"Yes You Can"

Several years ago, I regularly attended my friend Sherri's spin class. Sherri has a way of being incredibly motivating as an instructor, and often uses the phrase "Yes You CAN". She also says "you can do anything for 30 seconds (or one minute, or one hour)"... a phrase I repeated to myself often during triathlons and running races. More recently, at a different gym, my trainer Emily often says "Yes You CAN" while motivating her classes. She also says "If it does not challenge you, it will not change you." On rough days at work I repeat this phrase to myself.

Yes...these are motivational phrases used to help participants get through a one hour fitness class...perhaps not something people would see as life-changing. For me, every time I hear these words spoken, I want to work a bit harder, to push further, to realize that next goal.

It isn't just at the gym... This year I have had the opportunity to realize a goal I have attempted to achieve three times... a spot on the ballot for a position with a nursing organization I have worked closely with for over a decade. The first two times I didn't make it, but I am fortunate to have several amazing mentors who are leaders in critical care nursing... It was them telling me "yes you can" that led me to apply another time... them telling me "yes you can" that led me to believe I was worthy of applying in the first place. There are many amazing critical care nurses and nurse practitioners out there, some of whom I get to work with daily. So what makes me think I am qualified for this position in the first place? The people who told me "Yes You CAN".

So often we are focused on looking forward, on the next task or next goal. I am absolutely guilty of this at times, but also find that taking a moment to encourage someone else when I am struggling can help me to refocus. If we take just a minute, to look over our shoulders and extend a hand to someone who could use it, and say "Yes You CAN"... how would that impact the world around us? It doesn't have to be someone who is facing an immense challenge... perhaps someone who is already excelling at what they do.. or someone who could use that little push.. Take a moment to say "Yes You CAN", and see what happens.

This topic has been on my mind a lot lately...especially in Emily's class when she says those three little words. Today, a friend shared a story that has gone viral. It is a potent reminder of the amazing things that can happen when just one person says "Yes you CAN." Take a minute to read the story of Sam, the dancing Barista, and then ponder how you can do the same for someone else, even if on a much smaller scale.