When Finishing Means Saying Goodbye, It's Harder.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

~A.A. Milne

I think we all can agree that saying goodbye is never easy.

And while the word “goodbye” has garnered a rather negative emotional connotation in society, there is another way, a more positive way, to perceive it. While saying goodbye does mean accepting that a part of our life is now over, it also provides us with a chance to realize just how blessed our lives have been.  You can look back and reflect on the journeys we’ve shared with some beautiful people, while being exposed to incredible and invaluable experiences we often take for granted.

Regardless of how long someone has been a part of our lives, whether it’s five minutes, five years, or five decades, their impact will always remain with us - even after we utter that simple, yet hard to say, two-syllable word.

This week, I have begun to say goodbye to many of the people I have formed strong relationships with during my tenure at a non-profit that serves people with Intellectual Disabilities. As I do this, regardless of the circumstances, saying goodbye means change and changes rarely come along with immediate acceptance.

The finality associated with saying goodbye is challenging. 

But it's an empowering word, enabling us to achieve closure and ultimately move on with our lives. It recognizes the importance of the time spent doing something or working together with others. It gives honor to the relationships. That's why it's such an important part of coming to the finish line.

The quote below, from Walt Disney, has continually provided me comfort on days when I’m feeling sad about leaving, and I need a little reminder of the blessings I’ve been bestowed, which no one can ever take away.

“Goodbye may seem forever. Farewell is like the end, but in my heart is the memory and there you will always be.”

When you get to take so much with you, it's a good thing, isn't it?

Cheers.