I’m inviting you today to think back to a time that you really don’t have conscious memory of. To a time where every experience was brand new, when you required a little assistance sometimes in moving forward. At one time, we were all fairly helpless and depended on others to help make sure our basic needs were met, food, water, shelter, and clothing. But one day that changed. It was time to explore. But exploring is difficult when you’re trapped in the same spot.

So you began to crawl. And it was really hard. Those watching this transformation will likely tell you that you could only make it a little way before requiring a rest. But they encouraged you, cheered for you and delighted in every new move YOU busted out. When you had mastered crawling, it was time to walk. And WHOA! You needed to hold on to something to rise, you needed to reach out for a sturdy object in your path sometimes. You needed a helping hand…

It was so hard. But the one thing I can guarantee is that you didn’t once say, “Forget this. It’s too much. This is fine.” (I know, I know, it’s part of natural human development, barring any unforeseen circumstances or conditions that would hinder this development in order to walk, but bear with me. Even in those circumstances, milestones are able to be met and what if that thing that you think is too hard is also part of your natural development as a human?) You kept going until you’d nailed it (Well, as best as you could. I still have an uncanny knack for tripping and falling on flat, smooth surfaces, but I digress and this isn’t about me — it’s about you.) I’m inviting you to picture that tiny, vulnerable, unsure version of you. And take a second to applaud or high five little you for achieving what was, at that time, everything.

I want you to think about this when you feel unsure of you.
I want you to think about this when you feel like giving up on your dreams.
I want you to think about this when you feel like you can’t.
I want you to consider what could be different in your life right now that you could change to evolve into your Best You.
And if you are having trouble figuring that out,  or if you already know and you’re unsure of how to get there, I am here.

While the context for which Dr. King said these words was not necessarily what we’re talking about here, it holds true for a lot of circumstances. I’ve often returned to his words in times of despair: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

You didn’t master walking overnight… You will not learn to “fly” overnight, either.

You. Have. Got. To. Keep. Moving. Forward.