Momentous Firsts!

BLOG by Karen Offord

June 2014

Do You Remember Your Firsts?

Your first; 

Driving lesson
Exam
Boyfriend or Girlfriend
Job
Course
Public speaking
Car or home
Or the first time you;
Became a parent
Loved someone
Lost someone
Changed careers, or

Learnt something new or something that changed the course of your life!


This is a big first, for me! Hopefully for you too. So firstly, welcome to all who are reading this. Which could very well be just my family and friends, thanks guys xx?

I am new to the world of blogging so the thought of firsts seemed an obvious and appropriate choice. Along with that thought is the visual brilliance of fireworks exploding in my head celebrating this momentous first occasion. Finally starting, so here goes. I believe that this experience of blogging will soon become second nature, as if I’ve always blogged… easily… brilliantly… reaching out to thousands of people and hopefully putting a smile on their beautiful faces.

YOUR LIFE IS FULL OF FIRSTS! 
Minor and major events that help shape the course of your life.
Firsts can be exciting, daunting, or just plain scary. They can cause an absolute flood of different emotions from the excitement of limitless possibilities to fear and immobilisation. That fear of the unknown, fear of change, fear of how you will be received or perceived. Basically fear of all the possible what, when, why, and how's as our minds run round in circles drawing on all our past experiences and observations. 

Often we hold off starting or trying something while we justify it or look for one more confirmation, one more sign, one more day - procrastination. Looking in the rear view mirror or the crystal ball focused on the fear and feelings of what’s previously gone wrong or what could go wrong. The mind often leads us to the most unhelpful thoughts if we don’t take notice or acknowledge we have choices.

I'm sure many of you can relate to the rush, the excitement, the fear, the nerves and initial steps of anything new, the firsts. I have just listed a few above but we all know the list is endless. 

Acknowledging and remembering your many achievements, your past firsts (large and small) even if they are completely unrelated can provide insight, comfort, courage, strength, wisdom and the resource to keep going and take that first step into something new.

"A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step" it’s an oldie but a goodie.

LET ME BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO YOUR MANY ACHIEVEMENTS,
I know you can come up with a great list! They all came about from first doing something new. Really think about them, sit with that thought for a moment, see it, feel it, enjoy it.

CONGRATULATE YOURSELF! Truly.

We can positively use our many previous firsts. Even if they didn't go to plan or you feel you failed, by drawing on the lessons and the strength of those experiences. 
Looking at;
What worked?
What didn't?
What you could do differently?

Along with learning as much as you can about what you'd like to embark on, including looking to others who have achieved in that area. Then embracing that knowledge and new awareness you can proudly state: Here I stand, stronger, wiser, better prepared. You did it before - whatever it may be - you can certainly now do this! You are capable of anything you set your mind on. Oh the posts I will share about that alone is super exciting!

Although having set up, learnt, studied, pursued, grown, raised and maintained many things and frankly all have been incredible lessons and experiences throughout my life thus far this very first blog seems to be the most nerve racking. I think it might have something to do with once you (I) start, I must continue (hmmm fear of what to share next when I haven't even finished the first one). None the less I proceed with excitement knowing there's a world of resources I can draw on, internally and externally. Knowing I will have to experience my first unhappy blog reader – you can’t please everyone! But that’s ok.

I have had the privilege to read some of the most wonderful inspiring, sometimes controversial, entertaining and life changing blogs. It is always a treat to see what new information, helpful tips, hot topics and resources they share. My favourite are Steve Pavlina and Pam Grout. I encourage you to check them out.

When it comes to the vast world of information and stories available I feel like a kid in a candy store - bright eyed and excited to see what wonderful new treat I can digest today.

So it begins, the start of many blogs from me.

I have a saying (how it came about I will share at a later date) but it’s simply: "when you know what I know you can't wallow”. Get up, get out there and do it you know you can if you choose to take action. 

I look forward to sharing with you again soon with my next blog;
"THE GREATEST RELATIONSHIP YOU WILL EVER HAVE”

Allow me finish today by saying thank you and asking;

WHAT FIRST COULD YOU START TODAY?

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