today is the day

Last week my grandson, Caleb, forgot his limitations and took his first two tiny steps without holding on.

I'm not sure what scared him--the fact that he forgot to hold on, or the wild cheering that greeted it--but he promptly dropped to the floor and stayed there. He was content to crawl around and cruise in safety, holding on wherever he went.

Until today. 

Today, in the middle of sign language class (No, he isn't deaf. Doesn't everyone sign?) without a second thought, he stood up and took four bold steps in front of everyone. 

Walking is one of those things you're either ready to do, or you're just not. It happens one day when the people around you least expect it. But oh, the excitement! Oh, the celebration!

This, I believe, is how we should greet all fledglings--all beginning writers, artists, musicians, performers, and toddlers with their first faltering efforts. They deserve deafening applause and lavish encouragement. 

I mean, it takes courage to put that first piece out there for people to read, whether it's a story or a poem or an essay. It takes pluck to step onto the stage, to hang your first painting, or to belt out a new song. It takes time and practice to get good at it. 

We should be like babies who are learning to walk. They never give up because it's important to them and it's fun! So every last one of them of them is successful. 

Forget limitations. Caleb's first steps might someday take him to the World Cup. Your first novel could be the next best-seller. Your song might just top off the charts. Your debut could earn you rave reviews.

Don't be afraid to take the first step. Get yourself a nice sharp pencil and some clean white paper, and start writing. Take out a plain blank canvas and some paints, and get started. Sing in the shower. Dance in the street. Tell yourself you're ready. This is the day.

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"A journey of a thousand miles

begins with a single step."

~Lao Tzu~

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Where will your journey take you? What are you waiting for?

jan