Stepping Into the Unknown: Embracing the End to Begin Again

Beginning of the End - 72x48x2 - acrylic

I recently finished a painting titled Beginning of the End—a title that felt powerful and poetic at the time. Ironically, I now find myself standing in that very space in life, reflecting on the end of one adventure and the uncertain beginning of another. It’s funny how art sometimes speaks truth before we’re ready to hear it. What felt like an end is quietly unfolding into a new journey.

There’s something deeply unsettling about closing a chapter. Whether it’s saying goodbye to a business you poured your heart into, ending a creative venture, or walking away from a role that defined you—there’s a quiet fear that creeps in. It’s the fear of the unknown. The “what now?” The “what if I fail?” The uneasy silence after something familiar ends and before the new has fully begun.

But here’s the truth: every ending is also a beginning.

We tend to fear change because we lose our sense of control. The known, even when it’s no longer serving us, feels safer than the wide-open blank page of what’s next. That uncertainty can spark anxiety, grief, and even guilt. You may ask yourself, Should I have held on longer? Am I giving up? But letting go isn’t giving up—it’s clearing space.

To face this fear, start with acknowledging it. Don’t fight it. Name the fear, write it down, talk it out. Then, shift your mindset: instead of asking what if I fail?, ask what if this is the best thing I’ve ever done?

Next, ground yourself in your “why.” Why did you start that business in the first place? Why are you feeling called to something new? Chances are, it’s because there’s something inside you—an idea, a need, a spark—that refuses to stay quiet. That’s not something to fear; that’s something to follow.

Yes, it might be uncomfortable. You’ll doubt yourself. You’ll miss what was. But momentum builds with each small action. Clarity comes with movement. And courage? It grows with every step forward, even the wobbly ones.

“You’re not starting over—you’re starting from experience. After years of building a gallery and helping others, I knew it was finally time to bet on myself—to trust my voice as an artist and give it the space to grow, unapologetically.”

So, embrace the unknown not as a threat, but as a thrilling invitation. That flutter in your chest isn’t just fear—it’s possibility. Let it guide you, not stop you.

The next chapter is waiting. Turn the page. I am! Let’s do this together!