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

[Tracy K.]

I can believe in myself!

[Trisha]

I can learn how to expertly use my camera.

[Suzie Puetz]

I've always known I CAN do whatever I want, I just didn't know what I wanted to do. This year I realized I WANT to do photography, and I did! For 2012 I CAN live life with my whole heart and put my whole self into my art. I CAN commit my year learning all that I can take in. Thank you for your inspiring words - they are ones to live by.

[Denise Powers Fabian]

I CAN live 2012 immersed in a spirit of gratitude, i.e., thanksgiving and grace, Eucharisteo, even when the mystery of God's goodness fails the logic of man.

[brigid]

this would be a great experience for me!

[Diane Imfeld]

Because of life circumstances, I have not picked up my camera in the past 6 months. However, participating in your Photoshop Essentials course, using textures, viewing the members creations and reading your posts ignited a spark in me...the desire the take photos again.

Then, my daughter wrote Santa a letter and copied me. I am sharing a portion of what she wrote: "Make it so that my mother find her self-confidence. I know it can't be given as a gift, but would you please give her the courage to find her way back to being self-confident and get out shooting again."

I've been journaling every morning since Christmas Eve and the following is what I wrote this morning.

"It's up to me to continue. It's up to me to live in gratitude. But, most importantly, I can appreciate my self and my giftedness. I must focus on my dreams and aspirations and use my own settings to capture the beauty of all that presents itself to me. I CAN do it! I know I can do it!"

[Susan R]

I can emerge beyond what I am today.

[Lori Moon]

Beautiful post, thank you for the inspiration. I CAN believe, I CAN live an intentional life, I CAN be an artist. I know I CAN!

[Wendy T.]

In 2012, I can dedicate time and energy to my passion because it is worth it!!!

Thanks for this, Kim. Your can-do attitude is wonderful and I'm hoping it will rub off on me. I know it can!

[Holly {Soupatraveler}]

oh kim, you gave me the words i needed to hear today, for 2012, I can FOCUS. That's it. I can focus on the projects that matter the most & get them done. And I can get paid to travel ; ) xoxoxo

[Bettye L. Rainwater]

I can count on myself.

[Shelley]

Kim, what an inspiring post for those of us who sometimes wallow too long in I CAN'T instead of fighting for what we know WE CAN do. In 2012 I CAN move to the next level in both my photography and creative writing. With the help of women like you and the other members of Shutter Sisters and Big Picture Classes I have regained confidence in my photography skills and know that I CAN create beautiful art that will help me, but most importantly will bring a smile to the faces of those who view it. I CAN move beyond the many obstacles I place in my path and this year I CAN make a positive change in my life.
Thank you all for inspiring such a CAN DO attitude in us all! Happy Holidays, wishing you all a CAN DO 2012!

[meadowlarkdays]

Great reminders! So many things I know I should do, but I'm going to commit to this statement: I can take care of my busy toddler and still make time for my art and writing! It is possible. I know it is.

[Sandy]

I can and will improve my photography!

[Sarah L]

I CAN call myself a photographer this year, and I CAN start sharing my art with other people this year.

[patti]

In 2012 . . . I can find peace -- to be comfortable in my own skin and be confident that I CAN DO IT!

Thanks for your words of inspiration.

[Karen]

I've spent a large part of my life not just saying "I can't", but being afraid to even try. Then six years ago I lost a dear friend to cancer - she was just 53, the age I am now. When Sue died, it woke something in me - a 'what am I waiting for' kind of feeling. No more "I can't" for me. I can (and did) do that photography day I'd always dreamed of, I can (and do) share my photos with the world, I am learning PS (thanks to you, Kim), I can draw (and will get back to it in 2012!) My steps have been small ones, but each one I take makes the next one easier.
In 2012 I CAN be more creative, I CAN improve my photography, I CAN sell my pictures...........I CAN do anything I wish to!

[Ellie A.]

In 2012 I will show my kids it really OK to chance after your dreams with hard work. Thanks so much for amazing chance.

[Susan]

I am inspired! Great timely post. I am ready to take my photography further this year.

[Rosie]

I CAN be happy with all that I have and accept whatever comes my way. If it's negative I CAN overcome it and find a way through - my life WILL be better this year...
And a lot of that is due to you Kim, for sharing what you have been through and shining your light into our hearts. I am so grateful to have found you and learned so much with you already! I'd LOVE a spot in your class!
Thank you and a happy New Year! =)

[Pat]

I decided to give myself a break and forgive myself (or at least try) for past transgressions. I made a coffre-des-affirmations (chest of affirmations) - you can find the details on my blog at the url above.

Happy New Year, Kim. I hope it's filled with love, joy, peace and creativity!

[Wanda]

I know I can because I have, many times over, succeeded at challenges where initially and often in progress I doubted I would make it to the end. But determination, one foot in front of the other, really does win the day, and the triumph, however simple or stupendous, fuels the "I can" attitude for the next challenge.

[riette]

I am taking your quote: 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. This will be my 2012 words to live by - I love to read your blog and try to do all the free classes that you offer - I have learnt a lot from you. Can not subscribe to your beyond layers class - for me it will mean $52 x R8.20 for the class - but i can still follow your blog and learn from you. thanks for all the inspiration. Happy New Year to your and your family. hugs

[Denise L.]

I can put myself first in the matter of treasuring myself. I often tell myself I can't take time for myself because someone else needs help more, primarily my kids and the struggles we face with them. I know I can take my camera off auto mode. I also know I can complete a 5k in 2012 .

[Vinni]

I can stop crying over what I don't have and start smiling over - yes, "over"...I like the thought of hovering over the beauty in my life - what I do have. I never thought of my camera as the way up before, but...

[kam]

Thank you for the inspiration. I can take time for something I enjoy and not feel guilty. Here,s to 2012!

[rachaelmarie]

in 2012 i can believe in myself and accomplish the things that i am afraid to want out loud.

[Kim P]

I love this post and it resonates with me so much. I am very much a learn-as-I-go person and tend to dive in but at the same time, I have hesitated to call myself a Photographer because I do not have a full-time photography business and sort of felt like I have not earned the title. My can do for 2012: I can call myself a Photographer and I can be confident in my work. We will see what happens!

[lisa s]

I can make my dreams come true.

[Michelle]

I am so looking forward to the New Year...This is the year I am going to change my life and I Can.

[Vicki O.]

I CAN let go of self doubt and accomplish things I never thought were possible.

[Robin N.]

I can see my work as others see it & gain the confidence to grow my business into my full-time job.

[Vicki]

I CAN learn my camera and get out of AUTO MODE! I can, I can, I can!! Now, where's that manual? (Thanks for the giveaway, very generous!!)

[Marilyn Johnson]

A beautiful and inspirational post. You class sounds wonderful. In 2012 I can become more focused and live life with intention. I can become a better photographer, make time to be creative and take better care of myself. Thank you for the chance to win!

[joey]

I CAN get in shape this year. It might not sound like it's related to photography, but I could take selfies that I'm that much more proud of and climb the highest mountains to get the best views.

[Cathy Bueti]

Hi Kim!

What an amazing post! Excited for this chance to win a spot in your new class! Thanks for this wonderful opportunity.

For 2012 I can be FEARLESS !! That may just be my word for the year!

:)

[Louise]

I CAN lose weight and get fit
I am creative and I CAN make art
I CAN do a great job shooting my friends wedding this year

[T]

I CAN recover from a broken heart. I CAN move forward with my life and learn how to live a full life with my two beautiful daughters. I CAN have an amazing 2012 and acknowledge that 2011 was full of hurt but that I am stronger for it.

[Lynne]

A few months ago, I was asked to speak on flower photography at a local garden club, hoping that my stage fright would not keep me from speaking without getting completely aphasic. I seemed to completely lose all train of thought and was thankful it was over. The garden club ladies were very nice , but I know that it will happen again and again, so for 2012, I CAN learn to talk in front of an audience. And I will accomplish this by joining a speakers club!

[Michelle (Mamadunk)]

I hope this isn't a duplicate comment. I couldn't find my original.

I CAN gain confidence in my ability to make beautiful photos!!

[Aeli]

In 2012 I can grow to be a better photographer, mother and wife. I can find contentment and calm in my life and can be thankful for all I have. I can unleash the untapped potential I have yet to discover! Thank you for the inspiration!

[Judy Lauwens]

Dear Kim....so very much my inspiration. Now I know I can!

[Anna Kelso]

In 2012, I CAN...I WILL...put myself at the top of the heap for at least some part of each day. I too have seen my children stuggle. Illness makes it difficult for them to really learn the full lessons that life offers. I feel and know your inner worries, although mine are not the same. All in all, the holidays were full of good times with friends and family, and I'm grateful for that.

[Eileen Sottovia]

You always inspire, Kim! I CAN start a blog this year to launch myself into the creative universe. I CAN put myself out there through my artwork and photos. And I CAN get braver with my use of Photoshop. Appreciate you to the ends of the earth and beyond!

[Chrissy]

I Can~ make time to create and get the other things done. I Can~ be a great Mom and fit everything in!

[Dianna in Alabama]

Kim, you are truly my inspiration! I find great strength in your positivity...your generousity... and your spirit! thanks you for that. I can, in 2012 rise ABOVE all that continually knocks me down and tries to drag my joy away. I can become the artist God has designed me to be. I can encourage others and be a positive influence on them so that they too have the hope and courage to carry on with the person they are meant to be. I CAN at my age and WILL be me. :) Thank you for the daily reminders and the encouragement Kim! Blessings to you and yours....
dianna

[Barbara Wessel]

Happy New Year to you Kim! Thanks so much for your 12 Days of Textures, and for offering a free class to a lucky winner... You are an inspiration with your realistic approach to life's roadbocks. I can totally relate to the photoshop learning curve, but I continue to learn something each day. My statement for the year is that I CAN teach my special education students something that will serve them for life, self- advocacy:) Hugs- Barb

[geetlee]

Hi Kim,

As always, thank you so much for being so inspiring, thank you for being so honest. It helps me learn valuable life lessons.
This post is so inspiring to me. I am someone who always says I can't. I guess it is time to change that.
I am very excited to be a part of the Beyond layers, I signed up almost immediately.Can't wait for the new year :)

[Eden]

I can TRY! Seriously, I can try to do colored pencils and ... So... Much... More!

[Gretchen Schaumann]

I CAN learn PSE10... I CAN learn how to use the fabulous accumulation of Kim Klassen layers/textures and brushes that I've been buying for the last 2 years... and I CAN become more proficient with my photography which will than enhance my vintage jewelry redesign business.
I CAN grow in my love for Jesus, my husband and daughter and be a light to those that He puts in my life through my every day life journey and my art career as a jewelry designer.

Thank you Kim for another beautifully inspiring post, for being so real and for the challenge to do more of the "I CAN" vs. the "I CAN'T". Need to be of that attitude for 2012. One step at a time!

Gretchen