New Beginnings…What is that exactly?

As a mind-body-spirit physical therapist, I am very aware that words matter all the time. Much of my focus applies to physical recovery but I am also conscientious during other conversations.

Today, in early January, let’s consider “new beginnings.”

In our culture, these words express a new start or new chapter in life. Could be a new relationship, a new job, a new location, a new perspective or some other change.

No doubt, the idea of starting over can be overwhelming, setting up the particular change for failure. And is this concept even accurate?

During life’s inevitable changes, it seems “new growth” is more real and supportive wording. The lessons learned from past experiences serve as raw materials and nutrients for a shift or new sprouting of some sort. Instead of reverting back to Step One, the path just makes a turn.

Moving forward, changes in my life will honor my tree’s roots and trunk rings.

In this way, my collected growth will benefit all “new growth.”