About the pebble
I started the pebble in one of those unique moments where everything seemed so clear. Call it my burning bush moment. Thankfully, no bushes were harmed in the making of the moment. However, after many conversations about exactly “what good am I doing in this world?”, another frustrating session in which hair was lost scrolling all the negativity online (namely Twitter), and asking yet again, “Where are all the good people?”, it came to me all at once.
We don’t see the power of the collective positive anymore. We celebrate powerful singletons taking on great acts - donating billions, etc. and it often has an unintended counter effect. Rather than leaving us inspired, between all the negativity shared and the giant superhero sweeping in, we are left with feelings of helplessness. The “Why bother if I can’t fix it?” philosophy takes over.
the pebble is why
When I was a child, the Muscular Dystrophy Association held a telethon on Labor Day. Hosted by Jerry Lewis, it was an annual tradition in my home. While we were not wealthy, at all, we always donated, and nothing gave me much joy than watching the ticker of names scroll by with “Shannon Family $20”. I would point, show my brothers, and beam with pride the next time Jerry would update the big number board. “We did that,” I would think. I was right. WE DID THAT. While many celebrities and groups brought on large checks, what made those numbers grow were all the calls for $5, $10, and $20. I still hold that feeling in my heart, but it’s not just about money…
the pebble is about a charitable spirit. It’s how we walk into the world. The joy we bring in our hearts collects like those dollars on Jerry’s board, but it’s even more powerful. That’s how we get to pebbles. You knew I would get there eventually.
“If we all threw a pebble of positivity into the sea,
we could turn the tide of negativity.”
That was the quote that came into my head with such clarity that I wanted to start a movement. And while I am a full of enthusiasm kind of girl, I am not a start-a-movement kind of girl. But here we are. And to return to the bush that is not on fire, even Moses said, “You've got the wrong guy!” but he wasn’t the wrong guy and I am hoping I am not the wrong gal.
Going with the metaphor of the pebble, however, imagine the rings that spread from its origin. They get larger as they move away from its source. Now imagine multiple rings growing and meeting. That is the pebble.
Sooooo, for all those old enough to remember this ad,