Beginning is always hardest

September 23, 2013

agapantha-beginning

Why is it that the first step is always the highest, the hardest and the one we like to avoid taking?

You know what I mean. That is, if, like me, you are a procrastinator.

I’ve made many first steps in my life, some of them false and some of them the start of a significant journey.

It’s easy for me to talk myself out of taking that first step, because there are so many enjoyable activities competing for my “retired” time.

I love to spend time with my husband and dogs.

I love watching movies I’ve taped on my DVR.

There are few things I like better than bloggy writing, which is satisfyingly self-indulgent and requires little of the discipline needed for writing I sell or place.

That stack of books on my shelf or listed on my e-reader reflect another passion.

Did I mention travel?

Still, I have some first steps left in me and I have to periodically remind myself that the first step–

the hardest step

— must be taken.

It is, after all, the most important step of all.

26 comments on “Beginning is always hardest
  1. Suzy says:

    So true, that first step is the hardest but most important step of all. If it feels right, just take it. Thanks for visiting my blog.

  2. First steps, for me, are often taken in equal parts fear and excitement.

  3. Barbara says:

    And once we take that first, or those first few steps – we’re usually so glad we did. The momentum builds. It feels good to be getting after it. And if it doesn’t – then we can always change paths. I love that you noted you still have many first steps to take!

  4. My father always said, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over sooner or later if you do not make a move”. And yes, the hardest step is the first one! Thanks Carol that there is nothing to fear but fear itself!

  5. Susan Cooper says:

    The first step is always toe hardest. We think to much about what will happen when we do and fear that it is the wrong step. Many times our fears are for not but we still have them anyway… big sigh. 🙂

  6. It’s always interested after we’ve taken many steps to see how far we’ve come.

  7. Haralee says:

    I find the more first steps lead to more and more steps and sometimes leaps!

  8. Ruth Curran says:

    That first step would be so much easier if life were considerate enough to put a great glass of wine just beyond — the sophisticated woman’s carrot on a stick? Beautifully written — as always!

  9. Oh my gosh Carol, no one writes as much as you do! I would never have thought of you as a procrastinator. Or maybe you write in order to procrastinate??? I think I do that sometimes!

    • admin says:

      LOL Sharon! I write because I have to. I just have to. To the exclusion of many OTHER things I should be doing, so you got that right!!!!

  10. Carol, you are one of the most gifted and prolific writers I know. It would never occur to me that you are a procrastinator. Now me? I was up until 1:30am writing my entry into this bloghop! That’s procrastination!

    • admin says:

      You are so sweet to say so but it goes to show you that you never know someone’s deep, dark, secret!! OMG am I a procrastinator! Just not about most writing. About housework…oh yeah. About organizing? oh yeah. Making doc appointments? yeah. I’m giving a presentation when we return from Santa Fe. I’ve put it off…gotta write it this week. The list goes on, my husband would be happy to explain more! ROTL!

  11. Frances D says:

    Sometimes I feel as if I have to “actually lift my leg onto” the next part of the journey. Spot on post.

  12. Good insights, but I particularly like your lyric and gentle writing style. What a great tone / spirit to your blog. Good luck. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu.

  13. Pat says:

    First step…yes. Like anything it seems like the hardest step is just getting started.

  14. That first step can be difficult! Especially when there are competing distractions that are fun!
    Years ago I heard a gentleman speak, he was sharing with the audience his journey of weight loss, in it he talked about running. What he said was this: “I always hit the curb.” he then told us that no matter how much he didn’t want to go for his run he had made a promise to first dress and then stand on the curb. If he still didn’t want to go then fine. The beauty was that as soon as he “hit the curb” his mind set shifted. I often think of his words when I am struggling with my own first step and more times than not, it helps. Great post.

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