In order to take the first step of any great journey, you must first get through the endless hours of contemplating what might happen... or what might not happen. There are days, weeks, months, and sometimes years of preparation. Often times, a feeling of uncertainty and even fear can overtake you, and at times you may battle with doubt regarding your ability to succeed at the journey. There is so much that goes on inside the mind before the first step is ever taken. As I stood on the edge of the Pacific Ocean on June 23, 2006, the people who gathered to watch me take that first step didn't truly understand all that went into my being able to stand on that beach ready to attempt a 3,260-mile solo run across the United States. They just watched a father of four children, between the ages of 6 and 13, grab the handlebar of a stroller and start running.
Running across the country had been a personal goal of mine since 1985, when I was 20 years old. Sure, it took 21 years for me to be able to finally succeed at that great journey... but it is what went through my mind and heart during those decades that really made that first step the most difficult and -- at the same time -- the most special. There is so much written about setting goals and persevering, but there's not much written about that "first step." It's a feeling unlike any other in life. A "first step" isn't just about running across a continent or climbing a mountain. It may be starting the journey of marriage... experiencing parenthood for the first time... beginning a new job... or stepping into your first home. There are so many great journeys that people embark upon every day. Through such journeys we learn more about ourselves, our abilities, and about what we're willing to do and/or endure in order to not only experience the first step toward "trying" but also the last step toward "success."
I've taken a "first step" many times in my 52 years on earth. Not all of the great journeys I've started ended in success. However, more often than not I've been willing to take that first step and to set out to do my very best. I've tried to never allow fear of the unknown to stop me. Sometimes I've experienced the final step toward success, and other times I've come up short. Some "great journeys" that take root in our mind and heart are simply not meant to be. However, just because one great journey isn't meant to be doesn't mean that another great journey isn't just around the corner -- and which may be within your reach. Never allow a lack of success to keep you from pursuing success. History is filled with stories of people who failed at a great journey, but who kept moving forward in life... dreaming, striving, and ultimately succeeding at another great journey. Remember, not succeeding doesn't define who you are. Taking that first step does!
I wish all who are reading this the very best as you stand on the starting line of your great journey. Take a deep breath, fix your eyes and heart on your goal, and take the first step!
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
