So much on our plates. So many new territories. So many opportunities to walk, run and fly … and to fall. And to get back up to try again – all while grooming the same approach to life in our kids.

Sweet MOAT Leslie agreed to let me share this and the poem that her grandfather encouraged her to memorize:

Going Gets ToughThis week I’ve witnessed people all around me—friends, business associates, sons, customers, and clients—doing hard things: Stepping in to something new. Standing up in the midst of their fear. Speaking out when they weren’t certain their voice would be heard.

Their courage reminds me of the poem my Grandpa shared when I was in elementary school. He challenged me to memorize it—which I did—and call upon it over the years—which I have. Here’s to you, my get-it-done friends

It Couldn’t Be Done
By Edgar Albert Guest
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done
But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it!

Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it;”
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat
And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure,
There are thousands to point out to you one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing
That “cannot be done,” and you’ll do it.

Here’s to adding our name to the “get it done” ranks and grooming a generation to do the same. And here’s to the benefits of memorizing poetry (and Scripture). You never know when it will come in handy – no matter your age.

Thanks, Leslie … and thanks for walking the road with me.

-Kay

 Need inspiration? Watch Rion – who has undoubtedly traveled a road paved with “cannot be done”s.

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