The Power of Broken Things: Pottery, Crayons, and More
There is a saying in my culture, 'never throw away an old cooking pot for a new one.' This saying resonates deeply and highlights the value in preserving the items that have served us well, despite their flaws. But what do we do with those things that have seen better days but still hold potential? Let us explore the power in repurposing what is broken.
From Proverbs to Reality
There is a saying in my culture that says, 'never throw away an old cooking pot for a new one.' This proverb must have been designated expressly for me. I can't believe some of the cooking pots that I am using; they are crying to be retired yet I can't seem to hear them. I shall have a big retirement party for all of them very soon, and send them on their journey from utility to decorative pieces or to donate them to someone in need.
The Fragile Heart
A tiny fragment of my heart reminds me that I am not a victim just gone through life’s gauntlet like everyone else. Despite its small size, it is still very powerful. In Middle Eastern cultures, dinner is referred to as 'breaking bread.' For a broken heart, when properly mended, it can be more useful than it has ever been before.
The Power of Repurposing
I have among my collection 2 broken rakes. One has a broken handle and is useful in spots where the full handle would be awkward. The other has all but the middle 4 tines broken off and is handy in some very narrow spots. These examples illustrate the power of repurposing in our daily lives.
A company run by ex-service men and women does a t-shirt called 'broken crayons.' For those who know, this campaign couldn't be more resonant. PTSD is a serious condition and a mental health issue. Former military, who have earned the name 'crayon eaters,' I think this is a great campaign. It's also true that broken crayons can still color and do it just as well as non-broken ones.
Games for Young and Old
When the old, well-used kitchen pot scrubbers become worn, I can still find purpose for them. I use them in the bathroom to clean the shower and toilet. They are still effective for light cleaning, proving that old is gold when it comes to certain tasks.
So, what works when things are broken? Pottery, crayons, kitchen tools, and more. These are just a few examples of how we can continue to use items that have served us well in different but meaningful ways.
When faced with something that is broken, let us look for new use and value. Sometimes, the greatest stories are not of the new but of the old, worn, and mended. The power of broken things lies in their potential for transformation, and in the insights they give us about life's resilience and adaptability.