I was taught at a young age that there is no such word as "can't." Many remember the old saying, probably quoted by a school teacher, "can't can't do anything." I ingested that and even friends and family commented that I was willing to try anything. Later in years, I learned that there is no such thing as try. I either will or I won't!
Preceding the outer action is the necessity of an inner decision. Our destiny is shaped in our moments of decision.
Another way to look at "I can," is to realize "I am capable." I can choose my heart's desires and be assured that I can attain them. Thus, I have an unlimited panorama to reach for the stars.
Lou Holtz, former NFL coach and now motivational speaker, spoke with conviction from experience when he said, "Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Attitude is a key concept when we are looking for self-confidence to accomplish something. If your attitude is poor, it is likely your confidence will be low. We choose our attitudes. Others do not choose them for us.
There are no excuses. If we sit on an excuse, we will probably only make it hatch into a batch of more excuses.
I could easily tell myself, and still do sometimes, that I am too busy to take some free time to myself.
Recently, as I walked into the house and unloaded an armful of groceries, a desire for quiet time knocked at the door. An outdoor walk beckoned. I gave myself permission to just sit outdoors and see the birds, ants, clouds, and trees. I felt a special inner guidance and new strength as I took special quiet time to listen to nature and offer gratitude for the important role I am playing as a wife and mother.
I also discovered, no matter what I think needs to be done, that there are two more activities, sometimes even five, to replace their completion. If I am to have time to take a leisurely stroll, star gaze, listen to birdsong, or watch clouds, I am just going to have to do it. It will not wait for accomplishment of the other activities. They are endless.
The clouds only appear exactly this way right now. I can only smell the fragrance of this rose today. Tomorrow it will be gone. I only gain a perspective of my life as it is right now. I was passing by so much goodness. Now I am tasting the pleasures of today.
On other occasions I go outdoors to my quiet space, just at sunset, and enjoy watching rainbows through my eyelashes. I receive a thought. There is the inner constant knowing that my thoughts are my truth.
The preliminaries are easy. I can make decisions and I can choose no excuses in order to make accomplishments. Once I am this far, I can accomplish anything I desire. When things get tough or when I have a big assignment before me, I remind myself, with assurance, that there is no such thing as can't, try, if. Those are only shadows and not real. The reality is, "I can choose to...!"
If I am only living in dreams of an ideal future, I am probably overlooking the pleasures and joys I am receiving now. Whether I am looking into just the future of tomorrow or next week, it is wise for me to stop and give today a grateful look. Every human being can absorb it, breathe its fragrance, feel it, be thankful for it.
I can choose to enjoy life every moment. Others have asked, "How can one enjoy every moment to the fullest?" It can be attained through the attitude of acceptance. With that declaration, I accept that I am enjoying what every moment offers.
I can be enthusiastic in everything I do. I can offer my gifts to others. I can achieve power and greatness. I can meet any circumstance with calmness. I can attain my heart's desire. I can live a healthy, full, fragrant and satisfying life. I can...