Start with “Of course I can” and go from there.  Are you thinking “Ok, ‘Of course I can … What’?”  Well, my friend, that is up to you.  But you can do it, whatever it is you focus your mind and heart and efforts on to accomplish.

Let me start with this week’s conclusions:

• The power of positive thought is remarkable. And if we pay attention, we see obstacles disappearing.
• We can make time for the things that are important to us.
• The Holidays are a busy and wonderful time, and they can also be an opportunity for positive change.

I spent 10 hours alone in the car last week, on a brief but important road trip to Ohio for my uncle’s funeral.  He was a good man.

At first, I did not know if I would be able to attend since life is busy with family, work and the holidays.  I was able to attend, though, because of my awesome family and because God cleared the obstacles.  It really was amazing.

If I had focused on all the reasons why I should not go, well, then, I would not have gone.  Instead, I focused on how to make the trip happen, and it happened.  Try it.  Start with “Of course I can                “ instead of “No way, I can’t                              , not in December or today or at this age”.  And see how differently you feel.

We make time for the things that are important to us.  What is important to you?  My niece took an honors placement exam very early this past Saturday at her (hopefully) future university, then drove 2 hours home in time for a Choir performance.  Because both were important enough to make time for.  My son was double-booked last week with a volleyball tournament and dress rehearsals for a play, but he handled it all, with help, because it is all important.

What is important to you?  Really important?  Now figure out how to make time for it.

As often happens with lone road trips, I sing loudly, say a rosary, listen to a book on tape, then I let my brain mull over challenges I am facing.

• Holiday party planning?  Check
• Christmas Dinner menu?  Done.
• To-Do List?  Check, check.
• Idea for presentation next week?  Yep, check.
• New promotional ideas.  Done.
• Other projects for December – get through my professional and personal reading back-log… ummm….
• Stratetgy to get back on track with weight and wellness?  Ummmm…….

Screeching halt (thoughts, not car).  I am driving through Northern Indiana, eating Mike and Ikes, watching the sunset. Professional Reading Project?  Healthy eating?  In December?  All the reasons why these would not work zipped through my brain.

Who has the time?  For work or health?  What about all the parties?  And the holiday foods?  And it’s cold outside!   I should eat more salads, but I don’t like eating salads or exercising outside (as preferred) in the winter.

However, I get frustrated with clients and friends who take the whole month of December off from making positive progress. So, learning from recent experience, I looked at the situation though the lenses of “Of Course I Can” and “removing the obstacles”.

Reading project?  in December?  Why not?  Nothing new on TV, might as well read!

And healthy eating?  Why not?  I make the menus, I can certainly add healthier items.  The parties we’re attending?  I can eat lighter through the day, or be more selective at the parties.

Who has the time?  Well, we could walk to school and to run errands, instead of driving.  And it’s not that cold yet!  Obviously I can find the time when something is important enough.

I started positive change that moment, last week, on that very drive home.  I put away the Mike & Ikes, and ate my apple instead.  And I did NOT stop for fast food for dinner, but waited 2 hours to eat healthy at home.  And today, I made a crock pot of minestrone soup minus the pasta, to replace salads for lunches this week.

So my challenge to you this week is to fill in the blank for yourself:  “Of course I Can                              “.  And see how far a positive outlook can take you.  Remember:

• The power of positive thought is remarkable. And if we pay attention, we see obstacles disappearing.
• We can make time for the things that are important to us.
• The Holidays are a busy and wonderful time, but they can also be a time for positive change.