The Power of Belief

What Thomas Edison’s Mother Taught Me

There’s a story about Thomas Edison that I recently read.

When Edison was a young boy, his teacher sent him home with a sealed letter. His mother opened it, read it, and then told him that the school he attended said her son was a genius and too gifted for their classroom and that she should teach him herself.

Years later, after his mother passed away, Edison found that letter. The truth was harsh: the teacher had written that he was “addled,” unable to learn, and no longer welcome at the school.

But instead of letting that define him, his mother chose belief. She homeschooled him, encouraged his curiosity, and made him feel capable of greatness. Edison later said that her belief in him was the reason he became who he was.

What I Take From This Story

This story reminds me that one person’s belief can completely change your path. People will label you. They’ll underestimate you. They might even write you off.

But none of that matters if you choose to believe in yourself.

Edison didn’t become one of the greatest inventors because a school approved of him. He became great because someone believed in him… and eventually, he believed in himself too.

And that’s the lesson I hold onto:

If you believe in what you’re capable of and are willing to work for it, you can achieve whatever you want to accomplish.

With you always,
– Sofia 💫

PS - I BELIEVE IN YOU.