"The first step is always the hardest.” The origin of this English phrase is believed to have been uttered by the 3rd century martyr, St. Denis, who was decapitated. As legend has it, following his decapitation, St Denis picked up his head and proceeded to carry it for a distance. For what purpose and for how far he and his detached head traveled, no one seems to know; however, if St. Denis did in fact utter this phrase, then he meant it quite literally.