I believe I can

Have you ever told your child he or she couldn't do something?

I was at the pool the other day with my 7 year old who came running over to me. She said, "Mommy, I want to jump off the high diving board but I can't until I take the test. I am ready to take the swim test. I know I can do it." I said, "Baby that's something you do in the beginning of the day not the end. We have been here three hours and your tired there is no way you can do it now." I looked at my little girls face and realized I just told her she couldn't do something. Her mother, the one who preaches to people all day long that anything is possible. My little girl looked up at me and said, "You told me I could do anything if I believe I can and I believe I can."

I got tears in my eyes because my little girl teaches me lessons daily. I said, "Kaylee I believe in you too and I know you can. Let's do it."

I watched my little girl jump in the pool as the life guard came over to do the swim test. She had to swim 2 laps and then trend water for 1 min without taking a break.

About a lap and a half in she looked at me and shook her head and started swimming towards the wall to give up. I had been cheering her on and running along side her the whole time and I wasn't about to let her give up so easy. I said, "Kaylee I will not allow you to give up because I know you can do this! You have a half a lap to go! Now Kick those legs and get to the other side!!! You are the best!" The two lifeguards were stunned. My little not only speed up to finish the lap but she then trended water for 1 minute as I cheered her on. She got out of the pool tired but smiling. We gave each other the biggest high five ever.

Then I pointed to the diving board and said, "Your Trophy awaits you lil champion." She gave me a squeeze and then went running over.

As I watched her jump off, I realized opportunities to make a difference are all around us and usually they are found in the little things. Everything we say and do matters. I would never again doubt my little girl when she tells me she was ready for something. My rockstar warrior heart goes BADA BOOM for my little girl