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

[Lisa]

Goal for 2012 is to finish all my online courses:) Would love to add this one too.

[leaca]

I can challenge myself in 2012

[Lissa @ lafcustomdesigns]

Thanks for the challenge, Kim. One thing I've learned in my life is that when I know what I want and I put my mind to it, I CAN do it. I CAN achieve what I set out to do. Right now the goal is to find a full-time job. In the meantime, I'm having a grand time pursing my photography and will have an Etsy shop set up soon!!

[Pat Y.]

I love this...thank you! I CAN move forward, I CAN succeed, I CAN take the first step in the right direction. I WILL!

[Linda Willets]

Thank you Kim. I know as a artist I can & will grow in 2012. I will explore new ways to stretch and grow as a artist.

[Lacey Bittner]

Thank you for your inspiration!! You are amazing!

[tamara]

i CAN document 2012...i can write about it, photograph it, meditate on it, and enjoy the journey. day by day.

[claudia]

I'm on the brink of 50! Yet I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I felt like a newbie at a lot of things durning the 49th year of my life... it's never too late!!! So I know I can continue to build my photography business & be successful in 2012 :D Thanks Kim for always inspiring ♥

[Lynn]

I agree 100%. If you think you can, it will happen. Thanks for the reminder!

[Darlene]

In 2012 - I CAN continue my journey with my bald head held high and laughter in my soul - I will turn my story into a book to inspire others!!!!
I CAN attend Shutter Sisters Camp in 2012 - Please let there be one!!

You ROCK Kim - as I have said many times - love you textures and your stories!! you are one amazing woman

[stacy (the aunt with gum)]

Thanks for such beautifully illustrated inspiration!
In 2012, I CAN explore new directions with my photography as a career.

[Kathy]

I can make it happen.

[Laura]

I can still be a loving caring mom and wife and NOT lose sight of me. Thanks, Kim, for the encouragement. I've already signed up and can't wait for the class!!

[Paula]

I can learn to sew and make wonderful art with my paints, words and photographic images.

[Jeanne]

What an inspiring story! I am a believer in the "can do" attitude. I took my first ballet class ever at age 23, and I've worked my way up to the advanced class. I've even performed on stage!

In 2012, I can become a photographer!

[Sandee]

In 2012, I CAN take photos in Raw & learn to process them in Photoshop!

[shirley]

Wow, such an inspiring post.
We fill ourselves with doubt, don't we. Thank you for reminding me to shed that doubt away.

My I Can for 2012 - complete my first marathon!

[Summer]

Thank you for this incredible post. For the inspiration. For the reminder that. . . yes, I can.

I just had my third baby, making our family complete. I long to stay home full time rather than working two days like I have been doing. In the back of my mind the thought has been "can I make my passions (photography, writing, women's issues) a career that allows me to stay home?" This post gives me courage and changes my statement. . . "I CAN make my passions into a career that allows me to stay home. I CAN."

Thank you.

[Rosie Grey]

You are always an inspiration, Kim! In 2012 I can learn to let go of my perfectionism...

[Colette]

I can enjoy going to work every day and feeling energetic, creative, embraced, safe, healthy, respected and valued.

[Nancy Lennon]

I can be ahppy wherever I am. I can take amazing photos to uplift others. I can find new wonderful friends in all locations.
Peace...Nancy Lennon

[Katie]

I can figure out what I want to do with my life...one step at a time.

[Gloria]

Everyone said I CAN'T....all the ones close to me said this over and over again...Day by Day I am proving I CAN ....keeping score I am ahead in the things that THEY said I CAN'T. I'm winning this battle not to prove them wrong, just to prove I'm worth the fight.
Thank You.

[Lindsay]

Kim, you are such a genuine and inspirational person. In 2012, I CAN and will create beautful images with my camera.

[Jody]

I CAN believe in me! I CAN achieve my dreams! I CAN win a seat in this class!

[Pat Mark]

Inspiring as always Kim. You are right. My favorite story as a child was the "Little Engine That Could", of course I didn't get the message at that time but it is so true. If you think you can you CAN. I can....................let go of self doubt and start looking for ways to make my way as an artist, and do it proudly. Thank you for a great year and I am looking forward to the next year of Kim Klassen inspiration!!

[Carolynne]

I CAN become more than just my daughter's Mom. I CAN have my OWN identity again!

[Elaine]

I *can* learn to use my Nikon D3100 :~)

[Kimberly K.]

Thank you! I love this idea ...

In 2012, I can be more patient with children.
In 2012, I can run a half marathon.
In 2012, I can be a painter.
In 2012, I can be brave.
In 2012, I can do the things that make me happy.

[Ai]

I CAN find peace and happiness in solitude.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ailovesthis/6589038089/

[Jules]

In 2012, I CAN use my Photoshop instead of being afraid of it. I get so overwhelmed. I CAN tackle that fear. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Jade]

I can be happy this year.

[Denise Hernandez]

2012 is going to be the year that I CAN. I have in the past, and I know I can do it again. This has been a tough and very sorrowful year and I have closed myself down. I lost my beautiful 45-year-old sister to an aneurysm, then my faithful 10-year-old dog had to be put down, and just this very month by beautiful horse EZ was taken from me by colic. Never think that horses are not therapy animals, because she saved me many of times from just crawling in bed and giving up. There is nothing as special as getting on a horse and flying through the pastures, it is Godlike. I had been an avid photographer in my 20's, and something has drawn me back. I have been following Kim Klassan, Florabella, and found your beautiful website. All the inspiration is drawing me in. After EZ passed, I went out and bought a new Nikon on a whim. Been engrossed in the websites and all the beauty within, and I think that I am ready for a new beginning. So, YES I CAN year 2012. You are my new challenge. Creativity here I come.....

[Tamar]

Thank you so much Kim for this post. I needed it today. in 2012 I can overcome my challenges and little voices inside my head to JUST DO IT! I feel I have already overcome some by simply picking up the camera at the beginning of the year and allowing myself to go forward and take pictures, each and every day. Now I look back and I feel proud as I did it, yay! Happy New Year to you!

[Meghan @ Life Refocused]

Thank you, Kim. You are light and love. In 2012, I CAN spread my creative wings. I CAN take flight on my creative dreams. I CAN be on the journey.

[Toma]

"You gotta switch your thinking". How true.

I CAN inspire others, I CAN give of myself fully, I CAN learn to see my worth.

...and I WILL.

[kimB from Alaska]

I CAN -- become the woman, wife, mother, friend, photographer, artist -- that GOD has called me to be. All I have to do is get out of my own way and move forward.

Thank you, Kim, for your always-encouraging posts. You inspire us in many creative ways, but even more so, you inspire us to be real ~ with ourselves ~ and with the world around us.

New Year's Blessings on you, my friend <3

[Jenn]

My intention for 2012 is to increase my level of attention to the present, so my "can" is: I can be more engaged in every moment! Seeing the moment fully and capturing it via photography, in addition to increasing some other positive habits (more yoga, more meditation) will help serve this intention!

[Irene]

Wow! Just the kick in the butt I needed :) I have so much change coming my way in 2012.... having a positive attitude is certainly only going to help! I would love to win this prize - I am in the midst of deciding where my photography will take me and how far I can/want to go with it... I am starting to feel like "I can have it all - family life, work life and a personal life!" Thanks for the inspiration!!

[Wendy Ginn]

There are lots of I CAN's for 2012 for me...I turned 40 in late 2011 so I have decided on some things that I WILL DO because I CAN DO it!! I can take my photography business to the next level by having the willpower and the belief in myself to do so...my husband has helped me a lot with that realization-I love him for all the support! I CAN be a better friend and CAN get in touch with the friends I haven't spoken to in quite a while. I CAN encourage my children to be risk-takers..I CAN be the best grandmother that I CAN be, since we will be grandparents in April....
Thanks again for the encouragement to say to myself that I CAN do this!

[Alicia]

I CAN continue to create and build my world in 2012 around just that word: CREATE. I CAN do it. Thank you Kim for being such an inspiring person.

[suzanne]

Hey Kim, thanks so much. This is a great time to reflect and then let go of some things to go forward. So my 'I Can' decrees are:- I can get past my stuff, my hurts, my bruises,and my grief and live a happy and generous and prosperous life.
I can move past my limitations and the labels that I have been placed on me by others and by myself. I can live an overcoming life not being defined by my failures and my weaknesses but being defined by who God says I am and who He created me to be.
I can grow, give, arise and smile.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
I can be me and that is good!
Blessings and love
Suzanne

[Sharon]

Thank you for your inspiring website and words. I just discovered photography and love my DSLR - its such a new and exciting world. This is the year I will turn off the "auto" feature and explore the results through the lens. I can learn to adapt and grow! Thanks for offering your course and chance to win.

[Juliana]

After being inspired by the blogs I follow, I CAN and will start my photography blog January 1,2012.

[Kaia Kegley]

I CAN (and will) celebrate the little wins and dream big. One little win is mastering off camera lighting and one big dream is getting my photography business off the ground. Look out 2012, it's going to be a good year.

[Linda]

Oh, thank you Kim! Your post is an inspitation! I've always belived that quote and find myself to be my own worst enemy. For 2012 I can step out of my comfort zone, I will step out of my comfort zone! I will stretch my wings and see how far I fly!

[Kelly]

oh yes I can is right!!!! i'm SO excited for the Beyond Layers to start...have the perfect journal, colorful pens and dreams aplenty!!! This class came at the perfect time Kim.....You are the PERFECT person to teach this...yIPPEE!!

[slmnontec]

I can become healthier this year.

[Melaine Galloway]

Phillipians 4:13 " I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength." When I've come to the end of who I am & what I can do in and of myself, HE is there. When I feel that I can't move one foot in front of the other, His strength carries me through. When my fleshly understanding fails, He is there with the wisdom. The "ALL" means all. The things....whatever they are......they are never too big, too hard, too far, or too wide for Him. "And He who began a GOOD WORK in you will be faithful to complete it!" Love to you. Strength to you. And most of all, PEACE to you, KIM,
in the midst of the storm. Praying all these things for you right now!

[Nathalie]

Thanks so much for inspiration and encouragement. I am amazed at how your stories of success, failure, renewal, trials, and challenges with your son are so similar to my own. Thanks for sharing your heart and talent.

I am a full time artist - with a camera in one hand and paint brush in the other.

In 2012 I can take my art and photography to the next level. I can grow and expand in skill and knowledge. in 2012 I can find my niche, my voice, and my audience. In 2012 I can acquire the skills and technology needed to create art and photography that will leave a legacy. In 2012 I can and will find successful gallery representation.

With All My Art!