The Power of A Pencil
Sometimes we need a wake up call.
We need to revisit a place, a moment or an object that once sparked a change within us.
Can the promise of a pencil really make a difference in the world?
I believe it can.
It’s not always too often these days that I come across a book that moves me to my core, that stirs a pot full of emotions, allows it to simmer and then spill over leaving me wanting to share my thoughts immediately with someone I know who will be equally as moved.
“It's the presence of others who are smarter, kinder, wiser, and different from you that enables you to evolve. Those are the people to surround yourself with at all times.”
― Adam Braun, The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change
The last time, I think you’ll remember, was when I shared the story of TOMs founder, Blake Mycoskie. Yet recently, needing a little motivational boost, I re read The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change by Adam Braun, CEO of educational non-profit, Pencils of Promise.
Back in 2012, I was still a huge One Tree Hill fan [read: still am!] and avidly followed Sophia Bush’s updates on Twitter. That was how I first discovered Pencils of Promise [PoP]. By 2014 I was already excited for the release The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change.
There are of course many wonderful non-profits out there, yet Adam’s approach has been slightly different. Having a prior business background, his take allowed him to redefine his version of ‘non-profit’ into a ‘for-purpose’ organisation. It has also led to him being named as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30, an ‘Everyday Hero: 50 Americans Changing the World One Nonprofit at A Time’ and one of the first ten World Economic Forum Global Shapers selected.
All making his story, detailed in The Promise of a Pencil an engaging and inspiring read.
[And may also make you rethink your opinion on Justin Bieber - just saying!]
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“Your life should be a story you are excited to tell.”
― Adam Braun, The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change
In the summer of 2014, I read Pencils of Promise and immediately needed to share. I gave a copy to a few my nearest and dearest, to the people I knew would be affected the same way I was since when I need a boost, I can usually find it in the form of words. It’s that very same connection I want others to experience [which probably explains why a lot of the time, my gifts end up being books that have moved me – you’ve been warned!]
On so many levels, Adam’s story speaks to me and I’m sure it will speak to many others wanting to make a difference in the world.
“In certain situations you ask to see a sign to guide you in the right direction. Sometimes these calls to a higher power are answered and sometimes we are left to seek counsel from within. But if you look for them, the signs will usually present themselves to those with open eyes.”
― Adam Braun, The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change
With so much heartache, devastation and injustice occurring on a daily basis, it’s so easy to lose all hope. It’s so easy to dismiss every effort of doing good in the world as just a pointless waste of time.
And yet, these are the times when doing good, being understanding and compassionate are the most important and necessary.
“Every person has a revolution beating within his or her chest”
― Adam Braun, The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change
The reality is that we can’t wait for the time when ‘all is well’ because that moment doesn’t exist. The moments of hope, the glimmer of light and fleeting ounces of happiness – they need to be sought, grabbed and cherished when we choose to see them.
And if we’re brave enough, we can use that motivation for far greater things.
“The biggest difference between the person who lives his or her dreams and the person who aspires is the decision to convert that first spark of motivation into immediate action.”
― Adam Braun, The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change
Until the next time,
Namaste,
from Ananya xo
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