Let's Talk with Maggie Toussaint
Beginnings and Endings
May 30, 2024
A Group-Think Post
wrangled by Maggie Toussaint
Beginnings and Endings are facts of life. They bring us great joy or push us out of our comfort zone. The everyday ones we rarely consider, like getting up ends our time sleeping but it’s the start of the day, but the other beginnings and endings that happen despite our wishes are harder to swallow. Clearly, they are a two-edged sword.
Our Booklover’s Bench authors shared some thoughts on Beginnings and Endings. See how many of us you match! For fun, record your matches in the comments.
Diane A.S. Stuckart recently became well acquainted with a hospital. Now at home, she’s looking forward to the end of medical treatments and a return to full health.
Lois Winston says, “It really depends on what’s ending, but if we’re talking books, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment, after which, I reward myself with some ‘down time’ to relax and refresh before beginning the next project.”
Cheryl Hollon says she is both excited and terrified of beginnings and endings. A creature of habit, disruptions to her set routines move her state of mind from calm and productive to uncertainty.
Debra H. Goldstein is elated when she finishes a project, no matter if it’s a large project or a to-do list item. Her big-ticket rewards are reading and fun activities until her muse strikes again. For smaller endings, she smiles before moving to the next beginning.
Nancy J Cohen is thrilled to finish writing a book and get it ready for publication, but then she needs a break before starting the next one.
Terry Ambrose always enjoys bringing a task to completion, but then, even as he’s enjoying the sense of satisfaction, he looks forward to the next project. He describes himself as being like a bird flitting from branch to branch, relishing his time on each perch, but eagerly looking forward to the next one.
Maggie Toussaint recently parted ways with a publisher. The ending was a long time coming, but once it occurred, Maggie mourned the ending. When sometime passed, she started moving toward a new beginning.
What’s your take on beginnings and endings? How many of us did you match?
Photo credit: Photo 224560043 | Beginnings And Endings © Lila Kate Wirtz Butkus | Dreamstime.com
Posted in Let's Talk, with Maggie Toussaint • Tags: Beginnings and Endings, Cheryl Hollon, Debra H Goldstein, Diane AS Stuckart, Group-Think Post, Let's Talk, Lois Winston, Maggie Toussaint, Nancy J Cohen, Terry Ambrose | 7 Comments
this was fun to hear from everyone their thoughts
Hi I enjoyed reading the authors different thoughts of what beginnings and endings mean to them. Beginnings to me is a brand new start and endings marks the end of something, it’s like the beginning of a life and the ending of a life. Have a great day and a great weekend.
There were a lot of sentiments that I can relate to! And of course, it does depend on what is ending and what I perceive to be beginning! I try to recognize the positive in both, though sometimes I find that difficult!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts from the beginning to end. I always love reading your posts!!!
Interesting comments, thanks for sharing.
Very interesting thoughts.
It is very inspiring to read the authors’ thoughts on the Beginnings and Endings! I love the fact that each author has his/her own perception and sentiment on beginnings and endings!
As for me, early August marks the beginning of the new school year, I am always excited and looking forward to meeting my students! On the other hand, end of May or early June the following year marks the end of the school, and I often notice that students and fellow teachers would be stressed out as there are a lot of activities and testing going on in April and May. On the same token, I always have the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment noticing my students have grown so much in all aspects. It is also very emotional for me as I bid farewell to my 6th graders who are promoting to middle school!