A Shirt is Worth 1,000 Words
There are countless things that immediately conjure things within us as we go about our day. Certain sounds, smells and sights can take us to either a great memory within us or unfortunately the other direction as well.
The mind is a powerful thing, as are the associations that it draws through our memories and experiences. A song may take us back to the county fair and our first kiss. A smell may instantly have us reflecting on a place where we experienced trauma or disappointment.
And without question, the most powerful emotions are stirred within us through sights. Like you, I have many that immediately instill something within me. Whenever I see the Chicago Cubs’ logo, I immediately am taken back to childhood and the memories made with my Dad and Grandpa rooting for our favorite team.
A cactus takes me back to college in Phoenix. Passing certain road signs will again have me on my minor league journey and the many bus trips through the bush leagues.
Recently, we launched a t-shirt campaign to raise startup capital for the Society. The simple goal is of course to raise money, and the easiest way to do that is to have something tangible to sell. We have been delighted with your response to the designs and eagerness to wear them.
However, the more complex and long-term goal is to turn the ladybug into one of those associations within the mind for a broad spectrum of people.
Much in the same way as the puzzle piece signifies autism awareness and the pink ribbon represents breast cancer awareness, it is our hope that over the course of time the ladybug will come to symbolize an allegiance to combatting mental health struggles.
We certainly are striving for the simple recognition of awareness of the issue and the openness to have difficult conversations surrounding mental health. But beyond that, we want the initial shirts and other apparel that will come, to serve as a call to action. A uniform of sorts, signifying an allegiance to the fight, and the willingness to become involved.
As with many things, there is complexity to this fight. Stigmas to knock down, long held beliefs to be confronted. But ultimately, compassion is the integral emotion that needs to be applied. To those that are suffering sure, but also to those that fight for them. Parents of a struggling child. Teachers and counselors who encounter and treat symptoms and behaviors on a daily basis. Brothers, sisters, cousins, friends. Anyone who has an impact on someone’s life that needs that support and empathy.
The reason that we created shirts for everyone is because we want everyone to be involved. Grace, hope, optimism in the ability to be happy. Those are all representative of what we hope the ladybug will stand for. Above that though, is understanding. Understanding that we may not understand what we or those close to us are dealing with. But, that we have a willingness to listen and attempt to help regardless. To be there. To listen.
We like to say that we are sailing this boat (Society) as we build it. And we have gigantic plans for the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Those plans are entirely contingent on getting this boat out of port. To do that, we need your help. Help in raising money, help in encouraging us to keep up the fight. And most importantly, help in communicating this message.
Obviously we hope you purchase shirts and wear them proudly. And that one person at a time the ladybug becomes a recognizable battle cry.
And as you do, we hope you share with someone who may ask what the significance of the ladybug is, why you bought it and wear it. That answer can be wildly different from one person to the next and no answer is wrong. You will be amazed at in the power of the first step and the conversations it will foster. In this case, that is purchasing yourself an awesome shirt. Hey, a uniform can be fun too! So ladybug up!!! We’re workshopping that mantra. Ladybugs Fly Together? Okay, I’ve gotten off track, but you get the point.
We thank you in advance, and can’t wait to walk the road to impact with you.
Be Well, Jon