The inspiration for The Ibex That Couldn't Climb came to the author while he was watching a nature program about this very amazing animal. Realizing he did not know the specifics of this particular animal, he decided, "This is a wonderful message and learning opportunity and should be brought to the minds of children, including the grandkids." With that inspiration, Paul set out lovingly writing this children's story for his grandsons, Mason and Tyson, and the rest of the world. The powerful message of knowing our very words we utter out loud or think about ourselves in our heads, in our minds, defines the individual who we become over time and blends well with the story line about the young ibex and her struggles with her own perception of her abilities. If we tell ourselves we can, we can. If we tell ourselves we can't, we won't. Once the wise owl comes and explains the impact of her thoughts and words upon her abilities, the kid ibex is freed from her own self-imposed limitations and filled with the realization that she was holding herself back all along. Now free, the ibex sends a message of self-confidence to her readers. This message is universal and applies to young as well as old. This message is one we all could stand to learn and relearn to help be the best we can be.