Exciting, scary, wild, free: there is something magical about the momentum of the moments when we’re almost there. In the not-quite-ready, but almost, we defy the pressure to change while we live the just before, in transition. It is difficult and exhilarating, sometimes discouraging and also invigorating.
Here, four local women tell us about a time in their lives when they were on the cusp of something. We hope their stories inspire you to fully inhabit the not-quite-yet of your approach, and then to forge ahead into the new and unknown, confident in your ability to welcome with daring, joy and tenderness all that awaits you.
Be brave: receive the many beautiful things.
Clara Bogenpohl started kindergarten this past fall at Oak Ridge Elementary School. She says before she went to kindergarten, she felt “nervous,” but now that she’s been in kindergarten for almost six months, she feels “great” about it. She especially loves outdoor recess time, when she gets to climb on a rocket-shaped jungle gym. She also enjoys going to After-School Adventure Club, where she does her homework, eats snacks and plays. During class time, she says she loves learning about teddy bears and tall teeth during the letter “T” week. Now that she’s used to kindergarten, she says it’s what she thought it would be.
Her advice to people who are starting something new is simple: “Don’t be nervous,” she says.
And to help someone who is nervous about beginning a new adventure, she extends these reassuring words: “It’s okay, I’ll be right behind you.”
A song that matters: “‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen just automatically goes into my brain immediately because, like, don’t stop me from having a good time at the ball.”
Someone who helps in life: “Lola [the cat] helps heal my booboos by laying with me. I love that she sleeps with me at night. It makes me happy. I love her so much.”
2 Comments