(Recycled tin cans - from studio scraps to stylish storage)
"A little railroad engine was employed about a station yard for such work as it was built for, pulling a few cars on and off the switches..." and so begins the tale of a little blue engine who faced a very big task that those larger, more powerful, and better equipped than he refused to do for fear of failure. This story is about the value of optimism and hard work. In some ways it is a metaphor for reaching our goals and dreams.
(Achieving a stylish, inspiring, and organized studio on shoe string budget has been a big dream of mine)
Many times the path to achievement looks too difficult, like the steep grade the rail cars needed to be pulled up and over, so we don't even try. In order to make it over difficult terrain much effort is going to have be exerted to get to the desired destination. We have to be agreeable to the struggle to get there. We have to be like the little engine that could, harboring a positive attitude to think that we can.
(At times it has seemed impossible and discouraging)
While he was small and seemingly inadequate for the task he was willing to try. He was reaching to overcome what appeared to be impossible odds while repeating the mantra, "I think I can, I think I can..." He did not make excuses as to why he could not meet the challenge or be up for the task. He did not refuse to try despite his inadequacies or inexperience. He positioned himself in the forefront with bravery. He got up his momentum and kept puffing along, faster and faster, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..."
(I have been trying to keep my momentum, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...)
And just when he could clearly see his goal in sight, suddenly he started to lose steam. Progress began to go more slowly, which is where discouragement often sets in. It is almost at the pinnacle when we so often give up. This is when we have to draw on that positive attitude and belief in ourselves and our abilities. It is where we find out if we really have the staying power to reach outside our comfort zone into the unknown where goals are met and dreams come true.
(There were days when I would lose steam and want to forfeit the dream, too much work)
Sometimes it takes much longer than we think it should. Our progress is impeded in some way, there are interruptions in our daily lives and schedules that hinder progress. Obstacles surmount and we gradually give up and slide back down the grade letting the dream fade, sighing and thinking, "Would that not have been lovely, Oh well, I guess it was not meant to be."
(By keeping my eyes on the prize, the view from the top, I have chugged on)
Do you give up or do you chug on?
(Sifting through disturbing mess to feeling incredibly blessed)
Do you think you can?
(Not letting the overall work at hand interrupt the flow of creativity)
I know you can!
(I have just about untangled myself from stressed out mess to place of creative rest)
If you could do something and know you would not fail what would it be?
(PART 2 CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE)
P.S. I was inspired to make these simple cost effective supply storage cans after seeing the ones that Sonya (Counting My Blessings) made HERE. Thanks Sonya for a great idea!
