Power of Positive Self-Talk

Those who know me well have heard me refer to the children’s book The Little Engine That Could. This timeless book teaches children the value of optimism.

I think adults should be required to read this book again and again as they reach every decade of their lives … at each milestone birthday -- 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and so on.

Why? Because as we go through life’s many ups and downs, the message the little engine shares – “I think I can. I think I can.” -- is priceless.

We can do it, no matter what obstacles we may face. We will make it through, we will survive, we will pick up the pieces, and go on.

Sure, it can be hard to rebound from the pain of a lost loved one, being fired or laid off – but don’t let it drag you down in despair forever.

It’s OK to be sad, to grieve, to allow yourself a moment of frustration or pain. But then, pick yourself up, shake it off, and start planning for the future again.

Then, you, too, can be like the little engine and congratulate yourself by saying, “I thought I could, I thought I could.”