A New Beginning Comes with Great Power
3 min read
“Every day is a chance to begin again. Don’t focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations,” so alluded Catherine Pulsifer. To JP Morgan, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” Let’s reflect on the power of a new beginning.
Do you know that despite how challenging your situation or relationship is, you can make a marked difference if you latch unto the power of a new beginning? In the course of my relationship, we have had some undesired experiences. From living a life of debt, strained relationship with some in-laws over unmet expectations and differences in life views to frequent misunderstandings between MyLove and I, starting afresh has always been the “magic wand” that sets us back on the desired path. Repeatedly, I’ve observed that after each misunderstanding or challenging experience, our relationship gets stronger, better, and more focused when we agree to start afresh, recommit to each other, re-educate ourselves to move forward despite what happened, and see what lies ahead as better and brighter that what lies behind. Through the power of new beginnings, we’ve turned frustration into fruition, blame into stronger bond, anger at each other into hunger for each other, etc. However, for a new beginning to take place, there has to be the Biblical prodigal son’s experience of “coming to yourself,” discovering you are on the wrong path, being ready to make that seemingly disgraceful prodigal son-like “I-will-go-back-to-my-father” journey and to explore the paths of doing something differently to achieve the desired result.
So, as you welcome 2025, deploy the power of a new beginning to reposition your life, relationships, career, ministry, etc. Be alert as Aarushi Tewari said, “Everyone deserves new beginnings. And, more often than not, new beginnings are not gifts given to us, but our own choices. When we choose to start afresh and take hold of the direction of life, we create a new beginning.” Know that as much as the past might be painful and frustrating, you can turn your pain to gain, grass to grace, blame to brain, and frustration to amazing fruits. Know, as F. Scott Fitzgerald noted, “It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” Despite how things are with you, be conscious of Winston Churchili’s note: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It’s the courage to continue that counts.” Listen to Dr. Seuss: “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
As you step out this year, reject the temptation to think it’s too late to start afresh in any area of your life that is dysfunctional, not thriving, operating below optimal level, or not giving you the desired satisfaction. Listen to F. Scott Fitzgerald: “It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.”
May you experience the best that 2025 offers. May the year be a year of recovery, strategic repositioning, restoration, and positive transformation.
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recently recognized by Highstone Global University, USA, as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
