Growing up, my father would always say “there is no such word as can’t”. He never let us get away with the litany of excuses we would create and would instead tell us we could do anything! My reaction to hearing that in the early years was frustration because it often referred to chores or some task I didn’t really want to do, but now could not get out of.
As I got older, I started hearing “I can’t” come out of my mouth when faced with a difficult math problem or uncomfortable situation. Then hearing “there is not such word as can’t” took on a different meaning. It forced me out of my comfort zone, to work through problems and find solutions around obstacles. Still, at a young age I did not like hearing those words!
Fast forward to today and I realize just how much of an impact those words have had on my life. They helped me grow and challenge myself to learn new skills, push through some very difficult times and have served as a foundation of the growth of my business.
What if you shifted your thoughts and words from “I can’t” to “I can” – if you hear “I can” often enough, you will begin to believe it!
Hello Stephanie
I follow your posts and they are always thought provoking and timely. This topic of ‘can’t’ becoming ‘can’ is interesting to me today and I feel inspired to post a reply.
I am involved with a local group of women in Cary, NC who have set up Nancy’s Butterfly Fund in memory of their dear friend Nancy Cooper who was murdered here last year.
The mission of Nancy’s Butterfly Fund is to provide financial assistance to women and children who are leaving abusive relationships. The goal is to minimize the financial obstacles that may prevent women from leaving. Which ties in with your topic of changing can’t (leave) to can (leave).
The fund is being managed by Interact, http://www.interactofwake.org a Wake county non profit agency that provides services to victims and survivors of domestic violence. A number of fund raising events are being organized in Cary to mark the anniversary of Nancy’s death and to raise funds that can offer a new beginning to women feeling trapped.
The events include: (1) an Inaugural Gala at Lifetime Fitness in Cary on June 13th, which will be a black tie event with a silent auction. I wondered if you or any of your business contacts would be interested in donating any goods/services for the silent auction?
(2) The first annual Butterfly Run/Walk on Saturday July 11th will start and end at Koka Booth Amphitheater at Regency Lake in Cary. Interested participants can register for the run/walk at http://www.fsseries.com (select running events/Nancy’s Butterfly Run).
If you would like any further information, please contact the advisory board members at ButterflyFund@gmail.com
A website is due to go live this week nancysbutterflyfund.org
In the meantime there is some information about the fund on this link:
http://nancycooper.blogspot.com/2009/04/nancys-butterfly-fund-announced_19.html
Stefanie, many thanks for the work you do empowering people to change their lives.
Kind regards
Jo Sharples
Great post, Stefanie! I have been telling myself for years that “I can” write a book. Finally, I heard it enough times and have started writing it (this is a new development for me, which has happened since hearing you speak at the RPRS meeting — your talk was one of the things that inspired me to go ahead and get started!!) I’ve also consulted with someone who has already published a few books, to gather advice and resources. And I’m telling everyone I know, so that people will hold me accountable for getting it done. I would love to see you do a follow-up to this blog post. I’m sure you would have some great advice on what to DO to ensure success, once you kick “I can’t” aside and start believing that “I can” thought! – BRIAN SIMPSON
Way to go Brian!! You already started the success process by gathering resources, seeking advice, taking your first steps and telling everyone! I will certainly be writing a follow up post to add more – watch for it soon…and keep me posted on your progress with you book.
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