Firsts

I taught my first class this week. It was fun and a great learning experience. It has me reflecting on firsts throughout my life. My first relationship, my first job, my first trial, my first heartbreak, etc. We learn so much from the first time we do something. With my first relationship, I learned what it felt like to be loved and supported. I learned about companionship, compatibility, communication, and adventure. From my first heartbreak, I learned how strong I am on my own and that with alone time, we develop the skills we need to thrive in and out of relationships. I valued my independence, my friendships, my family, and travel. 
From my first law job I learned about good mentoring, hard work, and the importance of time away from the office. My first boss put such an emphasis on spending time with family and friends and really disconnecting. He believed that you needed at least a few weeks time off to really create distance between you and your workplace. I am forever grateful to him for his guidance and his impact on the way I work and live my life. 
Firsts can be scary. Doing anything new involves some level of bravery and confidence. There is always a chance that we fail but there is also a chance that we excel. No matter the outcome, we do it anyway. In order to accomplish great things, you have to take a step. Take a risk. You have to believe that on the other side of that first step, is opportunity to learn and grow. Ideas are nothing without some level of action. 
There will be highs and lows. There will be times when you wonder whether taking that first step was worth it. Whether opening up a business, getting into a relationship, ending one, creating a boundary was the right decision. In time, you will learn whether that first served you. You will adjust or you will learn from it and do something different. Maybe it was a slam dunk and your life is far better for that decision. Trust your intuition and see where it takes you. 
After the first, and with practice, we continue to grow and learn. We get better. We perfect our craft and evolve as human beings. Reflect on where you came from. Looking back at your firsts is fun. There may be some hard firsts but there will also be amazing ones. Firsts that proved to you that you can do more than you ever thought you could. Firsts that teach you something about yourself. Firsts that taught you how to survive. Firsts that change the course of your life and stick with you forever. 
I urge you to accumulate firsts. Everything great starts with one. 

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