Walking the Walk

I am a mom.

And like it or not, moms lecture.

One of my favorite lectures could be titled, if one were that organized or uptight to title such things,

YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!

I have given this particular lecture with some variations, hundreds of times.

I have become so proficient at it, I have even gone outside the parameters of "Mom" and shared it with friends. Recently, Tamera, Lynette, Brenda, Amy and others have heard this fine lecture.

But do I believe it myself?

Let me start by saying that on the first day I went back to being a student after 25 years, I chanted this phrase over and over in my mind the entire walk to class.

I had to believe it that day. I had spoken it so many times to others my credibility was on the line! I had nearly brainwashed my kids with  it when they had to go to a new school, or faced an unkind classmate or got up to perform.

Since that first day of school, I have come to know that I can accomplish anything!  I already knew that I could do hard things but my belief is stronger now than ever.

I recognize it in myself and feel it more powerfully still,  as I have come to see it in others. I see it in Alma, who has an autistic child, I see it in Richelle who takes her family across the continent to live in a strange land with new customs and languages, I see it in Rachel when she runs a business on Valentine's day and organizes 400 floral deliveries for other's pleasure at the sacrifice of her own. I have drawn strength from women who have overcome physical abuses, lost dreams and childhood struggles. They do it with grace, determination and humor. I admire so many for their perseverance in doing hard things.

I feel strengthened by knowing mostly, that in the times where I may feel despair and I may forget that I can accomplish anything that there are unseen hands that have been there and will continue to be there to help push me through the hard things of life.