Seth Godin’s blog post today struck a nerve.
The project I said I would do hasn’t started, and his first question made me realize it’s something that must be done.
The untitled project is a storytelling initiative that captures the lived experiences of Mexican immigrants in Northwest Arkansas—what brought them here, why they chose to leave, and what they wish Americans understood, among other things.
It’s a project inspired by Humans of New York, created by Brandon Stanton—a storytelling project that shares the lives of random New Yorkers.
I want to share something similar, but with the lives of Mexican immigrants in northwest Arkansas.
Considering Seth’s first question, this project is the one I must do now.
It’s attainable: I already have the relationships, the language, the skills, and the tools. Nothing is blocking my path.
It’s practical: It doesn’t require massive funding or a large team. Just time, care, and presence.
It’s generous: It gives voice to those rarely heard, and offers understanding to those willing to listen. It’s for others, not just for me.
His follow-up question:
“What will it take for it to become a priority?”
This is the question I need to consider. What is that’s holding me back? What needs to change for me to actually do this?
What’s the good I could do, right now, that I haven’t yet chosen to do? And what would it take to make it happen?
Here’s my quote for the day.
The stories we tell literally make the world. If you want to change the world, you need to change your story.
Michael Margolis