You Can Do This

If you stay true to yourself through life’s challenges, you’ll rise again - like a cork submerged beneath the water, always finding its way back to the surface. You will make it through.

I spent many years teaching at girls’ schools and often incorporated lessons of personal empowerment with the work we did together. It is important to teach girls lessons about the strength of their authentic voices and the great work they can do in the world when they learn to be true to that voice.

One book that I used in a religion and philosophy class was Witi Ihimaera’s, Whale Rider. It is a sweetly written book about a young Maori girl trying to gain the affection of her tribal grandfather while he comes to terms with her inherent destiny. It is about accepting one’s place in the world and facing the challenges it takes to get there. 

A particular dog-eared page still speaks to me now. 

The water was freezing, but not to worry. The waves were huge, but she could do this. The rain was like spears, but she could do this. 

Every now and then she had to take a deep breath because sometimes the waves were like dump trucks, slamming her down to the sandy bottom, but somehow she bobbed right back up like a cork. 

Just like every girl, women need the reminder that we have what it takes to get things done. Especially when the waves come crashing in, we need that voice inside to remember that we can reach our goals. We can do this. 

YOU can do this! Whatever struggle has presented itself to you.

If something feels like it is bringing you down to your sandy bottom: 

• Think of a time in your past when you faced adversity and came out strong. 

• Consider the skills you had to use or gained because of that time.

• Decide how to use those skills and create one small step to move forward 

• Think about what fear may hold you back, name it, and decide how you can work through it

• Remind yourself that you have people to support you through this and reach out to them

• Continue to remind yourself that you can do this!

Remember, like a cork submerged deep below the water, you will bob right back up from the challenge before you. The trick is to stay true to yourself and use your authentic voice to find your true north. 

To all those strong women who need a reminder. You can do this! If you need a little extra support getting to your goal, reach out, coaching can help.