The idea of mind over matter has long captured human imagination, appearing in philosophy, psychology, medicine, and everyday conversation. The phrase suggests that mental processes like thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and intentions can influence, shape, or even override physical conditions. Over the years more evidence shows the mind holds a powerful role in shaping human experience by those who say, “I think I can” versus those who say, “I can’t.”
At CORE, we see this process unfold daily. Our participants are individuals with disabilities who believe they can. Instead of believing their disabilities will stop them from being productive, they imagine what they see themselves doing, and we at CORE guide them and facilitate making their goals a realization.
Last month I went to a gym to play pickleball and was awestruck by what I encountered. I rotated into games with the following: a ninety three year old man, a Down’s syndrome young man, and a gentleman who told me he had lost sight in one eye. My first impression because of my own stupidity and/or arrogance led me to believe I would handily win the matches. Wrong! These men did not allow their disabilities or age stop them from believing they could overcome any physical disadvantages to play the game competitively.
As our year comes to an end, I encourage everyone to believe in themselves like we believe in our participants here at CORE. Mind over matter is not just an old idiom, it is an important first step to become successful.
We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and like the 80s song said, “Don’t stop believing.”
