new journey essay

Essays About Journeys: Top 5 Examples and 7 Easy Prompts

Essays about journeys require recounting the events of your travel. Discover our guide with examples and prompts to help you write your essay.

No two journeys are the same, and various factors will always be at play. It’s the reason many documents their expedition through different mediums. Writing about journeys is similar to telling a real-life story that influenced your character or perspective. 

Writing essays about journeys helps to develop your writing and observation skills as you recall and pick the highlights of your travel. Sharing your experiences can entice readers to take on a journey themselves. So, aim to inspire with this exciting essay topic.

5 Essay Examples

1. the best journey in my life by suzanne pittman, 2. road trips: everything you need for a comfortable journey by car by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 3. the first day of my journey to adulthood by anonymous on papersowl.com, 4. life is a journey essay by anonymous on paperwritings.com, 5. long essay on train journey by prasanna, 1. reasons to go on a journey, 2. trip vs. journey, 3. how to enjoy long journeys, 4. my most memorable journey, 5. what makes a journey meaningful, 6. my dream journey, 7. a hero’s journey.

“I had to save a lot of money because I wanted very much to go on this journey with my friends. We planned our trip to take us around Europe. We were going to stop in various parts of Europe with family members and friends.”

The essay mimics Pittman’s travel itinerary during her journey in Europe. She includes all the trip details from the first to the last day and makes the readers feel as if they’re traveling with them. Pittman also offers some travel tips to help anyone who wants to visit Europe on a budget. These tips include staying with friends and relatives and taking comfortable train rides despite long distances.

“With proper planning, everything else seems effortless. You need to consider all factors when planning in order for you to enjoy a successful, stress-free adventure.”

The author believes that the primary purpose of traveling is to relax and have fun. They use the essay to teach how to plan car trips properly. Travelers must learn to budget and estimate expenses, including accommodation, gas, activities, and food. Picking a transportation means is also crucial as one needs to consider factors such as capacity, range, and utility. 

“Although things didn’t go how I planned I’m still in college bettering myself and furthering my education. Anything is possible with a good support system and positive mindset.”

The essay narrates how the author’s journey into adulthood becomes a mini-vacation in Georgia after their top university rejects their enrollment. This rejection offers the opportunity to understand many great life lessons. Despite having five other universities to choose from, the writer realizes they only provide free tuition for the first semester. Ultimately, the author receives a full scholarship to a university closer to home.

“All people have the same journey to take – their life. As well as in the other journeys, there may be some inconveniences, disappointments and joys, and a lot depends on how we plan this particular journey and what attitude we develop towards it.”

In this essay, the writer shares that the best way to go on a life journey is with the most joy and minor damage you can endure. It’s constant work to continuously improve one’s life while developing positive qualities and thinking. But in doing so, you’ll have a solid foundation to achieve what you want out of life. However, the author still reminds the readers that they should always be ready to face unexpected events and deal with them in the best way possible.

“These days, people prefer traveling via airplanes because it is time-saving. But going by plane gets boring and monotonous. Train journeys are a relief from the monotony.”

For Prasanna, whether it’s a short or extended tour, a train journey offers an exciting travel experience. She talks about the local and regional trains in India, which are often overcrowded but still used by many as they are the cheapest, safest, and fastest mode of transport in the country. She also mentions that you’ll never get hungry when riding their local trains because of the vendors who sell Indian delicacies. 

7 Prompts for Essays About Journeys 

Everyone has different motives for traveling. Some go on a journey to appreciate beautiful sceneries, while some move to attend family or work-related gatherings. Some do so to run away from problems. For this prompt, research the common reasons to travel. You can also interview people on why they go on a journey and add any personal experiences. 

It’s a trip when a person travels from one point to another without any transfers. Meanwhile, a journey is a more extended voyage that includes transfers and several trips. Compare and contrast trips and journeys to make your readers understand their similarities and differences. You can also have the advantages and disadvantages of each in your paper.

If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

The idea of having a long journey and discovering new things is exciting. However, the excitement can disappear when you’re far away from home. This is especially true for longer and farther travels. This prompt will help readers have a safer, more affordable, and more enjoyable trip by discussing the best long-distance travel tips. You can present an imaginary itinerary with estimated costs to make the essay more digestible.

Write about an unforgettable journey you’ve had through this prompt. Include the purpose of your travel, how you planned it, and if your timetable was followed. Share what you’ll improve on next time to make your journey even better; you can also talk about your companions and the activities that make the adventure worthwhile.

Journeys become meaningful when they enrich lives. It can be because of the destination, the people you are with, or the travel’s goal. Use this prompt to suggest how journeys improve us as humans. You can section your piece based on an individual’s objectives. For example, someone who wants to recharge and get away from the city will find meaning in going to a location far from technology.

Although traveling can be tiring, 43% of travelers appreciate the experience they gain. Think of journeys you desire to be in and add your reasons. Then, you can share your plan on how to make it happen. For instance, you want to tour Southeast Asia and visit countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. To make this dream journey come true, you’ll save for an entire year and work around a tight budget.

It’s normal to see the main character in a movie or novel go through a character arc before they become a true hero. Use this prompt to explain a hero’s journey and why the character must go through it. To give you an idea, Peter Parker was a shy and introverted kid who lived an everyday life before becoming Spider-Man. This makes him relatable to the audience and lets them understand his decisions in the following scenes.

For more examples, check out our guide to movies that follow the hero’s journey .

You can also talk about real-life heroes, such as doctors and firefighters. Interview someone with that profession and ask them why they decided to have their current career.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Short Essay: As One Journey Ends Another Begins

Writing a short essay on the theme “As One Journey Ends, Another Begins” provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the continuous and evolving nature of life’s experiences. This topic resonates deeply with many, as it reflects the universal truth that endings are often just transitions to new beginnings. Whether you are writing this essay for a class, a personal blog, or as a reflective piece, the following guide will help you structure and articulate your thoughts effectively.

Table of Contents

Title and Introduction

Title:  Choose an engaging title that captures the essence of the essay, such as “Endings and Beginnings: The Cycle of Life’s Journeys.”

Introduction:  Begin with a personal anecdote or a famous quote that ties into the theme of life’s continuous journey. Briefly introduce the idea that every ending, whether in career, relationships, or personal growth, naturally segues into the beginning of another chapter. End your introduction with a thesis statement that sets the tone for the essay, such as exploring how transitions between life’s stages can offer opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Exploring the Concept of Life’s Continuous Journey

Philosophical Perspective:  Discuss the philosophical or spiritual implications of this theme. You might reference cultural beliefs, philosophical doctrines, or famous thinkers like Heraclitus who said, “Change is the only constant in life.” This sets a deeper, more reflective tone for the essay.

Personal Growth:  Delve into how the end of one journey and the start of another are crucial for personal development. Discuss how challenges faced at the end of one phase prepare one for the next, fostering resilience and a deeper understanding of self.

Transitional Phases as Opportunities

Learning from the Past:  Explain how previous experiences, both successes and failures, can be foundational for future endeavors. For example, lessons learned from a failed business can lead to success in a new venture.

Embracing the New:  Encourage embracing new beginnings with optimism. Discuss the importance of openness to new experiences and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone as essential for growth.

Real-Life Examples

Biographical Sketches:  Provide examples of well-known individuals who exemplified this theme. For instance, discuss someone like J.K. Rowling, who saw the end of her early career as an opportunity to begin anew as a writer, eventually leading to the creation of the Harry Potter series.

Personal or Community Stories:  Share stories from your own life or community that illustrate how an end led to a new and fruitful beginning, reinforcing the essay’s theme.

Summarize the key points made throughout the essay, reinforcing the idea that life is a series of interconnected journeys. Conclude with a reflective thought or rhetorical question that encourages the reader to think about their own life transitions and the new beginnings they might lead to. For example, “What new journey could your latest ending be leading you towards?”

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay Example #1

Life is a journey, and every journey has a beginning and an end. Along the way, we encounter challenges, opportunities, and experiences that shape us into the people we are today. Sometimes, these journeys come to an end, and we find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of what comes next. However, every ending is also a new beginning, and with every new journey, we have the opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. In this essay, we will explore the end of one journey and the beginning of another, and how these experiences shape us as individuals.

The end of a significant journey can be a bittersweet experience. On one hand, there is a sense of accomplishment and pride in having completed the journey. On the other hand, there may be a sense of loss, as the journey was a significant part of our lives. Emotions associated with the end of a journey can range from sadness to relief, excitement to anxiety. Reflection on the lessons learned during the journey is also an essential part of the process. Every journey has its ups and downs, and it is during these challenging moments that we learn the most. Reflecting on the lessons learned during the journey can help us to grow and evolve as individuals. It can also help us to appreciate the journey for what it was and to recognize the value it brought to our lives.

Starting a new journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. The purpose of the new journey may be different from the previous one, and this can bring up a range of emotions. Excitement, anticipation, and curiosity are common emotions associated with starting a new journey. At the same time, there may be anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the challenges that lie ahead. Reflection on the potential challenges and opportunities of the new journey is an essential part of the process. Every journey is unique, and there may be challenges that we have not encountered before. However, there may also be opportunities that we have not yet considered. Reflecting on the potential challenges and opportunities of the new journey can help us to prepare for what lies ahead.

Comparing and contrasting the two journeys is an essential part of the process of moving forward. There may be similarities and differences between the two journeys, and it is important to recognize these. Comparison of the lessons learned in the previous journey to those that may be learned in the new journey can help us to identify areas where we need to grow and evolve. Reflection on how the previous journey has prepared for the new journey is also an essential part of the process. Every journey prepares us for the next, and it is important to recognize the skills, knowledge, and experience that we have gained. Reflection can also help us to recognize areas where we may need to seek additional support or resources.

In conclusion, every journey comes to an end, and every ending is a new beginning. The emotions associated with the end of one journey and the beginning of another can be complex, but they are an essential part of the process of growth and evolution.

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay Example #2

Life is a journey that is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected surprises. We all go through various journeys in our lives, and each one of them has its own unique experiences and lessons. Sometimes, these journeys come to an end, and we are left with a mix of emotions, ranging from accomplishment to sadness or relief. However, as one journey ends, another begins, and we are presented with new opportunities to grow and learn. In this essay, we will explore the end of a journey, the beginning of a new one, and the reflections on the transition between them.

The end of a journey can be a bittersweet experience. On the one hand, it is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and successes that were achieved during the journey. On the other hand, it can be a time of sadness or relief, especially if the journey was challenging or difficult. For instance, graduating from college can be a moment of pride for many students, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and apprehension about the future. Similarly, completing a project at work can be a time of relief, but it can also be a time of sadness if the project was enjoyable and fulfilling. However, regardless of the emotions felt, the end of a journey is always an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the memories made during the journey.

The beginning of a new journey is often a time of excitement and anticipation. It is a chance to start fresh, to explore new opportunities, and to challenge oneself. However, it can also be a time of apprehension towards the unknown. Starting a new job, moving to a new city, or beginning a new relationship can all be overwhelming experiences. Nonetheless, it is important to set goals and aspirations for the new journey. For example, if starting a new job, one might set a goal to learn new skills or to make new connections. If moving to a new city, one might aspire to explore new places or to meet new people. Whatever the new journey may be, it is an opportunity to grow and learn.

Reflections on the transition between journeys can be insightful and thought-provoking. Comparing the old and new journeys can provide a better understanding of how the end of the old journey prepared for the new one. For example, the skills learned during college can be applied to a new job, or the experiences gained from traveling can be used to adapt to a new culture. Moreover, thoughts about the future and what it might bring can be both exciting and daunting. However, it is important to remember that each journey is unique and has its own set of challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, life is a journey that is full of transitions, and as one journey ends, another begins. The end of a journey can be a time of mixed emotions, but it is always an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the memories made. The beginning of a new journey can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. Nonetheless, it is important to set goals and aspirations for the new journey.

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay Example #3

Life is a journey, and every journey has a beginning and an end. The end of one journey often marks the beginning of another, and this transition can be both exciting and daunting. In this essay, we will explore the emotions and thoughts that come with the end of a journey, the anticipation and challenges of starting a new journey, and the lessons learned and reflections that can guide us as we move forward.

The end of a journey can be a bittersweet experience. On one hand, it is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones achieved throughout the journey. On the other hand, it can be a time of sadness and uncertainty as we say goodbye to the familiar and comfortable. Emotions such as joy, relief, and pride may accompany the end of a journey, but so too can feelings of disappointment, regret, and even grief. For example, graduating from college is an exciting accomplishment, but it also means leaving behind the people and places that have become a significant part of one’s life.

The beginning of a new journey is a time of anticipation and excitement. It is a chance to embark on a new adventure, to explore new possibilities, and to challenge oneself in new ways. However, the start of a new journey can also be filled with challenges and uncertainties. For example, starting a new job may bring excitement about the new opportunities, but also anxiety about the unknown expectations and demands. It is important to approach the new journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Every journey has its own lessons to teach us, and the end of one journey can provide valuable insights into how we can approach the next one. Reflecting on the lessons learned and the personal growth achieved during the previous journey can help us to set goals and aspirations for the new journey. For example, if the previous journey taught us the importance of time management and prioritization, we can apply those lessons to the new journey to achieve greater success. Reflections on personal growth and development can also provide a sense of confidence and self-assurance as we embark on the new journey.

In conclusion, the end of a journey can be a time of both celebration and uncertainty, but it also marks the beginning of a new adventure. The anticipation and challenges of starting a new journey can be daunting, but the lessons learned and reflections from the previous journey can guide us towards greater success and personal growth. As we move forward, let us embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with each new journey, and let us continue to learn and grow along the way.

Final Writing Tips

• Use Reflective Tone:  Maintain a reflective and insightful tone throughout the essay to engage the reader on a deeper level.
• Keep it Structured:  Use clear, logical transitions between paragraphs to guide the reader smoothly through your narrative.
• Include Quotes:  Integrative meaningful quotes can add depth and universality to your essay.
• Proofread:  Ensure clarity and coherence by proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and style errors.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

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How to Write a Story About My Life Essay

Your life story is a unique tapestry of experiences, emotions, and milestones. Here's a guide on weaving these elements into a compelling narrative:

How do I write a story about my life essay? Writing about your life is an introspective journey. Reflect on milestones such as: "In 2005, my family embarked on a cross-country move from New York to California. This was not just a physical journey, but an emotional one as we navigated cultural shifts and personal growth."

How do you write a life story example? Narrative snippets can bring your essay to life. Consider: "Amid the aroma of my grandmother's kitchen, where the scent of fresh-baked bread intertwined with stories of her youth in Italy, I realized the importance of preserving family narratives."

How do you write a story essay? For instance: "As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over our beach campfire, my friend Sarah started narrating her unexpected escapade in the jungles of Borneo. With every twist and turn, we were gripped, realizing that sometimes life's best stories are unplanned."

What is life simple essay? Life's moments can be captured in simple narratives. Reflect upon: "Last winter, while walking my dog Max, we came across a frozen pond. Watching children gleefully slide across it, I was reminded of life's fleeting moments of joy and the importance of seizing them."

How do you write a short life story about yourself? Begin with defining moments: "When I was ten, I found a wounded bird in our backyard. Nursing it back to health didn't just kindle my love for animals but taught me compassion and patience."

How can I write about myself example? Use varied experiences: "From scaling the rocky terrains of Colorado, immersing myself in the bustling streets of Tokyo, to teaching underprivileged kids in my hometown, each experience has crafted a chapter of my ever-evolving life story."

What is our story? "In college, Lisa and I teamed up for a project on Renaissance art. Not only did we ace it, but our shared admiration for art and culture fostered a bond that turned two classmates into lifelong friends."

How do you start an interesting story example? Set the scene vividly: "It was on a cold, foggy night in London when I stumbled upon an old bookstore. Little did I know, this store harbored secrets that would lead me on a whirlwind adventure."

How do you write a successful story? Use emotions to captivate: "As Maria gazed upon the old photograph, tears welled up in her eyes. It wasn't just an image; it was a time capsule transporting her back to summers spent at her grandparents' cottage."

How do you write an example essay? Support your arguments with real-life instances: "In arguing the importance of community, I often reflect on the time my neighbors came together post a hurricane, showcasing unity and resilience."

What life means to me example? "Life, for me, is a mosaic of memories – from the giggles shared over childhood pranks to the solace found in solitary walks during challenging times."

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes a personal life story essay engaging? True stories resonate best. Pouring genuine emotions, raw experiences, and candid reflections into your narrative makes it universally relatable.
• How can I avoid making my life story essay sound boastful? Maintain a balance. Celebrate achievements, but also shed light on challenges, lessons learned, and moments of vulnerability.
• What tense should I use when writing my life story? Past tense is often used, but present tense can create immediacy when sharing thoughts.
• How personal should I get in my life story essay? Authenticity is engaging, but set boundaries on details you share.
• Is chronological order essential in a life essay? Not necessarily. Chronology provides clarity, but thematic or importance-based sequencing can be impactful.
• Can I incorporate dialogues in my life story essay? Absolutely! Dialogues make moments come alive and give insights into character dynamics.
• Should I conclude with a lesson in my life story? Ending with a reflection or lesson provides closure and a takeaway for readers.

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1.2 Your Academic Journey and Personal Story

Questions to Consider:

• How can your academic journey develop skills needed for college success?
• How can your personal story prepare you for applying to college?

Your Academic Journey

Now that you have a better understanding of what college can do for you, it is time to focus on how high school is preparing you for college, or better yet, how you can prepare yourself in high school to become college ready. It is clear that what you do (or don’t do) in high school can affect your ability to get into the colleges of your choice, but there is more to preparing yourself than just earning a high GPA or class rank. Your high school education can provide you with ample opportunity to help you hone your academic skills.

Take Difficult Courses

Any student who is serious about applying to college should consider taking challenging classes while in high school. Why? Because those classes can help lay a foundation of high expectations and hard work and they are often highly regarded by college admissions counselors. These classes are sometimes called Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors/advanced classes. If you are considering taking such courses, talk to your guidance counselor or current teachers. They may be able to offer suggestions for how to get selected (if there is an application process) and give you a realistic picture of what will be expected. There is no need to take all AP, IB, or advanced classes to prove you are ready for college, but taking a few can provide a college admissions committee evidence that you are open to challenge.

Manage Time and Tasks

If there is one skill that you can develop now that will help you throughout your college career, it is the ability to manage your time and complete tasks. If you already use a planner to track what you need to do and when it is due , then you are on the right track. You can enhance these skills by setting reminders for yourself—and not relying on teachers or parents to tell you when to complete or submit an assignment. The most important part of managing your time and tasks effectively is to build in time well before something is due to complete the work and to overestimate (at least initially) how long you need, which can provide time “buffers” that will keep you from rushing through work to finish it.

Learn to Learn

Earlier, you were introduced to the argument that the purpose of college is to become a learner. You don’t have to wait until college, though, to figure out how best to learn different subject matters. This is one reason you should consider taking challenging classes–they require that you put more time and effort in them to learn the material. And those skills will make transitioning to college much easier. How can you “learn to learn”? You may have little control over what you are learning and how you are tested, but you can control how you approach the learning. One way to learn how to learn is to space out your learning over time (as best as you can—sometimes teachers like to give you a pop quiz when you least expect it!). Reviewing a bit of material for a short amount of time over several days (as opposed to cramming it in right before a test) produces better results. Another way to learn how to learn is to monitor how well your learning strategies work. Did you do well on a test? Take some time to reflect on what you did that resulted in a good grade. Did you space out your studying? Did you look for connections in the material? Likewise, if you do poorly on a test, determine what led to the result. The more you can identify what works and doesn’t for you, the easier it is to make improvements in your learning strategies.

Demonstrate Integrity and Ownership of Learning

Being a high school student often means having a lot on your plate. It can be easy to put off homework and studying, not do it at all, or cut corners to complete the work. While you may be able to get away with some stumbles like forgetting to turn in an assignment, other behaviors, such as getting someone (including Artificial Intelligence software) to do your homework or write a paper for you can get you into trouble. Now is the time to build the skills you will need later in college. Taking full responsibility for your learning as well as demonstrating integrity in all assignments no matter how big or small are the foundation of those skills. How do you do this? For one, you acknowledge that every action or inaction will produce a result. If you put in the work to write the paper, you will earn the grade you receive. If you do not put in the work or find a way to shortcut the process by using someone else’s writing, then you have missed an opportunity to improve your writing, your thinking, and your project management skills. Plus, you may get into trouble for academic dishonesty, which could mean failing an assignment or a course, or getting a more substantial punishment, such as expulsion. The stakes only get higher when you are in college.

Keep Test Scores in Perspective

You will learn more about standardized test scores and their purpose for getting into college later in this chapter, but it is worth noting that while what you make on the ACT, SAT, or equivalent standardized test, may factor into your ability to get into and pay for the college of your dreams, it is not necessarily a reflection of who you are and what you are capable of. Definitely do all you can to raise your test scores through practicing, prepping, and doing your best on the day of the test. But do not assume that a low test score will be the end of your long-term goals or educational journey. They are just one piece of information by which an institution may evaluate your potential, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that tells who you are.

Your Personal Story

Just as important as your academic journey is your personal story. You will need to develop and reflect on both for your applications to college and scholarships. Those who read about you will want to know not only about your accomplishments, but also your challenges and how you have overcome them.

What Makes You Unique

It may seem cliché to say “There is only one you!” But there is some truth in the fact that you are unique—there is no one else like you. To that end, you may want to draw upon those unique characteristics as you begin to shape the story that you will share with college admissions staff and scholarship committees. Will you be the first in your family to go to college? Do you live on a working farm and feed the goats, cows, and horses every morning before school? Can you ride a unicycle or juggle or both? There may be both personal characteristics as well as experiences that make you stand out from others, and if there are, consider weaving these details into the tapestry of your story. Start by making a list of your characteristics—no trait is too small or typical at this point. You can eliminate items later when you start building your story, but for now, create the list and add to it as you think of new things that you are or can do.

Getting Gritty

Many college essay prompts include an opportunity to share a time in your life in which you faced adversity and overcame it. For some students, this prompt is difficult for they have either not experienced a life-changing setback or not considered themselves challenged. It is important to remember that any setback or disappointment—no matter how inconsequential it may seem to you—can be the basis for an essay that responds to such a prompt. There is no need to embellish the circumstance if it is truly not harrowing, but it is acceptable to frame the experience as something that was difficult for you. Most readers of essays are less looking for a made-for-Hollywood story and more wanting to see someone who has demonstrated tenacity, resilience, and reflection no matter how big or small the adversity is. Even if you are not required to write an essay on a time in your life in which you failed or experienced disappointment, having a story handy for interviews (for scholarships, internships, or jobs) can help you share insight into your personality and strengths in a succinct way.

Finding the Themes of Your Life

In Katharine Brooks’ (2010) book You Majored in What? 3 she shares a writing and reflecting activity called “Wandering Pathways and Butterfly Moments” that guides readers through a series of prompts to develop a list of life experiences for the purpose of discovering what career pathway may be most fruitful for them to pursue. These life experiences could be as monumental as moving to a new state and starting a new school or they can be as mundane as spending the summers fishing. The goal of the exercise is to record what you have done or what has happened to you to get a sense of a “story.” These stories are built upon the connections and themes that you see in the experiences. Here are some of the life experiences Brooks wants you to consider when you are crafting your personal story.

• What have you done during the summer or holiday breaks from school?
• What did you play when you were a young child?
• What are some of your major life experiences (e.g. family events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces)?
• What do people say you do well or have a talent for or seek you out for?
• What do you consider your greatest achievements?
• What jobs have you had?
• What groups have you belonged to?
• What awards have you won?
• What lessons have you learned?
• What do you like to do for fun?
• What kind of “secret” talent do you have?

The goal of answering the questions is to capture as much about who you are and how you have been shaped to develop clear connections among the life elements and create themes. These themes can drive your personal story that can share on a deeper level who you are or who you are becoming.

Consider this scenario: Raphael has taken the time to write down his life experiences so he can build his personal narrative. Some of the answers to the questions above include the following:

• Raphael’s jobs: lifeguard, babysitter for his nieces and nephews, tutor, art teacher for elementary students
• Raphael’s hobbies and interests: watching old movies, volunteering at the library, creating original jewelry from natural objects
• Raphael’s awards and accolades: he won a writing contest in 11th grade, his friends come to him for advice, he has earned high grades in all of his classes
• Raphael’s major life events: parents divorced when he was 6 years old, he started a new school in junior high, his aunt passed away when he was 14 years old

From this short list, Raphael can begin to draw out themes that he can use to create a detailed picture of who he is. He has found himself in teaching roles with his jobs. He has a love for the arts as evidenced by his hobbies. He is a good communicator evidenced by his awards and accolades, and relationships are an important part of his life. Raphael can use those themes—and details from his experiences—to craft his story as someone who has demonstrated an interest in connecting with and helping others by sharing his expertise and experience.

Recognizing the themes in your life helps you to describe how you've become the person you are now, and helps you to understand who you will become.

"For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end" —former First Lady Michelle Obama , Becoming (2018)

Analysis Question

In what ways is your academic journey in high school shaping your personal narrative? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become":

• The classes that you are taking
• The activities you participate in as part of school (e.g., sports, performing arts, etc.)
• The learning that you are doing outside of school (e.g., community language class)

In what ways are your personal experiences shaping your story? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become”:

• Major life events
• Favorite activities
• Awards and accomplishments
• Jobs or volunteer work
• 3 Brooks, K.(2010). You majored in what? Plume.

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Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-introduction

• Authors: Amy Baldwin
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Preparing for College Success
• Publication date: Jul 12, 2023
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-introduction
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-2-your-academic-journey-and-personal-story

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17 steps to take if you want to close one chapter in your life and begin a new one

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Whether you are choosing to start a new chapter in your life, or whether that choice has pretty much been forced upon you by circumstances out of your control, you want some guidance.

You’re in luck. That’s what this article will provide.

But before you do anything else…

Stop. Breathe. Feel.

Are you overwhelmed? Afraid? Excited? Panicky?

All the above?

Are your emotions all over the place?

Know that your feelings are valid. And know that they are typical for a person who is about to go through a major life change.

Below are some important tips for successfully navigating the ending of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.

Take the parts that you think most apply to you, try them on for size, implement them, and watch as they help you get through this time.

Consult a life coach to help you successfully start a new chapter in your life. Use the quick and simple form on Bark.com to have qualified life coaches email you to discuss their coaching services and provide quotes.

1. Let go of the old. 

The start of a new chapter means closing the page on what felt familiar, safe, and comfortable.

In life, you can’t go back and re-live previous chapters like you would re-read a book. The only movement you can make is forward.

To unlock the full potential of the next phase of your life, you need to let go of the past . You cannot focus on moving forward and creating a new story if your hands are still tightly clasped around the old.

Moving on doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking one step at a time or one day at a time. Don’t focus on the past or the future. Just focus on today, right now.

2. Reflect on who you want to be.

One benefit of starting a new chapter is the freedom to be whoever you want to be.

Before you lies a chapter full of empty pages where you can write whatever you want. The power to develop yourself, design your environment, choose your supporting characters is all within your grasp.

What kind of person do you want to be?  What kind of life do you want to live? The choice is up to you. You have the freedom to be whoever you want to be, the power to evolve into the butterfly you’ve always dreamt of being.

Give yourself some time to think this through. If you’re opening a new chapter as a result of the death of a loved one, don’t rush into making any drastic decisions while you’re still grieving. This is not the time to make sweeping changes. However, don’t remain glued to the same spot as a memorial in their memory. They wouldn’t want that for you.

This step will probably require some time and space from past relationships and routines as well. You might need to take a step back from some relationships because their tenacious hold on the past won’t let you move forward.

3. Decide what you want to do.

This next step is not as overwhelming as it sounds. It isn’t about determining what you want to do for the rest of your life . Because let’s be real, most of us still have no clue what we want to do for the rest of our lives and we’re in our 30s, 40s, or even 50s.

It’s about figuring out what you’re interested in trying or doing right now . What have you always wanted to do but never did? Is there a career you’re curious to explore or a trip you’d love to take?

Are you the type of person who has always done what was expected? You’ve made all the right decisions, followed all the rules, never deviated from what was expected for a minute. But you’ve suddenly realized that you’re not satisfied with the life that you’re living. You’ve had a re-awakening and want to embrace all (well, some) of the opportunities life offers. You’re ready to flip the page on the old and leap into the new.

Before you run full steam ahead into a mid-life crisis, make a list of what you want to experience, where you want to go, what you want to do. Write everything, big or small, that you want to do in this new phase of your life.

Remember, you are the author of your life. You can do whatever your heart desires.

4. Try new things.

You know that list of things you’ve always wanted to try but just never got around to? Bring it out and dust it off. Or make a whole new list. The start of a new journey is the perfect time to cross a few things off.

That marathon you’ve always wanted to run… buy a pair of running shoes and sign up with your local running club. You’ll cross two things off your bucket list – trying new things AND making new friends.

Have you been putting off learning a new language? Well, sign up for a class at your neighborhood community college or download a language learning app. To make it extra fun, go to a restaurant that serves the cuisine of the language you’re trying to learn. People are usually pretty friendly when you are attempting to learn about their culture, so don’t be shy – try a few words or sentences out on them.

Do you want to change careers? Figure out what skills you’ll need to transition and take a course in the areas where you’re lacking. Find a mentor who can advise you on making the leap. Join online communities in your new field and learn the lingo, while expanding your professional network.

If there’s anything you’ve ever wanted to try, now is the right time to try it. Your new chapter is still unwritten. Enjoy the freedom to write whatever you want on the blank pages.

5. Go back to school.

Take a class on something, anything at all. What are you interested in or what would you like to know more about? Is it salsa dancing? Or perhaps a coding language? Could it be you’ve always wanted to learn how to be a makeup artist? Find out if there’s a class on it nearby. It doesn’t matter how silly it is, go ahead and learn about it.

While online learning is convenient, there’s something about that one-on-one interaction with fellow students and your teachers that spurs you on. You’re building new friendships, increasing your network, opening yourself up to new information and new experiences – all the tools your new journey requires.

Don’t talk yourself out of it because you think you’re too old. If you’re interested in it, that’s all that matters. Knowledge is never lost and you’re never too old to learn something new.

6. Take up a hobby.

What hobby have you been dying to try but haven’t? Maybe it doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle or the person you’ve projected yourself as being. It’s too infantile, you think (or you’ve been told). Perhaps you’ve ruled it out because it’s too expensive and money is tight. You have  so  much to do and there’s just not enough time in the day for it.

But if you could, what would you love to spend hours doing?

Is it knitting? Or painting? Does nothing make you happier than a good book and a free afternoon to read it? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to restore classic cars or build model trains sets?

Hobbies help to relieve stress and focus your mind on an activity that you love while taking your mind off things that cause you stress. You are engaged in something that you find enjoyable, leaving you feeling happier, more relaxed, and better equipped to handle your life’s transition.

Studies have shown that people who take part in leisure activities function better psychologically and physically. They showed greater life satisfaction and engagement and even had fewer signs of depression and lower blood pressure.

Your hobby is not just a waste of time. It’s helping you refuel and could prolong your life.

7. Adopt a “can do” attitude.

As you step into the unfamiliar, there’s one critical tool that you need to be successful. Without this tool, you’re doomed to fail from the start. This tool holds the key to a wonderful life experience, one that surpasses your wildest expectations.

What is this tool? A “can do” attitude. It’s as simple as that.

Have you ever noticed how confident successful people are? Their self-confidence is off the charts. They have confidence in their abilities. Some believe that there is nothing impossible for them. If you’re not careful, you’ll mistake their confidence for arrogance.

What you need to be successful in the next chapter of your life is rock-solid belief that you can do it. You need to have faith in yourself. Faith that you’ll be okay if you succeed, faith that you have the skills to succeed, but also faith that you’ll be okay if you fail.

You need to believe that what you aspire to do is possible and you have what it takes to do it.

8. Make a vision board.

Yes, yes, vision boards have been done to death. Especially at the beginning of a new year. Honestly, it’s enough to make one hate all things arts and crafts.

The only problem is… they actually work. They are physical representations of your hopes and dreams.

A vision board is a picture of what you are dreaming of inside your head. It’s your dream house or a picture of that exotic location you’ve always wanted to visit or that company you want to work for.

You’re taking the picture from within you and focusing your eyes on its physical manifestation and the emotions surrounding accomplishing that feat.

The physical act of sifting through magazines and searching for pictures that represent your new journey or destination is enough to show you that your goals are possible.

Couple that with putting the board where you can see it every day so that you are forced to come face to face with the reality of your dreams and goals.

Now if that doesn’t stoke your fires, I don’t know what will.

Make a vision board of what your new chapter will look like. Don’t get caught up in the nitty-gritty details. Allow yourself to get lost in a daydream, just like you used to when you were a kid. Get a board and put pictures on it that represent your new phase.

Take time every day to look at your board and feel the emotions you’d associate with accomplishing everything you put on it. If you put a happy couple on the board, imagine yourself in a healthy relationship, one that makes you as happy as the beaming couple in the picture. If you put a confident business person running their company on your board, imagine yourself managing your business with the same level of confidence and success the person in the picture is portraying.

Eventually, you’ll either tire of just dreaming about the things on the board and go after them, or you’ll find that doors and opportunities seemingly fall into your lap, allowing you to pursue your goals.

9. Form new habits.

The habits that got you to where you are today won’t be able to get you to where you’re going in the new chapter. A new you requires a new way of doing things. You need some new habits.

Don’t make sweeping changes. If years of failed New Year’s resolutions have taught us anything, it’s that this tactic rarely works. So only make one or two small changes at a time.

For example, if you are used to sleeping in until 10 AM and want to wake up by 6 AM to get a head start on your day, start by getting out of bed at 9:30 AM and work your way (slowly) toward your goal of 6 AM.

You’re more likely to stick to your new habits if you ease into them.

It’s important you know your “why.” Why are you forming this new habit? Why is it important to you or your goals? What do you stand to gain from this new habit?

Keep it front and center (on a vision board, perhaps?)  so you are better able to stick to it, because the payoff is worth the temporary discomfort.

Another tip is to make sure you do it every day.  A study on how people form habits revealed it takes anywhere from 18 to 254 days, with the median at 66 days! A day missed here and there will just make establishing a new habit that much longer and more difficult.

10. Purge yourself of toxic people.

A new chapter requires a new you with new skills and, often, a new support system.

It’s never easy to purge your life of toxic relationships, particularly when dealing with narcissists or other manipulative people.

But it can be even more difficult if the people you need to distance yourself from aren’t toxic in the general sense.   

The relationships you may need to reconsider are the ones that are toxic to your new way of life. You want to move on and grow, but they like the old you and way of doing things. These are people who genuinely care for and about you. During low moments of your life, they were there for you. They know who you were and love that person dearly.

But they have no desire to get to know the new you and want no part in this new journey you’re on. At every opportunity, they’re reminding you of how great things were or how you used to be, and rejecting any attempt at change.

As painful as it may be, extricating yourself from them will be a critical part of the success of this chapter.

This will be a hard task, made even more difficult because they’re not bad people. They’re just stuck in the past.

11. Be open to learning.

A new chapter requires a lot of learning. You’re learning new habits and skills that you will need for your new experiences.

Make learning a part of your daily life. Give yourself room to make mistakes, while ensuring that you learn from them.

Think back to when you were learning how to ride a bicycle. You probably fell and scraped your elbows and knees quite a bit. But the excitement of riding your bike kept you committed to learning. So every time you crashed and hurt yourself, you got back up to try all over again, only this time with a better idea of how to balance, pedal, and steer.

Adopt the resilience of a child to the new journey you’re embarking on. Let the excitement of your new chapter keep you committed to learning and moving forward. Use the mistakes you make along the way as learning aides to do better next time.

Everyone who has ever ridden a bike has fallen a few times. The same rule applies to making a mistake – everyone does it. But not everyone learns from their mistakes.

Be open to learning new skills, learning from your mistakes, learning in general.

12. Embrace the fear.

Don’t be fooled, fear will always be there. The bravest people aren’t courageous because they have no fear. They are courageous because they don’t let fear stop them.

There’s always going to be something to be afraid of. Fear of failure, of success, missing out, of making a mistake. The list goes on and on. There will not be a time when you are completely without fear and ready for the next step in your journey.

Stepping out of your comfort zone requires you to be comfortable moving forward in spite of your fear. It’s your comfort zone because it’s where you’re comfortable. You are attempting to leave where you are comfortable in the hopes of something better. That’s a big deal.

Embrace the fear causing your knees to knock together, or your heart to pound with dread. Embrace it, pick it up, and get on with it.

13. Embrace change.

Nothing stays the same forever. Sometimes that’s a good thing; other times it’s bad. Either way, the only way to make change easier to handle is to embrace it.

Live in the moment, understanding that things will change. That doesn’t mean living in fear, but living in the awareness that you may not get to experience this again. So drink it in.

Ask yourself if this is how you want to live your life or spend your time. If it is, then be present. If it is not, change what you don’t like.

Develop skills that are marketable and transferrable to any industry so your career will be adaptable to change as well. If you’re not sure what type of skills those are, do some research. Don’t wait for change to come like a freight train. Be proactive. Prepare for it.

14. Put a plan in place.

Don’t leap without counting the cost. The only way you can do this is through proper research and putting a plan in place to mitigate any risks.

If you’ve followed the above steps, you have already done more than half the research. You have a clear-ish picture of what you want to do and who you want to be.

Now write out a plan that will take you there. Although details are very important here, don’t get stuck in over-planning. You can’t plan out everything. The unexpected will still show up, regardless.

The expected you can take care of with detailed plans. For example, if you want to travel to France, plan out the trip. Call up travel agents, get a cost estimate. Do you have enough money for the trip? If you don’t, how much can you save up? Find out who your kids can stay with while you’re away or if you can take them along with you. Check if your job will give you time off.  Which sights are you going to visit?

In order to bring your goals into clearer focus, you must have a plan in place. It brings a thought, an idea, a concept into stark reality. You’re no longer dreaming about taking a trip to France, you’re taking steps toward making that dream come true.

15. Enjoy the process.

The whole point of this journey is for you to be happy and to give yourself an opportunity to enjoy life. There is no point in upending everything, changing your habits, ending relationships, and pursuing new experiences if you hate every minute.

Yes, some parts will suck, but it shouldn’t all suck. If the transition seems like an enormous chore, re-examine what you’re doing and why. Are you doing it for the wrong reasons? Have you rushed a critical step, such as letting go?

A nervous excitement should fill you as you get out of your comfort zone, learn new skills, start new relationships, etc. Nervous because everything is still unfamiliar. Excitement because your life is filled with fresh air.

Things are changing quickly. But it shouldn’t be so fast that you don’t enjoy the wind of change.

16. Be patient.

You’re changing up your status quo. Your old way of life is under attack. Everything within you and even around you is going to scream against it. It’ll be a painful change to make. But you’re equipped to do it.

You’ll have some good days, you’ll have some bad days. Some days you’ll be happy and feel on top of the world. Other days, you’ll be certain you’re having some sort of mid-life crisis, and you won’t even remember why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Be patient. Allow yourself to take it one day at a time. Give yourself room to be a fallible human.

Don’t be afraid to take teeny tiny baby steps to ease the discomfort. Break every step or goal down into manageable, bite-sized mini-steps or mini-goals. A step forward is still movement forward.

Remember: you’re not in a race against anyone. Just ensure that you consistently move toward your new reality.

17. Take time for self-care.

With changes happening all around you, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you realize it, you’re under immense pressure. Life is changing, you’re changing, nothing is staying the same. It’s enough to make your blood pressure rise.

Now, more than ever, you need to take time out for self-care. It needs to be part of your new routine. Taking time out of your schedule to decompress must become a priority in this new phase.

The truth of the matter is, if this transition becomes too difficult for you to handle, the likelihood is you’ll run back to what is familiar.

Make this process of change easier for yourself by taking regular time out for your mental and emotional well-being.

Starting a new chapter in life can be as exciting as you want it to be. This next phase doesn’t have to be bad just because it’s unfamiliar. It could be your greatest opportunity for growth and the life you want to live. But that won’t happen by chance. Decide and go after what you want.

As you look over the empty pages of your new chapter, remember you are the author of your life. You determine what to write on those pages.

Still need some specific guidance on beginning this new chapter in life? Speak to a life coach today who can walk you through the change step by step. Simply fill out this short form to get quotes from several coaches along with details of how they can help.

You may also like:

• How To Leave Everything Behind And Start A New Life (24 Questions To Ask)
• How To Reboot And Restart Your Life: 12 Steps To Take
• 9 Great Sources Of Motivation To Change Your Life
• 6 Tips For Dealing With Major Life Transitions
• How To Take A Break From Life And Everything If You Really Need One

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“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” ~Lao Tzu

At lunch the other day, a new friend and I were discussing changes in our lives and how everything feels very new and different.

I remembered the most beautiful description Mark Nepo wrote in The Book of Awakening . Mark is a poet, and he sees the world through such a lovely light. His work opens my heart to images I’ve never thought about that are so compelling.

I can see the way Mark describes the process of change in my own life. He compares change to the immense bravery of a seed being forced into the ground. He describes the painful experience he imagines the seed must endure as it splits apart and becomes something entirely different.

Still deeply under the earth, the seedling struggles to find light, water, and nutrients for life. And one day, it emerges, not recognizable to those who only knew it as a seed. Yet it remembers the journey—the journey to something larger but unknown.

I, like the seed, have felt the darkness of the unknown, the claustrophobia of being in a space I did not understand, the anxiety of being in a place I did not feel I had chosen.

Without a job, without my identity in the world of business, I felt I might disappear, like the seed deep in the soil of my life. I struggled to trust my eventual transformation, feeling alone and yet filled with expectations for the future.

Then came the experience of cracking open—figuring out what my heart wanted next. It felt painful at first. What if no one understood? Even worse, what if no one listened?

As my heart cracked apart, it also contained a seedling—a vision of who I might become. At first I wanted to protect it. It felt too fresh, too new, and too vulnerable. I needed to guard and nourish it.

I become acquainted with this very new self quietly; I wrote in my journal about what I was feeling, what I desired. As I sat in traffic or in meditation, I gently explored my new loves. I found books from others who had already traveled this path.

As I learned more about myself and honored the path that called to me, the seedling became stronger. As I spoke up and stated my truth—at first somewhat timidly and then more clearly—my seedling began to grow into something larger and more identifiable.

I came to see who I was becoming.

I stepped out into the light. I offered my gift to the world. I let go of trying to control the result and honored the moment. As I became more authentic, my life began to take shape.

I met other people on similar paths. Some found me while seeking their own answers. A new circle began to emerge, one based on this new growth—my sturdy little seedling.

And like the seed, I remember the journey. I do not discount the dark days spent waiting for the emergence of my self.  Those days have given me valuable information that I can share with other people on this path.

As I remember my seedling self, carefully coming into being in my own time, my own season, I know this is what others are experiencing. Perhaps I can help to provide nourishment for their seedling.

I’m excited as I feel this beginning taking hold and surfacing. I’m embracing change and trusting that the process of cracking the old shell is so worth the sweet tenderness of the new sprout.

Mark says, “As a seed buried in the earth cannot imagine itself as an orchid or hyacinth, neither can a heart packed with hurt imagine itself loved or at peace. The courage of the seed is that once cracking, it cracks all the way.”

This metaphor calls to my heart. When I look at nature, I see our lives reflected. We truly are one. I feel all the process, the splitting away of the old and the beginning of a new life that is so unfamiliar and yet so strong, bravely traveling into a new world.

I invite you to join me in the courage of the seed, surrendering to a process we cannot see; knowing that what will ultimately appear is beyond all imagination.

Photo by D. Sharon Pruitt

About Karen Mead

Karen Mead is an alchemist, an explorer and a fellow traveler on this journey of life. Visit her blog, The Peaceful Journey , or check out her website, A Peaceful Path .

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personal Experience — From Struggles to Success: My Journey

From Struggles to Success: My Journey

• Categories: Personal Experience

About this sample

Words: 789 |

Published: Feb 7, 2024

Words: 789 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, childhood struggles, a. family background, b. personal struggles, c. overcoming challenges, educational journey, a. school experience, b. academic struggles, c. achieving success, professional development, a. career path, b. career struggles, c. achieving career goals, personal growth, a. relationship struggles, b. self-discovery, c. achieving personal happiness, lessons learned, a. reflection on journey, b. life lessons, c. impact on present and future.

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Hutchison, Elizabeth D. Dimensions of Human Behavior: Person and Environment. SAGE Publications, 2021.

Rodney Atkins. “If You’re Going Through Hell.” If You’re Going Through Hell Curb Records, 2006. 

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The Best Journey of My Life

There is nothing better than the emotions and feelings one can receive from setting out on an adventure. Journeys help us to forget about our everyday issues. That is why I want to tell you about the best journey of my life.

It started at home as I began to pack items for a journey. I was excited because my parents and I were going to Thailand, the most interesting place to me. I could not imagine what it would be like.

The first experience we had when we got out of the plane to enter Thailand was the tropical, wet, hot air that permeated the environment. We arrived at our hotel on the south of Phuket Island. Beauty seemed to be all around us. From the one side of the road there was the lush greenery of the tropical forest, from the other there were turquoise waves of the Andaman Sea.

We decided to spend our first days on a cozy seacoast and take a rest from a tiresome trip. The weather was wonderful. The sun was shining and the water was so warm, placid and limpid that we could see our shadows in it. I had the impression nothing else existed in this world besides us, nor the cares of everyday life nor urban fuss. We were enjoying every minute of our rest, slowly sipping coconut milk through a tube straight out of a coconut. The days were changing from one to another with new, bright, unforgettable emotions and impressions.

We wanted to pass one day away on motorbikes, studying the island. Our trip took a whole day and we managed to bike the half of the island riding along the coast. The views we saw on our journey showed us another side of local life. People were in a hurry going to work or attending other business. The traffic in Thailand is extremely busy and noisy. A lot of people ride motorbikes, which is a distinguishing feature of Thailand.

All the way long, we made breaks to taste the delicacies of the local cuisine in snack bars. I enjoyed Thai food immensely with its extraordinary combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Sometimes the dishes were so spicy, that tears streamed from my eyes.

We also decided to diversify a bit, and go to less touristic parts of the island. Our island was covered by steep hills. The picturesque view of the tropical jungles and endless spaces of the sea with many adjoining islands, and the beauty and splendor of local nature was opened to us. I was overfilled with the sense of infinite freedom and peace of mind. There was the impression that nothing is necessary in life except this place and moment.

It was a truly sad realization when we knew we had to travel back home. The whirlwind of emotions and feelings swept over my mind: this is completely another world, with its climate, people, food, traditions, and customs that charm and dip you in the extraordinary atmosphere of calmness and composure. I remember it now with freshness and understand that it was the best journey of my life.

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Essay on A Journey

Students are often asked to write an essay on A Journey in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on A Journey

What is a journey.

A journey is a trip or voyage. It is when you travel from one place to another. This can be a short trip, like going to the store, or a long trip, like traveling to a different country. Journeys can be by foot, car, train, boat, or airplane.

Types of Journeys

There are many types of journeys. Some people take journeys for fun, like going on a vacation. Others take journeys for work, like traveling to a business meeting. Some journeys are physical, like hiking a mountain. Others are emotional, like moving on after a tough time.

Why are Journeys Important?

Journeys are important because they help us grow. When we travel, we learn new things. We see new places and meet new people. This helps us understand the world better. Journeys also help us learn about ourselves. We can discover new things we like and things we are good at.

In conclusion, a journey is more than just a trip. It is a chance to learn and grow. Whether it is a short trip to the store or a long trip to a new country, every journey brings new experiences and knowledge.

250 Words Essay on A Journey

A journey is a trip or voyage you make from one place to another. It can be short or long, near or far. You can go on a journey by foot, bike, car, train, boat, or plane. You can journey alone or with friends or family.

There are many types of journeys. Some people go on journeys for fun, like vacations. Others go on journeys for work, like business trips. Some journeys are for learning, like school trips. And some journeys are for big life changes, like moving to a new home.

The Joy of Journeys

Journeys can be very fun. You can see new places, meet new people, and learn new things. You can try new foods, see new sights, and hear new sounds. Journeys can also give you time to think and dream.

The Challenges of Journeys

Journeys can also be hard. You might get lost or miss your way. You might get tired or sick. You might feel lonely or scared. But these challenges can make you stronger and smarter. They can teach you about yourself and the world.

The End of the Journey

At the end of a journey, you might feel happy to be home. You might feel sad that the journey is over. But you can always start a new journey. And you can always remember the journey you just finished.

In the end, a journey is not just about the places you go. It’s also about the people you meet, the things you learn, and the person you become.

500 Words Essay on A Journey

Starting a journey.

Every journey starts with a single step. This step could be a decision, a thought, or an action. The first step is often the hardest, as it requires us to leave our comfort zone and step out into the unknown. We might feel scared or excited, but these feelings are a natural part of the journey.

Preparation for the Journey

Before going on a journey, we need to prepare. This preparation may include packing our bags, checking the weather, and planning our route. We might also need to save money or learn new skills. This part of the journey can be fun and exciting, as we look forward to the adventures ahead.

The Journey Itself

The journey itself is often filled with ups and downs. We might face challenges or difficulties along the way, but these experiences can make us stronger and more resilient. We might also have wonderful experiences and meet interesting people. Each journey is unique and can teach us valuable lessons about life and ourselves.

Overcoming Challenges

Challenges are a part of every journey. We might get lost, face bad weather, or have to deal with unexpected problems. But these challenges can also be opportunities for growth and learning. By overcoming challenges, we can gain confidence and learn to be more adaptable and resourceful.

Reaching the Destination

After a long and often challenging journey, reaching our destination can be a rewarding experience. We might feel a sense of accomplishment and joy, knowing that we have achieved our goal. But the journey doesn’t end here. Each destination is a new starting point for another journey.

Lessons from the Journey

Every journey teaches us something. We might learn about different cultures and ways of life, or discover new interests and passions. We might also learn important life skills, like problem-solving and decision-making. Most importantly, we learn about ourselves – our strengths, our weaknesses, and our ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

The End of a Journey

Just as every journey has a beginning, it also has an end. This end might be a return home, or it might be the start of a new journey. But no matter where our journey takes us, we carry with us the memories, experiences, and lessons learned along the way.

In conclusion, a journey is more than just a trip from one place to another. It is a process of growth, discovery, and learning. It challenges us, shapes us, and ultimately, makes us who we are. So, let’s embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs, and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

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As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay in English

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay:  Life is a journey full of new beginnings and endings. As one chapter finishes, another one starts. Embracing change is part of growth and discovery. These essays will discuss how we can learn from life’s endings to start new journeys with confidence.

Life is a never-ending series of beginnings and endings. Just like the seasons change, our journeys through school , work , relationships , and other experiences constantly start anew. The wise saying “ as one journey ends, another begins ” reminds us that endings are not permanent stop signs. Instead, they open doors to fresh adventures.

When something familiar comes to a close, it’s normal to feel sad , uncertain, or anxious about the unknown . You may wonder “What’s next?” or “Can I handle the change?” These feelings are natural. However, change is an essential part of growth and self-improvement.

Rather than dwelling on the ending, this essay will discuss how to embrace new beginnings with courage, optimism, and excitement for what lies ahead.

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay (500 Words)

The cycle of beginnings and endings is constant throughout life. With every conclusion comes a fresh opportunity for renewal and growth. While farewells can be bittersweet, the start of a new journey provides chances for enriching experiences, expanded perspectives, and meaningful self-discovery.

No matter what journey is ending – a job , relationship, living situation or phase of life – you can embrace the transition by:

• Reflecting on the lessons you’ve learned
• Celebrating your accomplishments
• Identifying areas for improvement
• Pinpointing new goals and aspirations
• Preparing yourself mentally for change

Taking time for thoughtful contemplation during an ending helps you gain closure and equips you with wisdom for the next chapter. You realize your strength in overcoming past challenges, which builds confidence for handling future obstacles.

Once you’ve processed the conclusion, get excited about the possibilities awaiting you! A new beginning means:

• Chances to pursue different interests
• Opportunities for new adventures
• Room for reinventing your priorities
• Freedom to change your direction

Approach this fresh start with an open mindset. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t limit yourself. You may discover surprising passions, talents and paths you’ve never considered.

Though the unknown can feel scary, choose to view this transition as an exciting challenge for growth. Change pushes you outside your comfort zone, which is where you’ll develop resilience, adaptability and greater self-awareness. Each ending leads to newfound strength.

The journey is never truly over – there are always more roads to explore and experiences awaiting you. With courage, optimism and determination, you can confidently begin again and shape your evolution.

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay (1500 Words)

Every life journey involves conclusions, transitions, and opportunities for renewal. Major changes like a job loss , breakup , or graduation can feel abrupt and unsettling at first. However, every ending empowers you to:

• Reflect on lessons learned
• Gain perspective
• Develop new skills
• Pursue different interests
• Explore unexplored paths

By changing your mindset, you can transform fear into fuel for growth and adventure. Here are some tips for embracing new beginnings after an ending:

Reflect Thoughtfully

When one journey ends, pause to look back at everything you experienced and accomplished. Make a list of successes, failures, what went well, and what didn’t. Assess:

• Goals you achieved
• Obstacles you overcame
• Mistakes made
• Important lessons learned

Thoughtful reflection provides perspective. You realize how much you’ve grown from that experience, both the highs and lows. This insight builds self-awareness and wisdom to apply to future journeys.

Overcome Fear

The unknown of life changes can breed self-doubt and anxiety. To conquer the fear of new beginnings:

• Talk to supportive friends and family who can offer reassurance
• Make a plan with smaller, manageable steps to reduce uncertainty
• Trust your abilities based on past accomplishments
• View change as an exciting challenge, not a threat

Meeting fears head-on and believing in yourself helps build the confidence needed to embrace new opportunities.

Appreciate the Journey

No matter how challenging, every journey shapes who you become. Express gratitude for:

• Knowledge gained
• Relationships formed
• Strengths developed
• Values discovered

Appreciating the value in each chapter’s experiences makes transitions easier. You realize nothing was wasted – it all contributed to your personal evolution.

Learn and Grow

The most powerful people are constantly learning. Approach endings as opportunities for self-improvement by:

• Analyzing what caused setbacks
• Determining which skills need more development
• Creating a plan for avoiding repeat mistakes
• Seeking new knowledge through classes, books or mentors

Channeling lessons from past journeys into actionable growth prepares you for future success. You’ll be better equipped for the next adventure.

Embrace Opportunities

Greet the future with an open mind and heart. Look for fresh possibilities that excite you, such as:

• Pursuing a new hobby or interest
• Accepting a different role
• Exploring an unfamiliar place
• Meeting diverse people

An optimistic mindset focused on interesting opportunities prevents you from overlooking potential paths to enrichment, discovery and happiness. Say “yes” to chances for self-expansion.

Look Ahead with Confidence

While beginnings can seem daunting, maintain hope in your ability to navigate whatever lies ahead. Tell yourself:

• “I have the strength and wisdom to handle this change.”
• “Unexpected directions often lead to amazing places.”
• “I am ready for this new challenge and chance to grow.”

Believe that you’ll acquire the skills, knowledge, and resilience required for each new journey. Then move forward with courage and faith in the future.

Using strategies like these, you can change your perspective on endings from scary roadblocks to exciting opportunities for adventure, growth and self-discovery. The journey never stops – one path simply transitions into the next.

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay on School Life

One major life journey filled with endless beginnings and endings is school . Students experience many transitions:

• Entering kindergarten
• Starting elementary school
• Advancing to middle school
• Moving to high school
• Graduating and potentially continuing to college or university

Each phase presents its own challenges and milestones. However, the academic journey ultimately prepares students for further education , career paths, and independence . Here are some tips for students to embrace academic endings and beginnings:

Reflect on Lessons Learned

At the end of each school year, semester or level, think about:

• What did you learn about yourself?
• Which classes, activities or subjects did you love most?
• What achievements are you proudest of?
• Where did you experience your biggest struggles?
• How can you improve next time?

Honestly assessing strengths, interests, and areas for improvement helps guide you towards a fulfilling future path matched to your unique talents.

Set Fresh Goals

Use the fresh start of a new school level or year to re-evaluate priorities. Ask yourself:

• What are your passions and curiosities now?
• Which subjects, sports, clubs or causes excite you?
• How do you want to challenge yourself next?

Then set specific, measurable goals for skills to develop, interests to explore, or milestones to reach in this next academic phase.

Find Support Systems

Surround yourself with supportive friends, family members, teachers and mentors who encourage your dreams. During times of transition:

• Ask for advice
• Lean on those who motivate you
• Share your hopes, fears and uncertainties

Their guidance, wisdom and belief in your potential can provide the confidence boost needed to tackle each new academic journey with enthusiasm.

Try New Experiences

Beginnings are the perfect time to:

• Join an unfamiliar extracurricular
• Get to know different types of people
• Explore an academic topic you’ve never studied
• Take on a leadership role
• Challenge yourself in an area of weakness

Leaving your comfort zone allows for growth and may lead to unexpected interests that inspire your future direction.

Focus on Possibilities

When one school door closes, an entire hallway of new paths opens up. Maintain an optimistic, open mindset about:

• Expanded course options
• Fresh chances to reinvent yourself
• Opportunities to build different skills
• Potential to discover fulfilling passions

Don’t dwell on what’s ending. Get excited about the enriching possibilities that lie ahead in your educational journey!

Stay Positive

While change can seem scary, it’s also exciting – a chance for new adventures! Approach each transition with:

• Enthusiasm to start over
• Willingness to adapt
• Patience with yourself
• Determination to make the most of it

A positive mindset reminds you that this too shall pass. You’ve grown through many transitions before and will again. Each step shapes your evolution.

The journey through school is filled with endless opportunities for learning, self-discovery, and growth. Students can confidently navigate life’s academic ups and downs by embracing beginnings with reflection, goal-setting, an open mind, and positivity. One educational phase ends to make way for the next enriching adventure.

As the saying goes, “As one journey ends, another begins.” While conclusions can feel sad or scary, they’re simply natural pauses before the next adventure starts. Every ending provides circumstances for:

• Gaining closure
• Pursuing new goals
• Adjusting your course
• Reinventing yourself
• Expanding your horizons

By taking time to reflect on accomplishments and lessons learned, you realize how far you’ve come already. This gives you confidence in your ability to handle future changes. With determination and an open mindset, you can overcome any fears of the unknown.

Approach beginnings with optimism, curiosity and enthusiasm for the interesting possibilities that await. Look for exciting opportunities to:

• Gain different experiences
• Make novel discoveries
• Enrich your perspective
• Unlock your full potential

While comfortable routines ending can feel jolting, the path ahead contains fresh chances for learning, growth and fulfillment beyond your imagination.

So don’t mourn an ending. Celebrate the journey that brought you here and prepare for the remarkable adventures still to come. With flexibility and courage, you’ll continue evolving into your best self. Embrace the power of new beginnings and the profound personal transformation they inspire. The journey is never-ending – one path simply paves the way for the next.

Shobhit is the founder of Ishiksha, content writer and educator who has been creating educational content since 2021. His writing covers topics like science, technology, and the humanities. When he isn't writing, Shobhit enjoys reading nonfiction, watching documentaries, and going on nature walks.

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Israel and Gaza: Despair and What-Ifs

More from our inbox:, trump, oil and big money in politics, ‘journey’ as metaphor, providing help for the homeless and the mentally ill.

To the Editor:

Re “ In Israel, ‘the Darkness Is Everywhere,’ ” by Megan K. Stack (Opinion guest essay, May 18):

I appreciate Ms. Stack’s essay, in which she makes several important observations about current attitudes among Israelis. However, she leaves out the tragic choices that Palestinians have themselves made in Gaza and the West Bank.

In particular, after the Israeli withdrawal in 2005, Gazans had the opportunity to use huge amounts of international aid to build new residential communities and seaside commercial and tourist destinations.

Instead, they diverted essentially all investment into war preparations, including the rocket and tunnel technology that has proved so formidable in several wars with Israel since then. The extremism of attitudes in this conflict isn’t limited to one side.

Stephen Hall San Francisco

I am grateful to The New York Times for publishing Megan K. Stack’s essay. We need more articles on what it is really like on the ground in Israel, and, as disheartening as it may be, we are all better and more informed for reading it.

Only when Jews in the United States (I am one of them) obtain a greater understanding of the horrible plight of the Palestinian people and what they have been subjected to over decades will we be able to affect our government’s policies to produce a more hopeful outcome for the region.

Until then, this vicious cycle will continue, because, as Ms. Stack so eloquently described, “there is no wall thick enough to suppress forever a people who have nothing to lose.”

Roy Friedland Greensboro, N.C.

I am dismayed at Megan K. Stack’s one-sided analysis of Israeli policy toward the Palestinians. I am a lifelong supporter of Israel, but I share Ms. Stack’s concern regarding Israel’s extreme right-wing government. Placing all, or even most, of the responsibility at the foot of Israeli Jews, however, is disingenuous.

Consider a counterfactual history in which Arab and Palestinian leaders had said “yes” to any of the opportunities to live next to Jewish neighbors in peace. A simple Arab “yes” might have resulted in two separate states, for two separate indigenous peoples, living side by side.

There might have been no rise of Hamas and Hezbollah, suicide bombings or defensive barriers. Both parties could have lived in peace, dignity and prosperity.

Perhaps the next time an olive branch is offered, if there is a next time, the Palestinians will reply “yes.” What do they have to lose?

Stephen E. Green San Jose, Calif.

Re “ Trump Solicits Billion Dollars at Oil Dinner ” (front page, May 10):

It is a clarion call to get big money out of politics.

You report that Donald Trump “told a group of oil executives and lobbyists gathered at a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort last month that they should donate $1 billion to his presidential campaign because, if elected, he would roll back environmental rules that he said hampered their industry.”

Fossil fuel interests already pour tens of millions of dollars into political campaigns, mostly to Republicans, pushing that party’s congressional delegation and presidential nominee to oppose action against climate change.

This push for contributions and profits is in the face of the virtual unanimity of climate scientists that burning fossil fuels is the main cause of global warming.

Big contributions from gun, pharmaceutical, insurance, financial and other wealthy interests also powerfully influence our system in their favor, usually to the disadvantage of ordinary people. When one or a few big donors can buy more political speech than tens of millions of ordinary people combined, the system is rigged in favor of those who already have the most.

Public funding of election campaigns has worked well at the state, county and city levels. It elevates merit and the public interest in government decision-making and builds confidence in our system.

Richard Barsanti Western Springs, Ill.

Re “ When Did Everything Turn Into a ‘Journey’? ” (front page, May 16):

Name the journey — infertility, breast cancer, weight loss, motherhood or a cathartic vacation — and I’ve been on it.

“Journey” has become a euphemism for struggle, often a long, winding road with ups and downs. Some people may reach the finish line and celebrate triumphantly. Others may never get there, leaving loved ones to wonder how their “choose your own adventure” could have followed a different chapter. No journey is ever truly complete.

Infertility may be behind me, but its wake — a stillborn son, a ruptured uterus, a C-section scar, new family members in our surrogates who carried our daughters — will reverberate for my lifetime.

Many individuals will face infertility for the first time today, tomorrow or someday in the future. I always make time for those who reach out to me, hoping my experience can help them — or, at the very least, give them a chance to talk to someone on the metaphorical “other side.”

Journeys can break us or make us into someone new. Whatever euphemism we use, the important thing is don’t make it your ending when you get to the other side. Make it a new beginning to help those who follow in your footsteps.

Lia Buffa De Feo New York

With respect to cancer, its patients and their families — and all those dismayed by what linguists call “semantic drift” — let’s agree to call cancer a “situation.” Not a sentimental, self-help journey. Not a grim or rousing battle. Definitely something fraught and serious: a situation that compels utmost attention and action over time, time that makes no promises.

Karin Halvorson Hillhouse Washington

Re “ Citing Safety, New York Moves Mentally Ill People From the Subway ” (news article, May 11):

As New Yorkers daily enter our transit system, the sight of men and women sleeping on station benches or in subway cars causes mixed emotions ranging from dismay to fear to disgust. The mantra from the riders, either mumbled or spoken aloud, usually goes: “Why can’t the mayor clean this up?”

And it’s a mantra that has, for decades now, moved mayors, under the guise of compassion, to take aggressive action to remove from the subways those who are poor, more often than not homeless, and desperately struggling with mental health issues.

Of course, the cynics in us understand the politics of the moment and the need for mayors to show strength and resolve, even if their actions provide only a short-term fix.

Yes, these are difficult and seemingly intractable problems. But we’re never going to find lasting solutions unless we begin to understand and address the root issues.

As a start, we need to understand how these folks were allowed to fall deeper and deeper into the cracks. How community-based health and mental health systems — often nonexistent or, at best, bare-bones in poor communities — were unable to provide any real, meaningful support before they became so lost to us.

Most immediately, though, the city should engage with high-quality mental health teams to inundate the subway system, offering more than just a stay in a dilapidated shelter or an involuntary commitment to a psychiatric facility. And it should study the work of other cities, which have used programs such as Housing First to help address the mental health issues of those living on the streets by providing permanent housing.

Arnold S. Cohen New York The writer is an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School and former president of Partnership for the Homeless.

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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