I Think I Can, I Think I Can

When I was younger, my mom used to read to me The Little Engine That Could. I am sure you remember it; it is a fairly popular children's book. Each time I heard it, I remember thinking, "Why is it so difficult for a little engine to go up a little hill?" It was not that I did not understand that for the little engine, the hill was an obstacle for him; I just did not understand why it was such a huge obstacle for him. It was not until I was an adult that I truly understood and fully comprehended the message behind the children's book (go figure, right?).

To me, the book, while preparing children for the obstacles they would have growing up, was really  preparing them for the obstacles they would encounter as adults. How many times as an adult have I said, "I think I can, I think I can" to myself? (Admit it, you have too.) I have used it more as an adult than I ever did as a child. And now, as I deal with and try to resolve some enormous obstacles in my life, I find myself saying, "I think I can, I think can, I think I can," just to help me get through the day. Who knew that a  mantra from a children's book would help me get through some of my most difficult times as an adult?