Zayden Bronson shares the inspiring message he creates using rocks.
My sister has looked at the rock almost every day for years. A beautifully painted rock with the word “believe” etched on. She was given the rock by state police officers who had helped her after she’d been attacked by a coyote walking in our suburban neighborhood a few years ago. When my brother suffered an unimaginable medical tragedy a little over a year ago, I brought the rock to his bedside while he lay intubated in the ICU. He kept it by his bed while he remained hospitalized for months. He still hasn’t recovered, but he looks to the rock for courage.
So impressed by the power of a daily reminder to believe, I started taking hundreds of rocks and paints to festivals and youth events throughout the Bay Area, encouraging others to paint their own inspirational rock and look to it often. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I run into people months later who convey stories of gratitude. They were scared, nervous, going through a difficult time and that simple reminder to believe made a difference.
Everyone goes through hard times, whether financial, health-related, relationship-related or some other aspect of life. Whatever it is, just reminding yourself to believe matters. Reminding yourself that you matter, that things will be better, that you can succeed, and that you can make a positive difference is powerful.
Reminding yourself to believe in others, to believe in the good of humankind and to believe in the power of kindness matters. I’ve found that there’s no better way to remind yourself of this powerful idea than through the simplicity of a rock. I’d also like to fill neighborhoods and schools with belief rocks. Believing really does matter and is the foundation for good things to come. So, let’s remind ourselves of that every day. With a Perspective, I’m Zayden Bronson.