I think I can; I think I can

Hi,

I have to give credit for this particular blog to two people. #1- My buddy G. Coop gets the first recognition because he bought me a book by John Wooden that has made me feel like I could climb Mount Everest and motivate a country to follow me. #2- I have to give credit to John Wooden. I knew he was an incredible coach and person, but holy cow. This man is second to none. I read a passage in the book, which is now highlighted, that says, "A favorite observation of my dad's was the following: 'Never believe you're better than anybody else, but remember that you're just as good as everybody else.' That's important: No better, but just as good!"

Confidence in myself has always been a weakness of mine. I mainly chalk it up to my insane perfectionism, but it definitely is something that I need to work on. Every time I do something, I incessantly cut myself down for it or psych myself out prior to even starting by telling myself that I am not good enough to do it. I have so many wonderful people in my corner who send me praise, but I never believe it. Then, I read Mr. Wooden's words. "No better, but just as good." Apparently, when he says it, it sticks more. I was riding the stationary bike when I read this. I turned into Lance Armstrong for a moment and threw my hands in the air like I had just won my 8th Tour de France. I can do it. I do deserve it. I am just as good as anyone else. That's what I told myself.

I see this so much in my classroom. It is most evident in the young girls whom I work with each day. I am not sure who is telling them they can't, but my goal is to break that chain. I will now have a poster up in my room with the important words I just read. People don't have to walk around thinking they are better than others, but no one should walk around with her head hanging low because she doesn't believe she can do whatever it is that she is being asked to do or wants to do. Girls need to believe in themselves. I need to take a little of my own medicine.

I have been given a special job, one that I could easily sit and tell myself that I can't do or don't deserve because I am not as good as other people. In fact, I had been doing that very thing for quite some time. However, if I stop being negative and realize that I do deserve what I have been given, I feel excited about what lies ahead. From now on, my shoulders are back, and my head is held high. I may be no better, but I am just as good. So are all of you. :)

Go do good things,

BT