AJ’s Art Journal: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Breakable
You wouldn’t think a song that repeatedly references our fragility could be uplifting, but I find myself returning to Breakable, and this video in particular, again and again.
Maybe it’s the clever use of evocative images. Maybe it’s the innocence behind those joyful smiles. Or maybe it’s that even the broken images seem somehow beautiful.
We are fragile. We are vulnerable. Every one of us. Every now and then, we all fall into broken hopes, broken dreams, and broken hearts. And while it’s hard and sometimes painful, we push ourselves again and again, willing to hurt, heal, and repeat.
It’s not because we’re masochists. It’s because somewhere between the leap and the stumble, we find new pieces of ourselves and learn how they fit into the puzzle of the whole. We find new pieces of each other and realize we’re better together than apart. And with every landing, we break a little less and become a whole lot stronger.
But it’s not the kind of strength that prevents us from breaking ever again. It’s the strength that allows us to live and love fully, knowing it’s worth the risk.
50-Year-Old Paraplegic Woman Surfs with Her Sons
Pascale Honore has lived without the use of her legs for the last eighteen years, but that hasn’t stopped her from taking risks and trying new things.
After commenting that she wished she could join her sons surfing, a family friend offered an interesting solution: duct taping her to his back so she could ride the waves with him. And though others thought the idea was crazy, Pascale agreed–after, of course, the friend trained with a forty-five-pound backpack.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and seeing the sheer joy and exhilaration on her face, it’s clear it was well worth it!
*While I deeply admire her spirit and the ingenuity, I have to add: kids, don’t try this at home!
The Time You Have (in Jelly Beans)
The average life spans 28,835 days. It’s easy to go from one to the next without thinking of how you’re spending them. Artist Ze Frank broke it all down–in candy–to put things in perspective. What if you had just one left? How would you want to use it?
The Sole to Persevere: Lessons from the World’s First Armless Pilot
She was born without arms, but she’s never seen herself as a victim—and she’s beyond inspiring. In this short video, Jessica Cox shares a little about the mindset that has helped her overcome obstacles to live a bold, empowered life.
Make the Difference: An Inspiring Video about Overcoming Obstacles
This is the true story of a group of boys in Thailand who formed a football team in a small floating village without even a tiny bit of dry land. Even though they had nowhere to practice, they found a way to make it happen and became an inspiration to everyone around them.
What’s the dry land you’ve been looking for, and how can you make the difference you want to make now, whether you find it or not?
A Short, Inspiring Video with Lessons from Dogs
I’ve published a few posts sharing lessons from dogs before, but this is the first video I’ve found that illustrates some of those same concepts–and what an awesome video it is! Which lesson do you need the most today?
In case you’d like to check them out, you can find those posts I mentioned here:
- The Zen of Dogs: On Mindfulness, Compassion, and Connection
- What Dogs Teach Us About Peace, Joy, and Living in the Now
- Lessons from Dogs on Being Present and Healing After Loss
Charity Water: How Your Birthday Can Bring Clean Water to the World
Scott Harrison started the non-profit Charity Water on his 31st birthday to help bring clean, safe drinking water to developing countries (where 800 million people live without it). If you’re looking to make a major difference, consider pledging your birthday. I know what I’m doing on mine!
Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine.