How to Climb Life’s Mountains Without Throwing Your Bike or Your Sanity

Sometimes the biggest transformation starts with four tiny words. That’s what happened when I found myself at 30km, then 80 km into a 110 km bike race, wondering why on earth I’d signed up for this “challenge” when my mind and, ummm... well... pick a body part 😊, were staging a full-scale mutiny. And what got me through? No fancy sports gels. No screaming coach in a chase car. Just a quiet, steady mantra from Michael Beckwith:

“I am. I can. I will. I am able.”

And guess what? I didn’t just finish the race - I came in fifth. Take that, self-doubt!

The incredible synchronicities of life are, I discovered these words early that morning – unable to sleep, I searched for wisdom and guidance and found them.

These words aren’t just for athletes or people wearing tight shorts and clip-in shoes. They’re for all of us navigating the uphill climbs of life - whether that’s becoming sober, walking away from relationships that no longer serve us, starting over at midlife, or just trying to drink enough water while dealing with parents, kids, careers, and menopause (seriously, hydration is a full-time job).

The beauty of this mantra is in its simplicity. It’s like the yoga pants of affirmations: stretchy enough to fit whatever you’re going through, but still powerful enough to hold you up. Feeling stuck? Say it. Feeling inspired? Say it louder. Feeling like cinnamon buns and regret are calling your name? Say it with a green smoothie in hand and keep moving forward. Because transformation isn’t about perfection - it’s about repetition, trusting yourself and choosing yourself over and over again.

As Michael Beckwith teaches in his work on “Visioning,” transformation begins when we align with who we really are - not the version we’ve been surviving with. So this week, try it on repeat:

“I am. I can. I will. I am able.”

Say it while making your coffee. Whisper, it walking to the office. Yell it from the treadmill. Your mind will start to believe it. And soon enough so will your body, your choices, and your life.

- Kim