Actually, I Can.

There’s a quiet power in three simple words: actually, I can. They hold defiance against doubt, a spark of hope, and a gentle nudge to believe in yourself, even when it feels impossible.  

I first came across this mantra when I saw it written on a friend’s mirror many years ago. Its simplicity struck me, and I knew it was something I wanted to carry with me. I had it made into a fridge magnet for each of us, a little daily reminder to push past self-doubt and embrace the possibilities ahead.  

Recently, my magnet broke. It felt symbolic, as though life was nudging me to reconnect with the mantra in a deeper way. So, I decided to write it into my journal, taking time to reflect on how much these words have shaped my life and my alcohol-free journey.  

This mantra is more than just a phrase; it’s a mindset. It’s the decision to challenge the limits we place on ourselves and rewrite the stories we tell. For years, I had told myself I couldn’t live without alcohol. It was a crutch, a comfort, and a constant. But - actually, I can. When I have doubts, this is the mantra I return to.

I can navigate social events without a drink in hand. I can handle stress without numbing myself. I can find joy and connection in a life of clarity. 

This mantra doesn’t demand perfection or guarantee immediate success—it simply opens the door to possibility. It’s a gentle reminder that trying is enough, that every small step forward matters, and that doubt doesn’t have to win.  

When I chose to stop drinking, I didn’t have all the answers, but I leaned on the belief that I could figure it out one day at a time. “Actually, I can” became an anchor on tough days and my celebration on good ones. It reminded me that I am capable of doing hard things and worthy of the rewards that come with them.  

This mantra has also extended into other areas of my life. Whether it’s pursuing a goal, navigating a challenge, or trying something new, I’ve found myself coming back to those three words time and again. They’re a reminder that we are often stronger than we think, braver than we feel, and more capable than we realise.  

When life feels overwhelming, pause and ask yourself, “What if I can?” What if you can succeed, grow, and thrive? What if the thing you’re most afraid of trying is the thing that will bring you the greatest joy?  

Though my fridge magnet is gone, this mantra has a permanent place in my heart—and now, in my journal. Writing it down was a way of reconnecting with its message and reminding myself of how far I’ve come. It’s a practice I’d encourage you to try. Write it out. Say it to yourself. Let it become a part of your daily routine.  

“Actually, I can” is a declaration of possibility and a reminder that the life you want is within reach. You are capable of more than you know, and these three words are the key to unlocking that potential.  

So the next time you face a challenge or doubt yourself, take a deep breath and remember: actually, you can.  

~BB ✨