New beginnings are always opportunities but a measure of anxiety and a pinch (or two) of uncertainty are usually part of the mix. What we do with our new start will determine how well we fare in the weeks and months ahead. Remember that every beginning has a story that went before. In the now we have the power to sow seeds that will one day sprout into smiles of joy or else teach us valuable lessons about making better choices next go round.

The elements of your past can either be tools or tattoos. How so? Experience can be like tools that equip you to build a life you'll be proud of. On the other hand, the passing years can leave 'tattoos' on your mind and heart that stay with you forever. Although long forgotten by the conscious mind, severe memories can scar your thinking processes and warp your emotions in ways you may not even be aware of.

The truth is, we are obliged to approach every new job, semester or relationship with a whole life history neatly tucked into our back pocket. After all is said and done, you are a package deal of positives and negatives woven together like grandmother's prized quilt. Trying to separate the positive and negative facets of yourself into little boxes you can either proudly display on the mantle or, alternatively, hide under your bed, is as impossible as separating scrambled eggs back into whites and yokes. In other words, you would do better to acknowledge and accept yourself and circumstances as they exist here and now. Having taken this vital step, you are in an ideal position to make a new start, to create a new trend and craft a new YOU. Everyday your eyes flick open you experience a personal dawn. This personal dawn is not a continuation of yesterday, mind you, but a fresh new day with new opportunities to learn and grow.

Naturally, younger folks may be short on experience but tall on potential. Conversely, the not so young might tip the scales with know-how and experience but the limits of their potential (if there is one) may be much clearer at this stage. Whatever your situation, we have all been blessed with more potential than we will ever use in this lifetime. It is never too late to become a better you.

The real question is this; will you do a triple somersault into the deep end of your unique possibilities or merely hazard a toe dip for fear the water is too cold? When I review my own life story it is impossible to find moments when merely skimming the surface of my talents served me better than digging deeper would have. Using only half your talents is like being a one-handed juggler! Innate potential is like money in the bank which, although valuable, is useless unless you make a withdrawal.

Maintaining a healthy competition with yourself is a surefire way to break your own performance records and move on to higher ground. A healthy sort of pride grows when you manage to outdo yourself again and again. As a bonus, crafting a better YOU builds a wholesome self-respect that inspires others to follow your lead.

To encourage your own personal new beginning, whatever form it may take, I offer 3 handy hints from the wisdom of Mother Nature:

HINT #1: Nature starts building small, often on a cellular or even molecular level.
Lesson: never let humble beginnings take the wind out of your sails.
HINT #2: Nature builds on what it did before.
Lesson: on the staircase of life keep stepping UP.
HINT #3: Nature keeps doing whatever works.
Lesson: discover what works for you, but be sure to discard what doesn't!

Author's Bio: 

Author, teacher and psychic, Qumran Taj is a recognized authority on magick, Witchcraft, psychic and paranormal phenomena. His quotes, interviews and articles have been published in numerous respected New York publications such as New York Magazine, Newsday, The Long Island Press, Creations magazine, The Village, etc. In addition to radio and television interviews he also appeared as an expert interview in the full length feature film "The Montauk Chronicles" directed by Christopher Garetano. Qumran is author of "Tarot Cards: A Reader's Workbook." His poems and vignettes have also been published in various anthologies over the years. He lives with his family on Long Island where he writes and lectures. More info: www.qumrantaj.com