Transitions

Life is full of defining moments that ebb and flow into one another.  Throughout our lives we move in and out of phases, ups and downs, likes and dislikes.  Relationships come and go, strengthening or weakening over time.  And in the end we can say what was or what wasn't, yet seemingly we can never point out with certainty the precise moment when these things changed.

How can passion that burns so strong be reduced to a faded colour on a lover's mood ring?  At what point does a walk hand-in-hand become a lonely stroll alone down once-familiar streets, kicking up dust of ghosts and memories?  At what point does affection turn to friendship, friendship to love? When does the joy we receive from those we meet become greater than the pain of those we've lost touch with?

These transitions are often imperceptible. We're rarely conscious of the moment we visit regret for the last time and close the door for good, tearing away the rear view mirror and only looking ahead.  When does it finally sink in that the love of those around us here and now is worth so much more than memories of those who shunned us in the past?  At what exact moment did we decide to turn our dream into action, or set it free to fly upon the wind as a soon-forgotten wish?  When does the spark from a stolen glance intercepted across a room ignite to flame, to be recounted years later as a shared memory?

When?