When babies are born, there are a series of firsts. Their first hearing test, blood test, and vision test. They are evaluated and carefully monitored. Their toes and fingers are counted. They are weighed and measured and an identity begins taking shape. Parents are watching every move and caring for all of their needs. 
The first time a child rolls over, smiles, and reacts to sounds are recorded in baby books. Pictures are taken and hopefully everyone is reaching out to help the new parents. Those firsts don’t stop though. They continue as a child plays, goes to school, enters sports, goes to church, enters Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, etc.
By the time, we are adults we have restarted often. Starting a new season in different schools, or as changing institutions as skill levels push us ahead. Often moving to new states and starting new jobs can create new goals for us even when we aren’t ready. Each step along the way can be fun and challenging or anxiety provoking. Restarting may never end. People are pushed into retirement due to age or moving into smaller homes due to changing financial positions.
So here are a few steps to make life easier.
1- See each step forward not as a hurdle, but rather as a new opportunity.
2- Connect with friends and others you know who have gone through similar things and learn from them.
3- Stay in the present moment. It isn’t a good thing to live in the past.
4- Ask others for help.
5- Read all that you can always. Reading gives us information and encouragement. It is a source of enrichment and keeps our brains actively working.
6- Don’t get stuck doing the safe thing or being in the same group out of comfort. Calculated risks provide chances for us to mature.
7- Learn new vocabulary and communication styles. The computers and smart phones continue to change and we must adapt to these changes. Peace for the day. Delight in Living!