The first step takes courage. The first step inside a cold pool takes guts. There are voices asking you not to take the dip, not to go ahead, to maintain the status quo, to let it be.

Only when the first step is taken, you realize that it's not all that bad! You are now confident. You want to take another step, see what lies beyond. Fear gives way to curiosity, and forging ahead seems easier.

But the first step is not the hardest. The hardest step is the one that you take when you are tired and have walked long enough, and yet see no oasis in sight. You know it will not be one glorious first step now, but an infinite number of steps which might not lead you anywhere.

Worry not about the first step. There are harder times ahead...