Writing With Abandon

Reflections and ramblings about life as an educator, writer, reader, knitter, and over-thinker. Trying to do the writing only I can do.

Exits as Entrances

Yesterday, Maggie Rogers published an essay entitled “Maggie Rogers: The Truth About Dreams” in the New York Times, which was adapted from her NYU commencement speech.

Some lines particularly stuck out to me:

“I’d tell her to keep the dreams bigger than the fear.”

“Maybe, just maybe, all exits can be entrances, too. Maybe it’s about embracing the time in between — the minutes we have left. And all that will always be left unsaid.”

That one in particular inspired me to make this doodle in my journal:

Stick figure me, exiting one room and entering something brighter.

As 5th grade graduation comes this Friday, my last one as a teacher, all the clichés run through my head:

When one thing ends, another begins.

It’s not the end of the book, just the end of a chapter.

But they’re clichés precisely because they ring true. Yes, it’s the end of an era, but it really is the beginning of another. Exits really can be entrances too.

That’s all exits are, I suppose: entrances to the outside. To fresher air. To the sunlight that blinds you when you leave a movie theater in the middle of the afternoon.

It takes a moment to adjust, but then, you take a breath and a step and begin the rest of your day.

Comments

4 responses to “Exits as Entrances”

  1. Anita Ferreri Avatar
    Anita Ferreri

    Great essay and its timeliness was meant for you this week as you embrace this new chapter with new adventures and experiences. I hope you can “live in the moment” and enjoy as much of the experience as you can this week. Congratulations.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Amy Crehore Avatar

      Thank you, Anita!

      Like

  2. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Greatest illustration! I love this. I also love the way words seem to bleed through. All those rainbow swirls, the open door, the broad smile. There is energy in this drawing. The girl looks kinetic as she heads out (sprints out 😂) the door into a bright, exciting, next chapter!

    I’m excited FOR YOU!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Amy Crehore Avatar

      Hahaha, she (I) really is (am) sprinting! I’m ready!!! Thank you for your excitement 🥹🥰🥰 I feel the energy!!

      Like

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