Taking first steps can be terrifying, exciting and overwhelming. Starting something fresh, especially when everything else is in such alignment, may not make sense, but it’s almost always worth it.
I always try to remember, You’re making the first step for a reason…to learn something, to better yourself, to have more fun. It’s not some random choice. There’s always value behind it. Once the first step is made, the second and third and fourth (yes five, yes six, yes seven) become easier and more rewarding.
Where am I taking the first step? I’m getting more active. In recent months, I’ve bought three different Groupons for fitness classes in my area. One is for unlimited yoga for a month at a local studio, another is for personal training sessions at an independent gym, and the last one is–wait for it–pole-dancing classes. I bought the first one in February, and I have yet to redeem any of them. FAIL.
Until this morning. I woke up feeling particularly well-rested and just in time to take an all-levels class at West Hartford Yoga. Of course, it was wonderful and the perfect start to my week. After yoga, I always ask myself, why the heck don’t I do this more often? There’s never a good reason, only a dozen excuses. Too tired. Too busy. Too busy looking at the internet. The weather sucks.
Now that I have taken the first step, I’m looking at my schedule the rest of the week to figure out when I can go again. And planning to go to one of the free classes at work. And setting up an appointment at the gym. The pole-dancing will take a bit more gusto, I feel, but it can’t be far off.
As I finish those three goals, I want to take more first steps here, too. Posting more often, about sports and my own experience (I once wrote about my first pickup soccer game and how much I loved it…and haven’t played since. Doh.). Spiffing things up with more pages and types of content. Maybe making some money. I’m taking a copywriting course in a couple of weeks, which I’m stoked for.
In addition to my first steps, there’s a Major Leaguer taking some incredible first steps back into baseball and his whole story just makes my heart go pitter-pat. Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles suffered a concussion in May 2011, and suffered through debilitating symptoms for the rest of the season. Some doctors, and even Roberts himself, questioned if he would ever play again. A couple of weeks ago, Roberts returned, and he looks like he’s just about back to his doubles-hitting, base-stealing self.
Roberts’ return to baseball after 13 months is remarkable. What’s more important are the countless, grueling first steps he took to get there.
Where are you taking first steps? Let me know in the comments.
This post was inspired by a prompt from Doniree Walker. Want to be inspired, too? Click here to for more details. Note: I’m an affiliate of Doniree’s, because I think she’s fantastic. I wouldn’t vouch for something that I didn’t think would help you, too 
I love this post, lady! I guess I’m taking some steps into being more independent, mostly because I have to. My husband is gone to Alabama for Army training and I’m on my own for the first time ever and I’m taking some steps in getting to know myself. It’s been quite lovely, if occasionally intimidating so far.
Your first steps are significant, courageous and awesome. I can’t imagine how hard it is without your husband, but it seems like an opportunity to really connect with yourself and what you want.
My best wishes to your husband as he goes through training. And go you! for taking the first steps, as hard as they may be.
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