"I Think I Can”: A Story of Belief, Encouragement, and Finding Strength Within

Childhood and the Power of Storytime-"I Think I Can"

When I look back on my childhood, I don’t just remember birthdays or summer days—I remember books. They were everywhere in our home, woven into our routines and treasured as a part of everyday life. My mother made sure of that.

Our first books were made of soft cloth, with bright and playful colors. They didn’t have many words, but they spoke volumes to us as kids. The textures, the pictures, and the way those books crinkled in our little hands made us curious. They made us feel connected.

But one book stood out from all the rest. It wasn’t flashy or filled with pictures. It was simple. Yet its message was powerful and unforgettable: The Little Engine That Could. I still hear the words: “I think I can, I think I can.” As children, my sisters and I would chant along as our mom read the story. It felt magical—like those words had the power to make anything possible.

When Doubt Replaces Belief

As we grow older, something strange happens. The spark we had as children—the belief that anything is possible—starts to fade. Life gets complicated. Fear creeps in. And before we know it, that strong, determined little engine inside us grows quiet.

I’ve had plenty of moments like that—times when I truly believed I couldn’t do something.

One memory stands out clearly. I was a teenager, nervous and overwhelmed, walking out of the DMV after failing the written driver’s test. My mom was waiting in the car. I shook my head and said, “I just can’t pass this test.”

She looked at me, puzzled. “What do you mean you can’t pass? Go back in there and take it again.”

There was no lecture. No judgment. Just calm, unwavering belief. She didn’t question my abilities—she reminded me of them.

So, I turned around, walked back in, and retook the test. And this time, I passed.

When I came back out, I shouted, “Hey Mom, I passed!”

She smiled and said, “I told you that you could.”

That moment meant more to me than a driver’s license. It was a reminder that sometimes, all we need is someone to see what we’ve stopped seeing in ourselves.

Facing Bigger Challenges

Life didn’t stop testing me after that. The challenges just got bigger—and so did the fear. Years later, I found myself preparing for an important exam in a subject I barely understood. I was overwhelmed and defeated before I even began.

So once again, I turned to the one person who had always believed in me.

“Mom,” I said, “this is too hard. I don’t think I can pass this test.”

She asked what was giving me trouble. “Math,” I confessed.

“Math?” she said, half-laughing. “You were always good at math! Don’t you remember helping your sisters with their homework?”

She wasn’t just brushing off my fear—she was reminding me of my strength. Then she walked me through the steps, breaking down problems in a way that felt manageable again.

And once more, I passed.

It wasn’t magic. It wasn’t luck. It was belief—hers in me, and slowly, mine in myself.

Becoming the Little Engine That Could

Somewhere along the way, I realized I had become The Little Engine That Could. Not because life got easier, but because I learned to say to myself, even when things felt impossible: “I think I can.”

That quiet chant from childhood became a mantra I returned to whenever fear and doubt came knocking. And my mother? She was always there, a steady presence reminding me of my worth, my strength, and my ability to overcome anything.

With her support, I learned to believe in myself again—and to trust that voice inside that said, you can do this.

The Power of Belief Starts Within

We all have moments when we feel like giving up—when we’re convinced, we’re not smart enough, strong enough, or capable enough. But here’s what I’ve learned: believing in yourself doesn’t mean never feeling fear. It means choosing to act anyway, even when fear is whispering in your ear.

It means saying, “I think I can,” even when you’re not entirely sure. Because belief is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

And sometimes, you just need one person to remind you of who you are.

For me, that person was my mother. But it could be a friend, a mentor, a teacher—anyone who helps you tap into your inner strength.

And if you don’t have that person right now, let me be the one to say it:

• You can do this.

• You are capable.

• You have everything you need inside you.

Keep Going—Even When It’s Hard

The next time you face something difficult, try this:

• Take a deep breath.

• Remember your past victories—no matter how small.

• Repeat the words: “I think I can.”

• Take one step forward.

  
  

That’s it. One step. Then another. And before you know it, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come.

We all stumble. We all feel stuck. But when we choose to believe in ourselves, even in the smallest way, something shifts. And that belief creates momentum. Confidence builds. Strength rises. And we become unstoppable.

Pass It On

Once you discover the power of belief—once you’ve lived it, felt it, and seen the results—don’t keep it to yourself.

Be that voice for someone else. Encourage them the way someone once encouraged you. Remind them that they have it in them to push forward. To overcome. To succeed.

Because that’s how we create a chain of strength—a legacy of “I think I can” that carries on through generations.

Final Thought

So, if you’re facing something hard right now—an exam, a health challenge, a big life decision—I want you to remember this story. I want you to hear that little engine inside you say, “I think I can.” And I want you to believe it.

Because you can.

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About the Author:

Evita Andrea Teiohonwaka Stacey

Evita Andrea Teiohonwaka Stacey is a proud Haudenosaunee woman, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to uplifting others through the power of Indigenous wisdom and storytelling. With deep roots in her cultural heritage, Evita has authored several inspiring books that reflect the strength, resilience, and beauty of Indigenous identity and community.

As a passionate voice for personal growth and cultural empowerment, Evita uses her writing and speaking engagements to encourage others to rise above life’s challenges and strive for their highest potential. Her words are filled with hope, grounded in ancestral knowledge, and guided by the belief that healing begins when we reconnect with who we truly are.

Whether she’s speaking to a room of young people, leading a community workshop, or sharing her journey through her books, Evita’s message is clear: You are powerful, you are worthy, and you can create a life filled with purpose.