What Is “Can’t?” Joy Squashed by One Word!
A word that has become ever-present in the American dialogue is “can’t.” Many of us use this word, this contraction, throughout the day. Yet, we do not seem to realize the effect this simple contraction has on our attitude. It inculcates a negativity in our vocabulary and cements a defeating reaction to all instances in life. The “dark shadow” of past literary characters has transcended and we have become the dark shadow dragging through life.
We have lost the zest and excitement in the world. We have heard from others and have reinforced in our own minds, “I can’t.” I have been wondering about this phenomena that has overtaken our lives, our speech, our thoughts and our minds. Where did this negative roadblock come from?
Growing up in a family of non-stop doers, I learned early in life the true meaning of “can’t.” Whenever I was feeling down and defeated, and uttered out loud “I can’t,” my dad would chime in with “can’t means don’t want to.” He would then ask me to choose: either I wanted to complete the project or task, or I did not. “Never say I can’t!”
This simple lesson from my father has helped me through many of life’s challenges. The change in perspective has strengthened my resolve and trained me to look at the world through a positive “can do” lens. I have passed along this quaint mantra to many friends, customers, and especially my own children. Success at anything begins with the attitude. Glory is not meant for the big events only, it can also be present in the little ones.
The true moral of this story is the sharing of some wisdom from a man who I loved very much. He passed away in 2009, leaving a legacy of memories etched in my heart.
This article is written in honor of my dad for Father’s Day. Thanks to him, my trials have become triumphs just because “I can.”
Happy Father’s Day Dad!
