THE FIRST STEPS

That first step is always the hardest.

I would like to think as a baby my second step was easier than the first, my second word easier than the first, and second thrown axe easier than the first. Let’s not question the validity of my claim to having axes as a baby, my point is that for as long as I can remember – the first step is always the hardest. From putting pen to paper on work assignments and school essays, to walking through the doors at the gym; the period of procrastination before starting is always something I’d look back on with regret. Your mind switches from making excuses, finding other things to do, looking at cat memes on the internet, to why the hell am I only starting this now, I’d be so much closer to where I want to be if I had just taken my leap and got started. It’s all good, it’s so human to have that wait, that mental block before taking the first step, it’s the hardest one you’re going to have to take, and remember; if you take it instantly, in a few days or in a few months, you are already further than you were, and usually the hardest part is done.

We are here to talk about getting over that mental barricade to your first step, because despite knowing the significance of being strong enough to take it, time is not always on our side. We are here for a finite period of time, so every moment spent wondering if you can, Is one less moment spent trying. None of us want to look back when our stories come to a close and wish we had taken more chances, and wonder why we hadn’t bet on ourselves.

I remember all the way through university, college, and likely even when I was a small toddler riding around on a bike pretending to be one of the Biker Mice From Mars (80’s cartoon reference, don’t judge me), every time I would finally start an essay, after obviously rearranging my room 8 times, cleaning the kitchen, and alphabetising the toothpaste, I’d always have the exact same feeling.

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.”-

– Søren Kierkegaard

The same feeling came over me when it came to taking charge of my physical health, and to some extent, making NORSE Life. I used to tell myself maybe it’s just genetic, I’m overweight but it’s in my DNA. I used to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself how awesome it would be if I’d been exercising like I wanted to for the last few years, and imagined what I’d look like. It sounds ridiculous, but after years of living in jogging bottoms and big shirts (big shirts hide any excess weight you have, it’s science), my goals were as simple as being able to wear jeans and feel comfortable. When I first started going to the gym, although it was daunting, I had that same feeling; why didn’t I do this earlier? The story of making NORSE Life is a long one, and we’ll save that for another day.

Why didn’t I start this earlier? It’s like something just clicks, like you’re hanging over the edge looking down into the abyss. But that abyss is exactly where you need to be. As soon as you start the free fall everything just feels easier, you realise those chains you had put on yourself, manifested either physically or mentally were nowhere near as strong as you thought. Those chains that could’ve held Fenris himself feel nothing more than cotton string when truly tested. The only thing that’s changed is your window. Your window is smaller. Your window gets smaller every moment you wait. If I, or anyone else here at NORSE Life can help you take that leap of faith sooner, to become a better you, then this will all be worth it.

“The Best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

For The Pack,

\\ Ax