The July 4th Holiday is a big community celebration in our little town. I swear every person in town comes out for the parade and the book / art fair. And needless to say, we were no exception. So yesterday morning, we headed out with our tandem bike and the kids in their bike trailer.
As we were biking downtown to watch the parade, our road got rerouted to the steepest hill in town. Yikes! Ever pulled a trailer? They are pretty heavy and add two kids plus a steep hill…and well, let’s just say going backwards on a bike is kinda scary.
With no choice to go but up the hill in order to see the parade, my husband exclaimed, “We can do this!” and we pedaled as hard as we could. As we got midway up and were putting every ounce of energy into making the wheels turn ever so slightly…I heard a small voice from behind us in the trailer. Listening as I continued to pedal, I could hear my three year old saying, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” she kept getting louder and louder and more sure of herself and her words.
Hearing her voice and determined energy inspired us as we were able to push over the crest of the hill. I marveled at my daughter’s infinite wisdom and ability to think positively, invoking what she wanted into her experience. My daughter kept saying her mantra until we made it all the way over the hill and into the park near the parade. As we parked our bike next to a tree, she said, “Mommy, I knew we could do it!”
I offer this short story to you as a reminder to allow the knowing of what is wildly possible in our lives to come into us as easily as it does for a three year old. There are no can’ts….only I can’s.
May you be well this holiday weekend and enjoy knowing that you already hold within yourself the abilty to do whatever it is you desire to do and be.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE this.
Your daughter is awesome!
Katie, thank you so much for sharing this story. It was just what I needed to read!
Kids certainly have a wonderful way of teaching us. We can learn so much just by being with them. Your girl is so lovely!
Out of the mouths of babes. This is really inspirational. Such a positive attitude can really motivate!
That sounds like me at the end of my first 5K! Thank you for sharing this, Katie – we all need to encourage each other in this way.
My parents always said, “Can’t never did a thing.”
That’s such a great story! Sometimes I feel like kids have so much wisdom.
To hear a three year old say that is so encouraging! Your daughter is amazing! Gotta love her mindset and mentality. She will be able to handle the challenges of life at a much greater ease! It also shows what a great role model you have been to her! (;
I really enjoyed your story! Thanks for sharing with us.