Oh....YES you can

Say you can, you will.....say you can't...you won't.
Is it that simple? Hmmmm, maybe not quite. But this has worked for me, time and time again.

Throughout my creative journey I have always believed I 'could', even before I began, and it has served me well over the years.

If you simply believe that you CAN, you really CAN do amazing things in an extraordinary way. 

In my twenties I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I got married and had two kids by the time I was 23. The one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted kids, so it was an easy decision to make. In time, after the baby stage was over, I came back to the question, 'what am I going to do with my life?'

A few years later I decided I wanted to paint. I simply started painting...dove right in. I never did take a painting class; I just kind of faked it, til I made it. I had no idea where that painting would take me! The more I did, the more in love with the process I became. I started calling myself an artist early on. I think that belief, that clear intention, laid the groundwork for my future and allowed me to build a career with my art. Honestly, if you were a stranger looking in you would have thought, is she crazy... she's really not that good! But yet with great intentions, I made it happen. I managed to create a career around my art, a career that has helped support our family, a career doing something I love.

When I discovered photography I never once thought I couldn't do it. I just did it...forging ahead...learning as I went. When i finally decided to learn photoshop I dove in with both feet....simply believing I could.

Just the other day someone asked me: 'but how do you know how to do all this stuff?' And I simply answered 'Easy, I never doubt that I can, and I learn as I go.'
All the knowledge and inspiration we could ever need is at our fingertips; right in front of our eyes in just seconds. We don't even have to leave home. There really are no excuses.

I've watched my children struggle to find direction in their lives. Their biggest obstacle is a 'can't do' attitude, but I know one day they will discover that they really can. And for that, I can not wait!

Whatever you want in life, you can do it…. It may take hard work…there may be mountains to climb, obstacles to move....but it's completely doable. First you must believe you can.

Are you struggling with your photography? Do you think you can't take pretty pictures, or you can't get out of automatic mode, or you can't learn how to use the big, bad photoshop? 
You are right! As long as you feel that way….it will never happen. You gotta switch your thinking….. 

Now's the time, my friends…. It's almost 2012….. are you IN? Are you READY? Can you do it? Whatever it may be.....You can… I can… We can!!

Today I am giving away a spot in my new eCourse, Beyond Layers, a year of art full inspiration. 52 weeks of encouragement, motivation and inspiration……centered around, but so much more than photoshop……

I'm so excited to share this with the world. I'd love for you to be a part of it.

To enter please share with us your 'I can' statement for 2012.
In 2012.... I can…..
What is it you've been wanting to do? State it here…. and believe you can with all your heart. 
I will be right here, cheering you on!

*****

For more information about the Beyond Layers eCourse, click HERE. The give away winner will be announced at the bottom of this post on Saturday, December 31st at 12:00pm.

Update on Saturday, December 31, 2011 by Kim Klassen

The give away is closed.... But please continue sharing your 2012 'I cans" with us!

Thank you all so much for sharing so openly..... I'm excited for each and every one of us.....

The Beyond Layers eCourse winner is...... Tracy K. Tracy wrote 'I can believe in myself!' 

love that!! :)

Tracy, please message me so I can get you all set up!

Happiest 2012....xo, Kim

Comments

[Danielle]

Thank you for such a beautiful and inspiring post! I CAN live and love with my whole heart and I CAN capture moments that make people smile and move them to tears. I CAN use my photography as a force for good and help people. I can and I WILL!

[Chelle]

Kim, thankyou for sharing your inspiring thoughts, someone very close to me told me I would not make a career out of my photography, which is kind of upsetting because it tells me that they dont really believe in me. I am not sure that it will happen in 2012 but i do know it will eventually happen & that in 2012 I CAN make big strides to get there, I BELIEVE that I will because i found my passion & i LOVE it, It is just a matter of time, this journey I am on will lead me there. I would LOVE beyond layers to be part of my journey x

[gis]

Great post, I'm with you, I have achieved things in life following the same path... In 2012 I can change the things I don't like and push towards the ones I love, and this will nvolve learning much of the "evil" :-)! photoshop and enjoying my photography!

[Marcie]

Your story is always such an inspiration Kim. In 2012 - I'm hoping I 'can be brave' in everything I do!

[Malin]

I can be a photographer. I have a self made art and photography study plan set for the upcoming year and your post inspired me even more to follow that path. Thanks for your words.

[Jessie]

You are an inspiring mama! I often feel like I am the reason I am not moving forward with my photography. So...In 2012 I CAN improve my photography with more practice. I CAN stop being so shy and get out there with other people to learn from them. I CAN really wholeheartedly use Photoshop for my processing and learn more about it.
Thank you so much!

[Trevellion]

Like many people who create in whatever way I have reached a "doubting phase"........I'm so critical of the images I produce, I need to get back my "I CAN".

Your post today is such an inspiration, I have already learnt so much from you that I'm sure that in 2012 "I CAN" and" I WILL"

[LeAnne]

I am in Kim! I signed up for your course and I am soon excited!

[xanthe]

In 2012 I can make things happen.

Thanks Kim for everything you have done, can't wait to make things happen in 2012.

(miss you xxxx)

[Sara]

I CAN add more loyal clients in 2012!!

Thank you for that very timely post! I've been struggling with the "i can'ts" all day yesterday.

Sara
http://iamtheonewiththecamera.blogspot.com/

[Val Curtis]

Thank you for your inspiring post, I just bookmarked it. In the past, I had always invisioned I could do anything I set my mind to. Biologist, check. SCUBA Instructor, check. Island dweller, check. Teacher, check. Traveller with students, check. Mom, check check. Pause. I hit a roadblock where all I could be was mom. Time for growth. Time for change. Now I really want to work on my photography, so I set up a blog with monthly themes and I am going to post a picture a day and I am starting with Black and White images. I will need your post this year, so thank you. Join me on my journey to becoming better photographer. Happiest of New Years to you.
http://pictureaday2012.blogspot.com/

[Nicole L.]

I CAN do everything I need to be happy! Thank you for this post. It came at an amazing time (the Universe got my attention)!!!!

[karen]

That is just what I needed to hear as I go into 2012. I'm just beginning to learn photography and I've got to tell you it makes my heart and mind soar. I'm so happy when I'm outdoors shooting and capturing the beauty around me yet I know that I'm going to have to be more determined to get out of my comfort zone , face some fears and get more disciplined to take me where I want to be. But you are so right, I CAN DO IT. Thanks for your inspiration.

[lucy]

some people wait for guidance and permission to do things. that's never been an issue for me. i can, i may, i shall, i will! i love trying anything and everything!

[Janice]

In 2012 I can become a wedding photographer who will make her brides swoon!

[Joan Nova]

I'm inspired and mad at myself. I started 2011 with just this 'can do' attitude and a resolve to take my photography to the next level. And I lost my way. I got disappointed. I got frustrated. But, thanks to your post, I am now re-inspired.

I'm going to put your blog in my reader ... I know I'm going to like it here!

[Lelainia Lloyd]

Whether you believe you can or you can't, you are right.

I was raised by grandparents who instilled in me a hardcore "can-do" attitude-so much so that at 5 years old, I was repelling off gym equipment. It never occured to me that I couldn't.

My life mantra has always been "Anything is possible." and because of that, I've crossed alot of very cool stuff off my life's to-do list.

2011 was the year I discovered photography. It's been a year of enormous artistic growth for me. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!

[Becky Sue]

I am so inspired by your positive outlook. In 2012 I would like to be braver, take risks and find my path. I'd also like to learn to let go of the negativity. I CAN let go of the negativity. I NEED to be happy.

[linda henderson]

I CAN develop HDR skill in 2013!

[Sheila Cain-Sample]

I CAN expand my business, offer a new line of drawings...I CAN be fearless.

[prairiegirl]

ok, ok, mrs. klassen ... i know you were speaking to me when you said that i 'can' get out of automatic mode ... : ) ... and i will and can carry your completely encouraging words with me to strive to do it!
thanks, thanks ... love you to the moon ... always!
xxoo
pg

[Ida Johnston]

Live every day to it's fullest and dwell on the positive instead of the negative! I am positive I can continue learning every aspect of photography and just get better.

[Rachael Ice]

Gah, I LOVE Shutter Sisters...and I LOVE this post!

My oldest son often gets so frustrated when he "can't" do something, and I am often times trying to explain to him that if he says he can't, he can't, but if he says he can, he can and will. However, how is it that I fail to remember these words of wisdom for myself?

So, in 2012 I will love myself and respect myself and expect to respected in return.
In 2012 I will make the changes needed, in my photography business, to produce the images that *I* love...not the images that are trendy.
In 2012 I will communicate my vision.

THANK yOU!!

[Lori Lindsey]

After many, many years of not picking up a camera my husband bought me a new one last year for Christmas. I know this is what I'm supposed to do. I feel it in my being. However, that little voice tells me I can't, I'm too old to try, there are so many others that are better, on and on and on. At 46 I'm just learning to tell that voice to shut up. I can do it and I will. There's no reason to not at least try. Thank you Kim for all your encouragement and lessons. You've inspired me and so many others to just do it.

[Barbara]

In 2012.... I can…..be the authentic me I want to be... the me that is deep down inside, sheltered from the world...the me that yearns to come out and spread her wings and fly....the me that is true to herself in every moment...the me that craves creativity...the me who is optimistic to a fault.....the me who is positive and bright.... the me that is 'Suzy Sunshine' not 'Debbie Downer'.... the me that has been repressed by circumstances internal and external who wants to emerge into the light.... as my most authentic self.... This is the year I can and will be ME!

[Denise]

growing up my mom always said there is no such word as "can't ". that was a great lesson from her....thanks for your inspiration always!

[Cheryl]

Your post is encouraging! My "I Can" statement for this next year:
I can can go confidently in the direction of of my dreams and live the life I've imagined.
This began for me in 2011 and I am so excited about 2012~

[Debbie E]

I CAN and WILL learn Small Auto repairs!! I got divorced in 2002 and have learned home repairs and im convinced I can do some of my own repairs. I WILL LEARN HOW TO!! my son works on cars a lot but I wanna take a class. I want someone to teach me what im looking at,tho since the divorce I know a LOT more about cars!! I want to be able to to do MORE on my own!!! Being able to do my own home repairs empowers me and I wanna feel that way with my car too!!!

[teresa]

Woo hoo . . . just what I needed to hear Kim xxxx

[busymomma66]

I can believe in myself and take steps forward to make the necessary changes to do what I want with my life. I can be brave in the face of the fears I have of not being enough.

[carmen]

After 43 years of trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, I have found that I knew deep down what it was my entire life. Photography has always been a part of me. I had to rediscover it, go digital, find myself in each shot. I also went back to school. I used to be a writer in my youth. It took me years to find that love again and expand on it. No matter how hard I try to fit into a certain mold, my creative mind keeps pulling me out. Not sure why I've been fighting it for so long -- I wouldn't want to make it too easy on myself right? So this year, right now, I claim my creative half of my brain. I call myself artist and writer. I will, this year 2012 honor the talents the Creator put inside me. Thanks for sharing your story and your art with all of us. Happy New Year!

[Gale Wall]

I'm already registered for the 2012 journey...so I CAN begin to do the things I dream about with my photography.... I realized I am what stands in my own way and must make the time because no one else can do that part for me. Thank you for inspiring me!

[Stephanie]

lovely post! I CAN be the best Stephanie I can possibly be - I can be anything I want to be when I "grow up"!

[MaryHLovesLucy]

I CAN learn to shoot in manual mode and learn to use the Lensbaby lens I just ordered! If I can't shoot manual the lens won't work on my camera... I CAN do it!!

[Samantha]

Kim, you are so inspiring!
I can finish school and get my diploma! I can make my dreams come true! I can live fully every day! I can trust everything will work out!

[Maria]

In 2012 . . . I can pack away ANYand ALL self-doubt with the rest of the Christmas decorations and this time next year be wowed by my accomplishments.

[d]

I can find a new place to live. I can. I can find the time and find the place and pack the boxes and I can move. I can stop blaming the "not doing" on the lack of space. I can find a place I can afford. I can make it mine. I can find it.

Whew!!! Just writing those words out loud helped!!!!

[Olivia]

I CAN create, be successful at and contribute to our family expenses doing what I love through my photography, my creative arts and my writing. What I CAN NOT do is wait one more year to fulfill these dreams.

[MLRutledge]

I CAN get out of bed in the morning! I CAN fight depression and win with my camera by my side.

[Katie]

So much inspiration this morning. Thank you.
I am looking so forward to 2012. I CAN take my love for photographing others to a new level. I am looking so forward to the journey.

[Jill]

I CAN allow my crafting to evolve into my art without needing to justify it. I Can wait for it to evolve as the demands of my motherhood may often come first. I CAN trust that the desire that burns in my heart to create is from God and I can be patient and look to Him to bring it about and give me direction. :) (Kind of fun to put it down in words)

[Julie]

I can achieve my dreams, even when I dream big!

[Bettina]

I CAN win the course. Is that selfish? Maybe, but my initial thought was 'Why post, I won't win'. So let's start it here and now. I CAN WIN THIS PRISE. and I CAN become a better photographer. And I can be happier!! Love you Kim. Thanks!

[Jeannie N.]

In 2012 I can commit. "Commit" is my word for this next year. I'm not forcing myself to start something new, not setting a deadline to finish projects. I'm simply fully committing to whatever and however I choose to spend my time. And photography is at the top of that list!

[Cheri]

In 2012 I CAN focus on one thing at a time, not overcommit myself, improve my health, my photography skills, and enjoy my creativity.

[Barb Phillips]

I CAN do more. I CAN give back. I CAN share. My love of photography has brought me to the point that I need to do more to give back and share with others so that they to can catch the photo vision and move past their comfort zone. I CAN be a work in progress one day at a time on this.

[Sherry]

I CAN put more of an effort towards my personal goals, not letting everything else push them to the bottom. I made progress in 2011, but believe in 2012 I CAN do beter.
Also good to hear I'm not the only one in the same situation.

[Megan]

I can... grow more.

[Shawna]

In 2012 I can change jobs to one which nourishes my soul, not just my bank account.

[Pamela Schafer]

Kim, thank you so much for your inspiration and for this opportunity. How marvelous it would be to have this mentorship!!! I had been listless and melancholy....dealing with an empty nest and what to do with myself. I needed direction and a new focus. I have worked 2-3 jobs most of my life. I never thought much about it. I just did what had to be done. We were finally in a position for me to work from home when my husband bought me my first Canon DSLR. It has been exhilarating! It's like I am brand new! My philosophy is "It's hard to grumble when you're grateful!!!" If I am fortunate enough to be chosen I assure you that I will give it my whole heart :) ♥ Thanks again.