THE POWER OF FIRSTS:
My First Pair of Roller Skates
August always reminds me of the first day of school, so this month’s four weekly blogs will all highlight a “first!”
There are certain “firsts” in life that never leave us.
Your first day of school.
Your first car.
Your first job.
Your first love.
Your first child.
And if you’re lucky, one day… your first book.
As I began thinking about the power of firsts, my mind wandered back to the spring of 1962.
I had just turned six years old and received the most beautiful birthday gift I could imagine—a shiny pair of sparkly gold steel roller skates with bright red wheels. They even came with a skate key, tied to a shoestring so I could proudly wear it around my neck. (I still have those skates today, and I think they weigh almost as much as I did!)
There was only one small problem…
I had absolutely no idea how to skate.
My brother and sister, who were ten and twelve years older than me, had been given the responsibility of teaching me.
Now, children today have helmets, elbow pads, wrist guards, and knee pads. Back in the 1960s? Not so much.
My practical sister “belted” a pillow around my middle to cushion any backward falls and tied rags around my knees and elbows—just in case. I could barely move, but apparently, I was fully protected!
My brother had a much different teaching philosophy.
His solution?
Give me a push down the neighborhood hill and see what happened.
My sister wasn’t having any part of that plan.
Instead, she held tightly to my elbow and trotted alongside me as we slowly made our way downhill. As we picked up speed, she stayed right beside me until the very last moment… and then she let go.
I immediately veered left and crashed headfirst into a row of bushes.
No helmet.
No tears.
Just laughter.
I couldn’t wait to do it again.
Looking back, I realize that day wasn’t really about learning to roller skate.
It was about experiencing one of life’s most important firsts.
The first time I tried something I had never done before.
The first time I discovered that being a beginner wasn’t something to fear.
The first time I learned that wobbling, falling, and getting back up are simply part of learning something new.
Publishing your first book feels remarkably similar.
Every author I’ve worked with has had a series of firsts.
The first time they whispered, “I think I have a book in me.”
The first blank page.
The first chapter.
The first time they shared their writing with another person.
And eventually…
The first time they held their finished book in their hands.
Those moments can feel exciting, exhilarating… and just a little terrifying.
That’s okay.
Every meaningful accomplishment begins with a first step.
No one starts as an experienced author. Every published writer was once staring at a blank page, wondering if they had what it takes.
They did.
And so do you.
Looking back, I’m grateful my sister didn’t spend the afternoon explaining all the ways I could get hurt. She simply stayed beside me long enough for me to find my balance.
That’s what encouragement does.
It doesn’t remove every bump along the way. It reminds us that bumps are part of learning.
If you’ve been thinking about writing your first book, don’t wait until you feel perfectly balanced.
Take the first step.
Who knows?
Years from now, your first book may become one of those unforgettable “firsts” you’ll smile about for the rest of your life.
I’d love to hear one of your unforgettable “firsts” in the comments below.
What was it, and what did it teach you?
