I Can and I Will.....

  

Henry Ford once said “ If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right.” 

No matter what crosses our path the choice to engage is completely personal.   We either affirm our strength and allow it to flow or surrender our power and become stuck.  When we say “I can” we welcome and allow the flow of life force energy. When we say ‘I can't”  this same energy is held from us by our unwillingness to receive it. Our predisposed ideas, even on an unconscious level,  of  failure or success decide the outcome of every situation whether it is as simple as a achieving a yoga pose or as difficult as relocating our family, starting life anew or reinventing ourselves.  Our fate of failure or triumph is dictated by our decision and our journey will be joyous or miserable, after all we own it. 

All day long we affirm “ I can do this, I can’t do that” and prove ourselves right time and time again. Perhaps we are simply accustomed to our comfort zone and don’t consider the depth and ability of self to expand in new ways. Our power is much stronger than we think and we can do more than we cognitively know we can. Have you ever looked back at life and felt somewhat surprised by the things you’ve accomplished or the events you’ve lived through? Think about the places you’ve gone, the dreams you’ve fulfilled almost effortlessly and the challenges you’ve risen above?   We experience success when we summon the will and harness the Powers of Universal Wisdom and Strength to get it done. Failure is not an option when we decide for success, when we say and believe “ I can”. 

For 10 years in my Yoga practice I told myself that I was afraid to be upside down. It made me feel  uncomfortable, unstable and even out of control to have my feet above my head. Among other excuses I’d tell myself that headstand or forearm balance was for strong young people. It was my way of  protecting myself from pushing my edge. The only problem was that a deep desire to rise above this fear lived within me, some little voice inside kept calling me to it, intriguing me to try.  Failure after failure became frustrating and painful.  Then one day Henry Ford’s quote crossed my path and it changed my perspective. The opportunity to achieve this task was mine to use or refuse. It was me who was staking my claim of failure so I knew it was time to realign my ideas. I stopped the negative self talk and excuses and started to see myself as available and open to trying. I surrendered to the idea that one day I would accomplish my inversion practice, whenever that was, and much quicker than expected my first headstand found me.  It came without strain or difficulty, actually with an ease, grace and flow as if it were effortless. I was in awe of the power of my conscious decision. Now, although I see my yoga practice and myself as a work in progress, an evolution of sorts, I embrace with appreciation my accomplishments both on and off the mat, and I look forward to discovering a new version of me. 

Throughout life many opportunities challenge our edge. The times we say “I can”  unexpected levels of compassion, courage and determination rise. It all comes down to our desire to do whatever it takes to be whole and say “I can” in the face of the impossible. When we look back life seems to happen in a blink. Our days felt endless and difficult in the moment, but the years flew by. Saying “ I can” turns each precious moment of discomfort and struggle into an open door, a chance for advancement and growth and an opportunity to blossom into a new version of self.  We begin to look to the future with a spirit of excitement knowing that life offers amazing gifts  and when we say “I can” we know we will and we are right..... 

Empowering Tip of the Day: Let go of the negative self talk and excuses, they are always unmotivating and harmful. Clear the mind and plant seeds of thought that are encouraging and helpful as if you were advising a dearest friend who you’d never discourage.  As we cultivate a climate of self love and empowerment we begin to live life with self acceptance and approval, we become our own coach and friend.  While these habits take time and effort, know that you are worth it.  Life is a work in progress and if joy and power is our desire we choose to say “I Can & I Will”.

The decision is ultimately ours to live in Pity or Power... what will it be? We can only be in one. 

Life is a journey, not a destination. 

Feel free to post your questions and comments. I look forward to hearing from you. Remember we are all on this journey growing and learning as we go, so your input will bring enlightenment to many. 

In Power, Peace & Love, 

Mary Ann

Make Today Great..... .