own lives, jobs, commitments, relationships…they even have their own family and friends! Loved ones they wouldn’t like to leave, just like I don’t want to leave them. Isn’t that crazy? Who would’ve thought. So I can’t exactly ask them to come with me, my desires be damned.
I’m hardly alone in all this. August is a time of new beginnings all over this country. Many of us will be starting or going back to school, commencing a new job, or moving to a different city. If you’re one of those people, know that my stomach knows how your stomach feels. Our hopes are well-acquainted; our fears are kin.
I wrote this gatha while reflecting on my upcoming move and my worries concerning it. The act of writing it soothed me, and I hope reading and reciting it might do you a little favor too.
Gatha for New Beginnings
For recitation when the next chapter begins.
My body has changed,
But still remains.
My soul has changed,
But still remains.
What has not changed is my hope.
What has not changed is my love.
My family knows no distance.
My friendships know no bounds.
Time is powerless against me.
It will not stop what I am here to do.
There is so much I will accomplish.
There is so much I will become.
Breathing in, I let go of my resentment.
Breathing out, I begin anew.