I Am, I Will

  One of the most quoted sayings from the great philosophers is the one by Emmanuel Kant, "I think, therefore I am."  He didn't give himself any labels.  He just affirmed the bedrock fact of his existence.  As I have observed people over the years I have come to believe that a person can fail to make that basic "I am." decision.  A person can fail to know that the center of their life, their existence, is in themselves, and not dependent on the labels given by others.  Those labels can be powerful.  They can be empowering or toxic.  But they can be received selectively.  If you choose to think of yourself as smart you will find yourself acting in ways that will cause others to think of you as smart.  If you choose to think of yourself as kind you will do kind things without having to worry about it.  Leave certain labels behind and take up the ones that are good for you.  Make the "I am." decision and be comfortable with yourself. Instead of saying "I am a dummy" you will say, "This is something I don't know, but I have the power to find out what I need to know.  I am smart enough to conquer this, to ask questions, to experiment, to learn.  I will do this."  When you have made the "I ma." decision you do not fear mistakes or failure the way others do.  They are simply indications of what doesn't work and give you a chance to try something else.  So put on Your Smart Hat, make the I Am decision and take on the world.