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“You can’t…”
Those two words can either move mountains or create a mountain of doubt right in front of you. They become a wall or path.

Throughout life, there will always be noise, voices that say “you can’t”, …but what is the difference will be what is said following those words. The noise will say, “You can’t do it!” while the few will cheer you on will say, “You can’t not do it!” Almost same words but one will be limitations and the other will be an igniter that inspires you to accomplish what you really wan to do. and a few voices that say you can’t not. The difference between the two is everything. One limits you. The other lights a spark that ignites action and belief.

Think of it like this: at every fork in the road, you’ll see a sign that says You can’t. Down one path, there’s a crowd of people who will question your choices, why you’re doing this, what’s the point, whether it’s worth it. Down the other, there are only a few people, but they’re the ones cheering for you, reminding you that what matters to you does matter.

I’ve walked the path with the fewer people many times because that’s where my inner voice leads me and I am also on the road at times to help many go in the direction of doing. It’s the voice that inspires, drives, and reminds me what’s truly important. Voices that say, “If this is important to you, I am here for you!” If I hadn’t listened to that voice and those who care about what I am up to, I wouldn’t be an author, an educator, or a screenplay writer. And I owe so much to the champions who said to me, “Sam, you can’t not do this.”

Let me share one example.
A while ago, an idea for a short animated film came to me. Working with my screenwriter in Los Angeles, we developed a screenplay called Lonely-Less (a play on the word loneliness). It takes place in a care facility where seniors often sit isolated and alone. I’ve witnessed this firsthand while visiting my brother with advanced stage of Alzheimer, and years ago, when my mom was still alive.

That idea became a story, and that story is now slowly coming to life. The champions around me urged me to keep moving forward and because of them, Lonely-Less is on its way to becoming a reality. I’ll need your support as this journey unfolds.

Here’s the thing: when someone tells me, “You can’t,” it fuels me. It gives me the power to prove them wrong, not out of defiance, but out of belief in what can be done. So when you’re surrounded by noise, find your champions. The ones who walk beside you, who see your potential even when you doubt yourself (and I will be your champion).

So I’ll leave you with this:
What’s one thing, just one, that you want to do in your life or career? It doesn’t matter how big or small it is. What matters is that it’s meaningful to you. Take a step toward it. And know this, I’ll be the person on the sidelines cheering you on, saying, “You can’t not do this.”

As for me? I’m getting ready to take another leap forward. It’s still under wraps for now… but stay tuned. I might just need you on this next adventure.