I Think I Can...

I was raised by the most wonderful grandmother...

Except for one thing.  Every time I would moan, "I can't...," she would chant:

"Never say 'I can't.'  Say 'I think I can.  I think I can.  I think I can." (from The Little Engine That Could by Matty Piper).

She never ever let me off the hook.  She helped me find alternatives, strategies, strength, direction.  But if it was important, she never let me give up.

I hated it!

As my son grew up, when he would say, "I can't...," I would chant:

"Never say 'I can't.'  Say 'I think I can.  I think I can.  I think I can." (from The Little Engine That Could by Matty Piper).

I taught him many life skills including one that is especially important:

     You always, always, always have choices.

Then I helped him explore those choices to make a wiser decision next time around.  Like my grandmother mentored me, I helped him find alternatives, strategies, strength, and direction.

Now it's my grandson's turn.  My son, his mother, and I all play on the same team.

I hated it then.  I love it now!

I miss you, Gram.