Let’s begin with a bit of story time.
As a mom I couldn’t wait for my first child to take his first steps…I waited and waited. The days soon turned into months and the months turned into a year… Then. it. Happened. He took his first steps. We videoed the epic occasion, called family, and watched in awe as he wobbled back and forth. Naive much!?! Yes. He was into everything and I am pretty sure he thought he was indestructible. Soon came climbing and jumping… oh, then running. (Let’s just say I did not wish time away with any of my other kids to walk.) His steps became his freedom to explore his curiosities.
The First Step
With life passing by and never slowing or pausing; first steps are all that more important. The first step brings about feelings. These feelings could be positive or negative. As a mom and teacher, I am always encouraging my home and school kiddos to take chances, but me, well, I can wait. Hypocrite much? I admit it, yes. I always seem to find excuses to not take the first step. Why? Guilt. If there is anything I have learned this past year… guilt is the underlying feeling of why we make the decision we do. Guilt of being fearful. Guilt of self-care. Guilt of being happy. Guilt of taking chances. Guilt of failing. I could go on and on with this list… Guilt can be bold within you: making you feel like you’re drowning or go unnoticed: ready to sneak attack. It is there waiting for us to take that first step. How do I ignore it? Unfortunately, I do not have an awe-inspiring answer. I have struggled and continue to struggle. If you do too, know you are not alone.
Does Speed Matter?
The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus lists over 90 synonyms of the word speed as a verb. 90. 9-0. Of course all of the words could be placed on a continuum from fast to slow. Wondering what this has to do with our first step? Well, let’s discuss a popular TV show, Special Forces. The setting is on a bridge where the recruits are being asked to drop from the ledge and quietly descend to the ground 130 feet below them. Every recruit takes a different approach to the task: some succeed and some fail, but all of them took the first step. Out of this task, the recruits could be categorized…
- Adrenaline Junkie
- Macho Maniac
- Compliant Coach
- The Leech
The Adrenaline Junkie stands on the sideline eager to complete the task. He/She sees it as another adventure that will be talked about for years to come. The recruit climbs over the railing and quickly takes that step off of the ledge.
The Macho Maniac paces while waiting for his/her turn. The recruit attempts to encourage others and then, it’s time. He/She climbs over the rail, and takes a deep breath before taking that step. Fighting off the urge to scream, the recruit makes “air gun” motions as he/she descends.
The Compliant Coach watches learning from others that go before them: a sponge taking it all in. This recruit is also analyzing his/her surroundings while waiting. He/She is called to complete the task. Jogging up to the rail, the recruit climbs over the rail, takes a look down, and shimmies to the edge of the bridge. Listening for a countdown, the recruit takes the step when told to.
The Leech. The Leech is scared. The recruit closes his/her eyes every time someone takes that step off of the ledge. The Leech is shaking inside. Movies of every possible scenario is playing in his/her head. The Leech is called up to complete the task. Knees are shaking and tears are falling down as he/she crawls over the rail. Hugging on to the rail, the recruit peeks over the ledge and moans. Becoming impatient, the commander is yelling. The pressure builds. The recruit begins to let go of the rail and scoots towards the edge. Breathing that can be heard by the others on land, the recruit takes the step.
Everyone of the recruits completed the task. Everyone of the recruits took the step to complete the task. Everyone of the recruits took the first step to complete the task. However, everyone of the recruits had an underlying feeling within them that caused them to approach their first steps differently. Did the speed matter in the end?
Our first steps are all going to be at varying speeds. What matters is… the step is taken.
Which Direction?
I was a band nerd in high school. I didn’t play an instrument, but I was in colorguard. Everyday, for 5 ½ months, we would practice. We practiced the flag, rifle, or sabre routine and drill. Drill is a fancy name that a marching band uses to describe the location of every person in the band, making a visual picture. But, before all of this, we would get into “block” and practice marching. We would march forward, backward, left, and right staying in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines. Needless to say, it was intense! The band director would stand above us and could tell when someone was not in line or not in their “spot.” (If you wanted an easy way to be yelled at, this was the way to do it.) Some would argue that even though there are 360 directions, forward is the only true direction. I agree… to an extent. I believe time is moving us forward, forcing us forward. However, decisions we make can set us back. Situations may arise setting us back. Finances can set us back. Not taking the first step, can set us back. All the while, time is ticking pushing us forward. What can be done? With a senior in our house, I wish I could rewind time. It is not gonna happen. So…
*Realizing I need to internalize what I am about to write. Here goes nothing.*
TAKE THE FIRST STEP. The step doesn’t have to be fast. The step doesn’t have to be big. The step doesn’t have to be on display for everyone to see. The step doesn’t have to be world-changing. The step doesn’t have to be full of what-ifs or could be’s. The first step doesn’t have to be perfect. The step doesn’t have to be out of pressure. The step doesn’t have to be successful. The step doesn’t have to please others. The first step is for you. You deserve to take the first step.
You miss 100% of the shots you do not take… well, it can also be said… You miss 100% of the experiences you don’t step towards.
Take. The. First. Step.
What are we waiting for?
What are you waiting for?
What am I waiting for?
*These words, this blog, was a first step for me.
Jamie Chenault 