When a Chapter Closes, Another Begins

“Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you.” – Unknown

This morning, a Kansas City legend signed off for the last time. Johnny Dare, the voice of mornings for 32 years at 98.9 The Rock, hosted his final show.

For thousands of people—his voice wasn’t just radio background noise. It was part of the rhythm of life. I remember listening to him on my way to high school, his voice cracking jokes, playing music, making mornings feel a little lighter. I moved away from Kansas 22 years ago, but my brother was still an avid daily listener and would often tell me things he said on air.

And today, just like that, he’s gone from the airwaves.

It’s an ending that hits hard—not just for fans, but for 300 other people who also lost their jobs as part of a massive corporate layoff. That’s 300 lives suddenly forced to rewrite their stories. And it’s not just this station. It’s happening everywhere. Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe you’re there right now.

Because that’s life, isn’t it? Things change, even when we’re not ready.

And endings? They’re hard.

We mourn what we lose, not just because it was comfortable, but because it meant something. It was part of our identity. Our routine. Our story.

But here’s the part we forget, The best chapters of your life don’t happen by staying in the old ones.

Johnny Dare’s show ending? That’s not the end of him. It’s just a new beginning. The people laid off? They are not their job titles. Their next steps—though uncertain—might lead to something they never expected.

And you?

Whatever ending you’re facing right now—whether it’s a job loss, a relationship shift, or just the quiet realization that you’re not the same person you used to be—you are standing at the edge of something new.

It’s okay to mourn what was. But don’t stay there. There’s too much ahead.

The scariest part of starting over is not knowing what’s next. But if you look back at your life, I bet the things that once terrified you—big moves, hard breakups, career shifts—eventually led to something better.

Because that’s what change does.

It shakes you up. Forces you to grow. Breaks what’s no longer meant for you so something new can take its place.

And new doesn’t mean worse.

New means possibility.

So if something in your life has ended, take a breath. Mourn it, but don’t be afraid to turn the page.

Because this next chapter? It just might be your best one yet.

Thank you, Johnny for 32 amazing years, now let’s see what you’ve got next!