What Does It Mean, Mr Fables?
10. Be The Pebble in the Pond
Most of the values in The Encouragement Manifesto explain themselves. ‘Be Kind’, ‘Be Generous’, and ‘Stay Positive’ … they’re pretty straightforward, the sort of things we probably all think about daily, and we act accordingly. Very self-explanatory.
But there is one we get asked about all the time.
10. Be the Pebble in the Pond
This short post explains what we mean … oh yes, and how you can weave it into your life of encouragement. Because ‘Encouragement is our Superpower’ and we think it is yours too.
We have all done it. We gaze out on the mirrorglass stillness of the lake. We peer at the unbroken surface of a crystal-clear Alpine pool. In Wales, our eyes are drawn to the darkness of a llyn, in Scotland the lochan lures us, our imagination plunging into the depths. We all stoop, hands brushing the surface of the bank, fingers closing around a stone, rounded by glacial movements over thousands of years. The pebble fits perfectly in the palm of our hand. We cannot resist as it moves, seemingly of its own volition, to the tips of our fingers. Underarm, hurled, skimmed, or dropped, we are compelled - somehow - to break the calm surface of the body of water. Watch what happens. The splash is momentary. Fleeting. The pebble slides to the depths. But look again. Watch what is happening now. Small circles, expanding, and spreading. The reaction extends, finding shorelines, small islands, and sandbanks. The ripples gather up sticks and feathers, a boat moored on a long line. Movement, action … stirred by the tiniest of actions. The pebble in the pond, creating ripples.
- Mr Fables
Be the pebble in the pond is …
Small action, big impact
Letting go … the ripples taking care of themselves
Being the firestarter
Trusting that the positive impact of your encouragement will bear fruit
How can YOU be the pebble in the pond?
Celebrate other folk … the ripples will be the waves of confidence they feel … or the people who discover their work.
Introduce people to other people who seem like a match for their brand of creativity.
Recommend the publications you love.
Always, always, make it about the other folk. Remember, those ripples do their own thing once the pebble has started them off. Let whatever is going to happen, happen.
Practice skimming stones … look at how many ripples you can start if you spend more time talking about other folk (we have an 80:20 rule * for that).
Give more than you take.
* Remember, there are no rules!
It resonates, thank you!
💙