Open Road

This time of year always makes me think of this painting. There are so many graduations, so many closing chapters and changes and I think of the lyric, "every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." There's hope and heartbreak both in that line. It's hard to leave good things behind, but exciting to take on new adventures.

My twin girls are graduating sixth grade, they're in their last few days of elementary school. One in particular, really hates change and struggles every time. Old versions of myself would only focus on the optimism of good things to come. But as I've matured, I've learned to hold space for the grief of letting go and allow those feelings to have their place too. Grief is usually a sign of something being well loved. Change is hard. And it's okay to feel that. Hopefully as we continue down our roads, we'll see the beauty both behind us and in front of us.

["Open Road II" 16x20 and on sale! tap here: https://www.stephaniehock.com/originals]