The Poem That Made a Difference in My Life:

February 5, 2008, Hello Members, The Poem That Made a Difference in My Life: When l was around 14 or 15 years old l came across this wonderful poem, not sure who wrote it, but who ever wrote it made an impact in my life. There was this ball player who played for the Montreal Expose back in the 80’s, his name was Gary Carter he introduce his team to this poem he was also know as "the kid’, back then for his age. He read the poem in the dress room to all his team mates. They all looked at him and someone said can you read that again. The poem became part of the team concept that year. All his team mates started to understand and start believing the power and the effect, this poem had in their attitudes, towards becoming a team and achieve what they believed could be achieved. That year the team had the most success in it’s short history, becoming the first team to make the playoffs outside of the United States, only Canadian team at the time in the Major Leagues Baseball. They finally lost a very tough battle to a good team from Los Angeles on a home run hit by Rick Monday, on what else on a Monday. I was at that game. The memories emotions and feelings l still have is like it was yesterday. The year was 1981, easy for me to remember the same year l we got married. Last night l took the same poem, wrote it out and decide to send it to my son’s Double AA, hockey team. I decide to sent it to "All The Players on The Team", and told them what effect it had on me when l was just around their age and how to this day it has had an impact on my life. I Remember growing up and always reading this poem, where ever l was, l would always read it to myself then re read it with my inner mind and eyes before l got on the ice to play my game. I told each and every player that some will understand what these words mean, some may understand it later in life and for some it was just a waste of time and a bunch a words that made up a story and nothing else. It was all their for the taking, l got some replies today from the parents today all pretty shocked and surprised. See our team has been in a funk and has become a team with no directions and totally lost with them selves. Finger pointing from players, parents and you get the picture, rather sad all l have to say. OK here is the poem how l recalled it: If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you like to win but think you can’t, It’s almost certain you won’t. Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger woman or man, But sooner or later, those who win Are those who think they can. THIS IS THE ACTUAL POEM The Man Who Thinks He Can If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you like to win, but you think you can’t. It is almost certain you won't. If you think you'll lose, you've lost, For out in the world we find success begins with a fellow's will. It's all in the state of mind. If you think you are outclassed, you are. You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before you can even win a prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man But soon or late the man who wins is the man who thinks he can Walter D. Wintle Sent in by Jean, in one of the below comments, l though l would add to this blog.  Once again Jean thank you for finding the actual poem. The playoffs start This Thursday night, win lose l really don’t care what l hope they do learn is that if they believe in their ability not only in sports but over all then they will achieve what they set out to achieve. This poem is about what you can or can not have all it asks you to do is believe in your ability. Like l said not sure who wrote it but l did make an impact on my life glad l founded it at an early age.....Hope you too see the power and impact that could effect you're life also....