We Can Do This

The very purpose of our life is happiness, which is sustained by hope. We have no guarantee about the future, but we exist in the hope of something better. Hope means keeping going, thinking, ‘I can do this.’ It brings inner strength, self-confidence, the ability to do what you do honestly, truthfully and transparently.

The "I can do this" part is key. One simply cannot over-state the importance of self confidence. We develop a strong sense of self empowerment by doing. We put the verbs into play, face our fears of failure or humiliation, and experience the energy flow and cosmic exchange that only happens when we open our hearts to the activity.  Additionally that means occasionally doing the things we must do even when or even if we aren't at 100%.

I got a text from Junior this morning at 0644.  Our Friday workouts are scheduled for 0700. We have 35 precious minutes together before he showers, has a quick bite and rushes to catch the bus for school. The text said that because he was up late studying, and as a result he didn't sleep well, that we should cancel today's session. Fine, I replied, have a GREAT day and we'll get back at it Monday.

The kid is 15. He is creating habits that will forge his character in adulthood. If you have been following this rambling stream of consciousness narrative, you will see his character development in a protagonist role. He has the chance to succeed, to achieve and to leave a mark. I see it as my job to assist and support his effort.

I, in turn, receive tremendous amounts of happiness as a result of this reciprocal partnership. It is sustained by hope. He is dealing with, and sorting out, a plate full of insecurities, doubts and fear. His home life is a mess. Above all he needs structure and support. That, as isolated by the Dalai Lama above, is where hope plays its pivotal part. It allows us to practice inner strength, self confidence and awareness. There will be a better tomorrow if we have a solid today.

Stepping up once, perhaps when the easier route would be to spin a cheap excuse, sets us up for a lifetime of solid and strong decisions. The opposite gives us permission to deny life again, the long-term effect leading to habitual not-doing. The non verb. Nothing.

We can do this.