Please read the concluding chapter of the book, “For the
Love of Cities.” In the last paragraph, the author - Peter Kageyama - challenges us to become
emotionally engaged with your city. He advises:
“Start small. Make a simple gesture. Then another. Then
another. Make it easier to make your imprint. Open your hearts and make up new
things. This is our work, and frontiers are all around us.”
Taking this message into account, what “simple gesture” will
you take on the path to “loving your city” (either Detroit or your hometown)?
I am going to be more intentional about sending messages of encouragement to those I feel are Co-Creators. I’ll start by buying a box of thank you notes and will freely send them to those who I feel are making a difference.
ReplyDeleteLast Tuesday evening, I attended the Kresge Artist Fellows Reception, where 20 literary and visual artists were recognized and provided with a $25,000 check (no strings attached). A common theme in the acceptance speeches was that the artists at some time experienced a sense of doubt when their careers seemed to go nowhere. If it had not been for a kind word of encouragement from time to time, they would have given up on their art. Frankly, I cannot imagine a world without art, so if I can make a difference with a few words of kindness, then that act may become a small, but effective way to impact the quality of life in our community.