Embracing Square One

Hello, square one, we meet again. I will warn you, I have also met with a glass of wine and five episodes of Scrubs this evening. That show always draws a tear or two to my eyes, so yes, you may expect an introverted pontification. Possibly a tangent as well.

My sister had a child recently, Mabel Josephine. The child is absolutely darling, and I expect she will emulate her mother's joyous spirit. Consistent with her nature, Lydia already has an abundance of nicknames for the child, her current being Zupertine. I think this sounds like an empire, probably because the pronunciation is akin to Byzantine, applicable because Mabel exudes stoic regalia. Upon questioning the nickname, Lydia informed me that this is one of many the child will receive. This is simply her 'Zupertine Phase.' But of course.

Lydia has always amplified the significance of phases; when I was in high school, she suggested wearing different perfumes so as to harken memories when that scent and I met again. Indeed, every time I smell Angel, I still remember sitting in the gym on a Tuesday morning in an oversized Bowling Green hoodie. I love it.

Let's bring it back. While Lydia's parenting technique may result in Mabel's response to a plethora of obscure references, it leads me to my thought of the evening. Life is full of phases, beginnings and ends. Whether in work, school, relationships or hobbies, very few aspects of our lives remain constant. For instance, I had a month stint where I was determined to be a history buff, which was quickly severed by the realization of reading required to be a history buff. Recognizing the fleeting nature of phases allows one to first fully appreciate certain certainties. More importantly, it allows one to glean insights from each phase that will further empower you in the next.

No nickname will be worthless. No perfume's scent will fall on hollow nostrils. No phase is without purpose. And each square one is different than the previous, so approach it as such, with vigor renewed by increased experience.