Daily Prompt- Capable

You are capable of anything you put your mind to.

My mother and I seldom agreed on many things, however, there were two concepts that she taught me and they have stayed and gotten me through many hard, frustrating, anxiety-ridden times.

Mom’s quote # 1

“Always ask, all they can say is ‘no’.”

Mom’s quote #2

“You will never know unless you try.”

Actually,  if you look at what she says they look like they mean the same thing and in a way they do.   But for me, a very quiet child, who was very submissive I wouldn’t speak up.  I would never ask for anything.  It would take a lot of courage for me to approach someone to ask to participate in a social club, to ask questions or ask for help in school.  Guess what, this quote, I still struggle with.  I think it just goes against my nature to ask for anything. I don’t ask for help.  I do know my limits at work and know when to ask for assistance on a project when I don’t know something. But, in my personal life, it is a continuing battle.  I guess, that the second message made more of an impact on me.

I alway try to do for myself.  I never know if I can do something unless I try. I never know if I am capable of a task at hand or learning something unless I give it the best effort possible.

I believe that a person’s capabilities can surprise them.  Often times they underestimate themselves and don’t give themselves enough credit. I think what happens is we listen to that negative speak we often to do ourselves.  Now, I’m not one of the perky, positive, everything is hunky-dory in the world people.  In fact, I’m quite the opposite.  I wouldn’t say I’m a pessimist either.  I do consider myself a realist.  I do know, though, my capabilities are only limited by my determination.  The determination to experience life, not to watch it.  The determination to do as much as possible as I can, although I have limits, I now pace myself and make things possible this way.  The determination to learn as much about my illness, about what it takes to achieve goals I have set in life.  The determination to stay as active as I can, even if some days it’s  only getting out of bed and taking a shower.

Continuing to learn, wanting to learn, wanting to experience, doing instead or just saying you are going to do something, all these things improve your capability to do more. You learn to overcome anxiety because you have taught yourself to be prepared for things. You learn to gather your courage because you have tried and failed, but know that it is only a matter of time until you succeed.  You learn to be independent and endure hardships because you have gone through the fire. You learn to love when you find that special partner that accepts you for who you are and not the facade you present to the world.

With every experience and every desire you have in you, you grow, your capabilities grow and increase.  I admit my illnesses have at times, influenced my attitude and my strength of spirit and body.  Sometimes I feel my capabilities have been compromised, but this is where those experiences come into realization. I know what I need to do to make a full and satisfying life.  I know how to eat to alleviate pain. I know when to come out of the cold, when to stay out of florescent lighting.  I know I can enjoy the night. I know which foods I can enjoy, I know what times of year the temperature is best for me to travel. I know now, from experience, just how much I am capable of when I travel alone.  I know I can’t go with tours because I can’t keep up with them, I need to go much slower. So I prepare. I learn about the cities and locations before I go. I make maps and lists.  I make time for naps. I enjoy the frequent stops at the outdoor cafes to rest and chat with the locals.

So, are you ready to really find out what you are capable of doing with your life? Do you want more out of your life?  I did, I do and I will have more because I am capable.

Thanks Mom