Most of us know we should open our eyes and appreciate what’s around us, but sometimes it may seem like there’s nothing of value there. That’s when we need to open our eyes further and ask ourselves, “How can I use this to make something beautiful?”
We are more fortunate than we think. What blessing can you recognize and celebrate today?
In his sixth grade graduation speech, Eli Rosenberg shares what he’s learned about overcoming obstacles and making a difference, and offers a challenge that every one of us can meet. What a beautiful and inspiring message!
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.
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 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?
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