Before I had a lot of friends, I had fewer than five friends, four in different cities. And none were as close as I have now with four times as many people.

So, I decided to make friends.

Before I could make friends, I had to want friends.

Before I wanted friends, I had to break through the feeling that I could do it all on my own.

Before I could break through the feeling that I could do it all on my own, I had to fail on my own.

Before I failed on my own, I had to take a chance.

And before I could take a chance, I had to want something more than I wanted to stay safe.

And that took courage.

—

I saw a post on Facebook by Rwenshaun that said:

Before I could manage my emotions, I had to accept my emotions. Before acceptance, I had to identify my emotions. Before identifying I had to acknowledge my emotions. Before acknowledgment, I had to be honest with myself.

And that took work.

And this is also true for me.

What is your before?

Are you willing to share a before with the steps you had to take in this style, so others can grow and learn with you in your journey?