The End

By Barb Springer Beck

October 2004

Think for a moment about the endings experienced by the victims of this past hurricane season in Florida.  The endings may have included no more home or neighborhood as they knew it, or the loss of friends who have decided to pack up what was left and move away.  But, perhaps the most significant ending for the hurricane victims may be no longer feeling physically safe and secure in the face of these large damaging events brought about by unpredictable and uncontrollable weather changes. 

Thus, with endings there is frequently a sense of loss.  As each of us ages for example, we experience a series of endings.  Things as minor as no longer being able to read without glasses or get through the night without using the bathroom happen gradually.  Other health challenges—breast cancer, growths requiring a hysterectomy, or a heart attack—can be sudden and traumatic.  These changes often mean we feel vulnerable and out of control, rather than invincible.  Often endings such as these are accompanied by finding a reserve of strength and increased understanding.  In short, there can be a bright side to endings.   

Choosing to end something can cause a lot of anxiety.  Maybe you’ve been in a comfortable relationship with either a friend or potential mate that no longer met your needs.  This could be true of your job, too: you’ve mastered it and it doesn’t  challenge you anymore.  Frequently, the easiest course of action is to simply stick with the status quo, and in fact, many of us do.  However, some of the consequences of the choice not to bring something to a conclusion can be reduced enthusiasm, lower self-esteem, and/or depression.  In the long run, it’s probably better to take the risk of ending the known and move on.   Just because something is easy and familiar doesn’t mean it’s right for you indefinitely.  Chances are you’ll have more energy and joy by shedding what has been weighing on you. 

Retirement is a big decision and not just for financial reasons.  It’s big because many things end with retirement.  Rising and going to work ends, having a daily schedule ends, regularly seeing favorite and even not so favorite co-workers ends, and making a contribution in the familiar way of performing one’s job ends.  

In addition, one’s status as a supervisor, skilled geologist, the most knowledgeable Fire Management Officer, or the expert on NEPA ends.  And, of course, something our society values tremendously, the ability to earn a paycheck, ends.  So, given all of these sometimes painful endings associated with retirement we can see why some people never do voluntarily retire.  For those who do, retirement can present all kinds of opportunities.  If you’ve spent time around many retired people, you have probably found some of the happiest, most productive folks around.     

Although we’ve talked about some examples of endings that can be sad and difficult, endings can be exciting in that they set the stage for new beginnings.  You can’t have that bathroom remodeled into a spa until you tear the old one out.  And, starting a new job can only occur after leaving the old job behind.  Starting a new workout means getting fit and in touch with your body in new ways after giving up your old routines or simply sitting on the couch.   

The bottom line is that we all experience endings whether we want to or not.  Understanding why we are feeling fear, sadness, or uncertainty as we go through the psychological transition that is a part of coping with endings can help us move past the challenges.  If you feel the need to end something, go ahead and do it.  You’ll get through the transition and find the opportunities that inevitably follow endings.   

And on that note, it’s time for me to end something that has been a challenge and joy for me over the past ten years.  This column will be my last regular contribution to the journal.  Yes, I feel a little sad to be saying good bye, but I have plans to put the time to good use on another project that’s very important to me.  I wish each of you the best in the endings and beginnings ahead in your careers and personal lives!  As Porky Pig says, “Th- th- th- that’s all folks!” 

Editor’s Note:  I want to express my profound gratitude for Barb Springer Beck: for her insightful columns, ALWAYS sent on time and with few editorial errors; for her unflagging support of Women in Natural Resources; and for her ongoing contributions to the community of women who work for the environment.  Best wishes in all your endeavors, Barb, now and in the future. 

—Sandra Martin