New beginnings can be challenging, intimidating and hard to embrace.  Our oldest child will graduate from the Elementary School where she has spent more than half of her life learning and start at a new school in the fall.  Anytime you start something new, a myriad of emotions surface: maybe you are paralyzed by fear, overrun with anxiety, feel intimidated or are so excited that you can't wait for the adventure to begin!  Regardless of your emotions, use these strategies to help you embrace new beginnings.

1.  Have a positive attitude.
Mount Everest climber and motivational speaker, John Amatt said, “Adventure isn’t hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain.  Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life.”  Do you struggle with having a positive attitude?  Then hang out with someone that is positive and adopt an attitude of gratitude.  If you can have a positive attitude, then you are more likely to embrace your new beginning.  

2.  Make a "Happy Place" list.
Before you set off on your new beginning, make a list of the things, people or places that make you happy and use it as a reminder to lift your spirits when you get discouraged.  Your list can positively influence you, alter your perspective, and make for a smooth transition when you start your new beginning. 

3.  Smile when you feel stressed.
New beginnings can cause stress and smiling decreases stress by releasing dopamine, endorphins and serotonin.  These neurotransmitters benefit your overall health and happiness.  We have an expression in our house, “When you smile, you have more fun!”  So when you start your new beginning, remember to smile and get excited to embrace the adventure.

4.  Ask for help.
It takes courage and maturity to ask for help.  When you start a new beginning, asking for help can save you time, minimize aggravation and help you come up with a solution.  Reach out to people that will support you and are willing to help you embrace your new beginning.

Our daughter will start her new beginning in a couple of months.  My hope is that she will be excited for the journey, but also embrace this new beginning.  How can she embrace her new beginning?  Have a positive attitude, find her “Happy Place”, smile (instead of stressing out!) and ask for help along the way.

From one mom to another, look forward to your new beginnings and embrace the adventure!

be+positive,
Niccole