Moving on from something can often feel overwhelming and nerve-racking. There’s always a level of uncertainty: “What if I’m going to somewhere not as good as where I am now?” Whether it be a job coming to a close, a friendship drifting apart, or a chapter in life gently folding shut. At first, moving on can feel heavy – like carrying around a suitcase packed with memories, questions, and what-ifs. But hidden within the process of letting go is a quiet, often overlooked happiness.
Personally, I’m moving on this week from my job of 3 years. It’s a daunting thought, and so I’m sure others feel the same. I thought I’d go through some of the things you can do to notice the small moments of happiness
Reflection on moving on
Before moving forward, we pause. Reflection is more than looking back; it’s about noticing how far we’ve come. The challenges we faced, the lessons we gathered, and the small moments of joy along the way all become stepping stones. Reflection reminds us that nothing was wasted. Not even the hard parts shaped us into who we are now.
It’s easy to rush into what’s next, but taking the time to reflect allows us to carry gratitude forward instead of regret. That’s where the first spark of happiness shows itself. It’s in realising that endings are not failures, but milestones of growth.
My favourite thing to do to reflect is to look at old photos. I’ve spent the last week reflecting on the last 3 years and how much I’ve changed and grown as a person. I also try to practice gratitude when reflecting. I feel so lucky to have incredible friendships and experiences come out of working here. I hope that everyone knows how grateful I am.
The lightness of letting go
Holding on tightly – whether to a role, a relationship, or a version of ourselves – can feel safe, but it also weighs us down. Letting go isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about loosening our grip so that we’re free to reach for what comes next. There’s a strange relief in that release. A breath you didn’t know you were holding suddenly lets out. The hidden happiness here is subtle: the peace of unclenching, the freedom in choosing not to stay stuck.
This is something I am terrible at. Don’t feel like you need to feel happy right away with letting go of things. Sometimes it can take some time to feel the sigh of relief.
The joy of new beginnings
Every ending naturally creates space for something new. Moving on often feels uncertain, but that uncertainty carries with it possibility. A new job, a new city, a new relationship, or even a new mindset can open doors we never imagined.
Fresh starts carry their own kind of happiness: the excitement of learning again, the thrill of rediscovery, the gentle curiosity of wondering what’s next? Instead of focusing on what we’ve left behind, we begin to see the beauty in what’s unfolding.
I find it helpful to write down some of the things I hope to happen with the new change. This helps get rid of some of the nerves and turn these into excitement for the new chapter.
Carrying the best forward
So when it comes time to move on from something, it doesn’t mean you have to forget where you came from. It means carrying the best parts wherever you go, like staying in touch with the people or using the experiences you gained.
Use the fresh start as a refresh and time to look forward to the small things in the future.