I enjoyed school - although I ran away on the first day. I'd

The words of Paul O’Grady, spoken with humor yet rich with meaning, tell us: “I enjoyed school—although I ran away on the first day. I'd reminded the teacher that it was nearly time for ‘Watch With Mother’ on TV.” At first, these words sound like the playful recollection of a mischievous child, but hidden beneath the laughter lies a profound truth about innocence, fear, and the gradual awakening of the soul to the world of learning. For childhood is always a balance between curiosity and hesitation, between the desire for comfort and the call toward growth.

The origin of this quote rests in O’Grady’s early days, when he was still small and untested, facing the strange halls of education for the first time. His instinct was to flee, to seek refuge in the familiar world of home and routine. Yet even in that moment of flight, he carried within him a spark of humor—the reminder to his teacher about a television program that comforted children of that era. This memory binds together two worlds: the safety of family rituals and the challenge of stepping into the broader community of learning.

This quote reminds us that even the greatest journeys often begin with trembling steps. Many who would later shine in life, whether as artists, leaders, or teachers themselves, began with hesitation. Consider the story of Moses, who when called to lead his people, first shrank back, claiming he was slow of speech and unworthy. Yet the same man who doubted became a liberator remembered for all time. In the same way, O’Grady’s early reluctance shows that fear at the threshold is no shame; what matters is that we step forward eventually into the life prepared for us.

There is also in his recollection the tender reminder of the child’s perspective. To a child, the rhythms of life—television programs, meals, the presence of the mother—carry deep weight, while the grandeur of education feels foreign and overwhelming. By naming “Watch With Mother,” O’Grady ties his memory to the comfort of maternal love, the gentle anchor that steadies the child in the uncertain sea of the world. His story whispers that even as we grow and face the demands of society, we must never despise or forget the simple comforts that nurture the heart.

Yet the quote is not merely about fear or comfort—it is about joy. O’Grady says, “I enjoyed school,” despite his runaway beginning. This teaches us that first impressions, even of dread, need not determine the end. A rocky start may give way to years of delight, of friendship, of discovery. The child who flees may later become the student who thrives. Thus, the quote stands as encouragement to all: do not let your first failures, your first fears, or your first missteps define your journey. Time and perseverance can transform hesitation into love, and resistance into joy.

The lesson is clear: cherish the beginnings, no matter how flawed, for they are still part of the path that leads to growth. Do not mock the child who trembles, for in trembling there is honesty. Instead, encourage, support, and remember that even the hesitant may one day stand tall, enriched by the very experiences they once resisted. And for yourself, do not despise your own faltering starts—be they in work, relationships, or dreams. They, too, are the soil from which greatness grows.

Practically, take this wisdom into your life. When you begin something new, and fear tempts you to run away, pause and remember O’Grady’s words. Laugh at your fear, honor your humanity, and then step forward anyway. Create small rituals, as children once did with television shows or meals, to anchor yourself in comfort as you move into challenge. And above all, never let the awkwardness of first steps rob you of the joy that waits beyond.

So let Paul O’Grady’s memory become your guide: the first day may bring flight, the teacher may seem stern, and comfort may call you back home. Yet if you continue on, you will one day say, with gratitude and laughter, “I enjoyed it after all.” For life, like school, is a journey of beginnings, fears, and eventual triumphs—woven together with humor, love, and the eternal courage to keep returning after you’ve run away.