We all need a pick-me-up from time to time. And all too often we don’t voice that need. Too many of us are walking around, silently carrying the burdens of our concerns while comparing ourselves to the perfect lives of those we see on social media platforms. For content creators, bloggers, YouTubers and the like it’s difficult not to spend your mental reserves each day critiquing even the tiniest bits of your content.
Luckily, more and more are adopting the adage: “Done is better than perfect.” Or an emerging contemporary: “Quantity makes quality.” At least in my own social media feeds, I’m seeing creators actively sharing the challenges and real-time failures of content creation.
If I’m being honest, the past couple of weeks have had me taking a hard look at the products I’m delivering to all of you. As this blog has evolved along the way there have been ups and downs – and not just in view counts. But the more I look to where I’d like to take this “brand” in the future, I’ve found myself doubting my own abilities. I know my own limitations all too well. That’s why I’ve invested time in a few key learning opportunities of late to improve this blog for you.
But there’s only so much I can accomplish alone. And graphic design is most decidedly NOT in that category. I am absolutely hopeless when it comes to visual art, graphics and computer design. I’m beyond redemption. It’s just not going to be in my wheelhouse.
Even though I can admit that, I also find I’ve kept criticizing myself over things like not having a brand logo that fits and feels right.
Enter an unexpected hero.
I’ve gotten to meet a lot of folks along the way in politics. Volunteers, interns, advocates – all come in and out of your life as they move into, around and out of political circles. It’s critically important as those moves occur that you find opportunities to support and be kind to the others in the arena – even if you disagree with them on policy.
One of those folks I’ve met along the way, Maggie, reached out to me late last week with an incredibly thoughtful and impossibly well-timed gift. Out of absolutely nowhere, she messaged me on Facebook with a personal note – and a new logo for this site. I was absolutely floored! Take a look:
Here’s what Maggie said about the logo she designed –
“The globe and eagle are (hopefully obvious) nods to your service in the USMC, the globe and hook are supposed to be similar to a padlock, which the eagle is pulling open. The goal is to visually represent how policy advocates “unlock” the world.”
Out of the blue she custom designed this new logo, tying in so much about my history and purpose, with nothing requested in return. She exemplified giving without expectation. Maggie plays around with designs like this as a hobby and just wanted to do something kind!
On my best day I could not have found a way to weave together all these different facets. Maggie, I’m really grateful for you today. Thank you for living generously. I’m proud to adopt this logo and feature it on Part of the Possible. Thank you for helping fix a problem no one knew I was having! I’m thrilled to put this logo to good use. (And if you look around the other pages on the blog today you’ll see it’s already live!)
So, for everyone else, here’s today’s reminder to seek out opportunities to serve and be kind. We can all try to be just a little bit better at that.
Part of the Possible 