The other day, I was speaking with my wife about a family saying of sorts - something that can instil confidence, camaraderie, motivation, and a bit of a push when we're met with fear or challenge. Personally, I was thinking of something like 'Carpe Diem' or something profound with a flavoursome sound. However, much to my dismay, my wife said, "Cunningham's can do hard things." I wasn't feeling it at all, but quickly my kids repeated the phrase, and within a short period of time, it was already stuck.

At first, as I was absorbing this saying, I thought it was such a basic and dull phrase, which I still think it is. However, its intrinsic value in instilling a sense of motivation and drive in the face of fear and challenge has already had a positive impact on my children and helped them in times when they have questioned their ability or been afraid to enter into an unknown realm.

Throughout my life, I have been in a variety of positions where I have questioned myself, my ability, or faced fear itself, and I still do on occasion. However, in many of these times, I've reverted back to moments of support and encouragement projected through my closest confidants and some of their inspiring, supporting, and thought-provoking words.

Support systems and the feeling of unity and connection with others are incredibly powerful tools in life. When we are met with challenges, it lifts us up, and when those we support are met with challenges, we can lift them up. The feeling of someone or something in our corner when we need a helping hand is a wonderful feeling and one that can provide immense happiness through both receiving and delivering said support.

This phrase for our family is powerful in the fact that it both delivers words of encouragement, but it also unifies us all as a single entity. I still think it’s cringy, but it is starting to grow on me, and if that message can provide motivation, encouragement, and support, in times of need, then that makes me incredibly happy. It’s almost like through intimate phrases or sayings that we can instil a form of power and energy, that can contribute in both happiness, but a wide range of support system outcomes in our lives.

‘Cunningham’s can do hard things’

Thanks,

Dean