Step to a New Beginning

"Take the first step in faith.

You don’t have to see the whole staircase,

just take the first step." ~Dr. Martin Luther King~

This quotation was on the wall in the meeting room where I was presenting yesterday. I was meeting with an organization that is establishing new directions in uncharted territory. Once I saw this quote, I rewrote my opening comments.

Each of us finds ourselves in the position of initiating new beginnings on a regular basis. And the magic of “making it up as we go” can be delightful and frustrating at times. There is no other way.

When my children grew old enough to understand it, I loved to share the secret of parenting: “You know we are making this up, right?” I have often shared the same "truth" with the organizations, executives and organization members with whom I consult.

The bad news is – there is no exact path most of the time. The good news is – we are making it up - you get to choose every step, every action, every word.

You get to write each page of your story.

What is the story that you are a part of right now?

Is it pleasing to you?

If not, rewrite what happens on the next page – maybe it’s your next meeting, your next interaction with your spouse, child or neighbor?

Perhaps you were anticipating a tough meeting – rewrite the story by starting with a smile, a hug, the sharing of good news or genuine appreciation for something that the other person did. Imagine it – carry it out - and then leave a few blank pages to discover what happens next.

You are on your way to writing a happy ending to whatever story you choose.

Write your story the way you want it. See the future. Speak the future.

And then take the first step.

© Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D. Kathy is founder of Refreshment Zone and is an organizational and personal development specialist with a doctorate in communication. Contact kathy@refreshmentzone.com for more information on strategic planning, organizational development services and/or motivational programs.