"Everything that has a beginning comes to an end"

Life is characterized by cycles of initiation and conclusion, each phase containing within it the seed of its own terminus. The essence of existence is transient; each moment, relationship, pursuit, or entity emerges from the unknown and, inevitably, transitions into something else or ceases. This perspective cultivates an understanding of impermanence, teaching acceptance rather than resistance to change. When beginnings are embraced, so too are their eventual endings, allowing individuals to live more fully in the present, appreciating the beauty and significance of fleeting moments.

Endings, often viewed with apprehension or sorrow, are as intrinsic to the structure of experience as beginnings. Nothing material, emotional, or even ideational holds dominion over time indefinitely. The educational journey, for example, starts with curiosity and ambition, flourishes through effort and discovery, and ultimately concludes, making way for a new chapter. Friendships and love affairs, too, though cherished for their warmth and joy, may change, evolve, or dissolve, revealing new pathways for growth or understanding.

This natural law applies beyond human circumstance to nature itself. Seasons succeed one another in persistent rhythm; birth, maturation, decay, and death complete the cycle of every organism. Civilizations, too, rising with innovation and enthusiasm, decline, leaving behind wisdom and lessons for those who succeed them. Acknowledging the finitude of all things does not suggest nihilism or fatalism, but encourages a mindful engagement with the present, honoring whatever or whomever currently shares the journey.

Reflection on the interconnectedness of beginnings and endings brings meaning to the in-between space, the journey itself. Loss and conclusion are not failures, but transitions that create space for renewal and transformation. By accepting that every commencement carries within it the promise of an eventual close, one learns to value experiences more deeply and, paradoxically, to face each new beginning with hope and gratitude.