I’ve been thinking a lot about my own big shift with my daughter heading off to university, but I know I’m not the only one feeling it. Change is in the air; kids leaving for college, teachers prepping classrooms, parents stocking up on school supplies. And let’s not forget… football season is kicking off. Go Hawks!

I pulled a book off the shelf this morning and read through an old favorite from John O’Donahue. This particular entry is from his book titled, To Bless the Space Between Us and is a blessing for anyone stepping into something new.

For a New Beginning

In out-of-the-way places of the heart, Where your thoughts never think to wander, This beginning has been quietly forming, Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire, Feeling the emptiness growing inside you, Noticing how you willed yourself on, Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety And the gray promises that sameness whispered, Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent, Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled, And out you stepped onto new ground, Your eyes young again with energy and dream, A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear You can trust the promise of this opening; Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you.