Harnessing the Power of Broken and Damaged Items: A Tale of Innovation and Resilience
The Wisdom in Old Tools
There is a proverb in my culture that says, 'never throw away an old cooking pot for a new one.' This proverb must have been written specifically for me. I cannot believe the state of some of the cooking pots I use. They are crying to be retired, but I just can't seem to hear them. I plan to have a big retirement party for all of them very soon. A big hug to everyone!
The Resilience of the Broken Heart
Breaking bread is a term used in some Middle Eastern cultures to refer to dinner. So, it can logically be used when talking about broken items. A broken heart, when properly mended, is often more useful than it has ever been. In a similar vein, Vietnam Veterans are often referred to as 'broken crayons.' When reintroduced back into society, they can become very useful to the world. The Bible even mentions that the potter would break a flawed pot and remake it, much like how God works with his children. These stories remind us that sometimes, broken items can be repurposed into something useful.
Beyond Cultural Proverbs: Real-Life Examples of Repurposed Tools
While my heart has been small and powerful, I have a collection of tools that are not so functional as they once were. Among them, there are 2 broken rakes. One has a broken handle, making it useful in spots where a full handle would be awkward. The other has the outer tines broken off, making it handy in very narrow spots. These tools, while not in their original condition, still serve a valuable purpose in different contexts.
Another instance is the old, well-used kitchen pot scrubbers. When they become too worn to clean pots and pans, I repurpose them for the bathroom, where they are still effective for light cleaning. They clean shower and toilet areas just as well as they did in the kitchen.
A Modern Campaign for Mental Health: Broken Crayons
A company run by ex-servicemen and women sells a t-shirt called 'broken crayons,' highlighting the resilience and value of those with PTSD. The campaign recognizes that despite being 'broken,' these individuals can still be very useful in society. The term 'broken crayons' also reminds us that even a seemingly 'broken' crayon can still color just as well as a new one. If the company is British, they may or may not ship abroad, but the message resonates strongly.
While I have never served in the military, I have always supported it and did cadets as a teenager. I was too young to join properly and eventually paid for my misadventures. The idea that there is still something that works when broken—like crayons—highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in our daily lives.
In conclusion, the wisdom in using old and broken items lies in their ability to be repurposed and serve new purposes, much like how cultural proverbs and modern campaigns remind us that broken items can still be useful. From pot scrubbers to broken crayons, these items serve as a testament to the power of innovation and resilience.