“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu
Beginnings are hard. Whether it is a journey, a new job, new relationship, new book or a new chapter of your life, taking that first step seems the hardest thing to do. This blog and this post are no exceptions – the very idea of starting them has proven to be very difficult to put into practice and I have been postponing writing them for as long as I could. The fear of the new and unfamiliar, of making a mistake and failing where all mixed into one and prevented me from making that start.
Beginning counselling can be equally difficult. It is a start of a new relationship in which, like in most relationships, we need to risk being vulnerable and open to get the most out of it. All beginnings, including those in the counselling room, involve change and every change involves a sense of loss – of the familiar, of the old habits and old ways of coping, of our old perceptions of ourselves.
Admitting that we have a problem and asking for help is a first and a courageous step in making changes happen. Being kind and patient with ourselves and taking consistent little steps is equally important. So is remembering that we are not alone with our difficulties and that even at times when we are hopeless and when don’t have the end result in sight, our therapist can help keep our hope alive for us and walk along with us. Just as Martin Luther King said – ‘Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.’