I Think I CAN

Say the phrase 3 times, “I think I can.” Does it remind you of something? For me it’s the old cartoon (I think it’s still around), Thomas the Tank Engine. A kid born in 1995, I grew up watching Thomas and his friends solve the many problems on the railroad. Today, 2018, I am astounded by how those simple days and phrases still reverberate throughout my life and the Cans for Kili Project.

I am now about 2 months in and have a few venues and businesses lined up to help me and my team reach our goal of 1.2million cans. However, the last couple weeks have been a real struggle. The number I must collect in a week seems impossible, but “I think I can.” 5,000 cans a week “I think I can.” How do I think I can you ask? One day and week at a time…one CAN at a time.

Central Ave, Indianapolis

Although I haven’t had a break through on my next big partner yet, I have noticed an increase in thoughtfulness for the environment. For example, I am training for a marathon and I have now come back home from my runs with a can more than 3 times! It seems small, but it is one less can on the street, one more can towards helping Mt. Kili, and one more step to reminding myself that I think I can do this! Imagine if we all picked up 1 can a day.

I also discovered one of our partners never had recycling in their office prior to this project! Due to our mission to promote recycling in Indianapolis, this partner is now recycling everything, and my team will help it get to the recycle center. For those of you that are like this partner or want to know exactly where your recycling is going, please reach out to the C4K team. We will find a way for you to help!

I believe in every project there is always a time where you feel the mountain is too big and you will never reach the top. Right now, that is how I feel, but I continue to remind myself of the little blue train. No matter the issue there is always something I can do to take one step forward. Say it with me, “I think I CAN” …which will then turn into reaching the top of the mountain. “I think I CAN.”